I think that they don't have the lease version anymore (bummer) but it looks like they do have this still: https://greenmountainpower.com/rebates-programs/home-energy-storage/bring-your-own-device/

Not to mention GMP subsidizes that stuff for consumers. I'm sure that helps their bottom line but the micro-grid incentives are cool

It's really gotten kind of nice I think. A few good consumer businesses for locals/passers by, a tidy downtown area, a solid thrift shop, I think the train station is better than most (not that that's saying much but still), I think Bellows Falls might qualify as cute these days.

I can't quite remember the slogan but I saw a T shirt that said something like "Bellows Falls: Not as Bad as You Heard"

One problem is the huge delay in any Sec State action compared to the effects of violating campaign finance laws.

There's a great plan from the DHCD and the Congress for the New Urbanism. It aims to continue historical patterns in villages and towns with things like cottage courts, mid density multiuse areas, and accessory dwelling units.

VT won't be affordable without new housing, and specifically the right kind of new housing to help young new families and aging Vermonters be able to live here. I love my drafty old farmhouse but it's not the right house for most people in this state anymore and it probably never will be again.

https://www.cnu.org/vermont

A big part of our problem is with relatively recent zoning changes that require things like large minimum lots. That sounds like it preserves VT on its surface but the result is 1 house every 3 acres and no woods at all.

Yeah I kinda figured you were in the Burlington area just because that's how math works but if you'd happened not to be, eh?

Springfield Family Eyecare if you're anywhere near them; they've done that for me a couple of times now (I like the frames I have!) and they're swell folks

Look up the origins of Star Pudding Road and get back to me

Yup; I think it's nice in its own way - lots of people hate it though

I'll say this; VT has some of the most divergent levels of seasonal beauty out of anywhere I've been. So, come here when it's crappy out (March, November) and see if it speaks to you.

Well damn I think you're right, by https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/passed/2022#both-house-and-senate

Luckily I think we snuck in some really good stuff in the last legislative term right? Like, iirc by-right 4plex creation and 1/8 acre minimum lots if you're on town water and sewer? Or am I totally off base there?

Either way seeing our State work with the Congress for the New Urbanism was really encouraging. There's a way to keep an authentic Vermont that isn't unlivable and I think there's the will there if we just keep hope.

Well beans I think I was wrong here. Maybe this year!

Uh oh. Wikipedia deep dive incoming.

reads

Oh yuck it's a State flag.

Maybe it's a sign that we too could get back to a good flag someday?

My sister is out in the DFW area. I feel this post in my bones.

Good State flag though

I think I bought this painting at a thrift shop in Bellows Falls

I'm biased but I'd go to Jamaica State Park, and maybe Ascutney while you're here. Make sure you eat at Brownsville Butcher and Pantry if you get the chance.

Weirdly, green bean casserole works fine.

POV: you are a squirrel

I think you may be in an A24 movie.

I guess the good news is, have you seen the model zoning guide that the State made with the Congress for the New Urbanism? It's only passingly relevant to this thread but I think it's an excellent document.

https://www.cnu.org/vermont

I also feel that, often enough, the voters are left of the select board or the boards of various municipal institutions here, which is deeply frustrating. Or, not even always specifically left, so much as just further out. Like, I don't know that it's a lefty position to think that 3 acre minimum lots are bad/good policy, or what have you. And then you wonder why you get low voter turnout, and the answer has to be tied up in e.g. zoning and/or cannabis red tape.

Yeah but that's a problem with local centrists too in my experience. Like, committed Dems are all of a sudden very tut-tut about speaking up for drag queens. My point being, there's already discourse, I guess, and I have a hard time believing it'll be better because some cooler heads just-asking-questions people show up.

But you're right. There's a narrow lane for cooperation and it becomes a tight rope for social issues (and impossible for good faith work on sex crimes.)

This feels it's awfully similar to those Vermonters who just want "good government".

Also, not to be a VT exceptionalist, but why in God's name would I want a national organization to "help" with discourse in VT? This is like, practically the one place I can be friends with a conservative and he'll leave me alone except about local issues.

Honeypie in Jamaica is great if you want a griddle burger.