Montpelier Officials Pitch Country Club Road Project in Sponsored Op-Ed

The letter presents this project as a major opportunity to reshape Montpelier in a positive, forward-looking way, and they are urging residents to remain informed and involved.

Montpelier’s Mayor Jack McCullough and Acting City Manager Kelly Murphy have released a letter detailing their vision for the former Country Club Road property. This 133-acre site, purchased by the city in 2022, is being planned as a mixed-use community space with a strong focus on new housing, alongside recreation and other community uses, all on flood-safe high ground. Below we break down the key points they made in their message, in simpler terms, focusing on the housing goals and the public process involved.

Property Goals and Current Use

Three Main Goals: When Montpelier voters approved buying the Country Club Road property in spring 2022, it was with three objectives in mind – recreation, housing, and shared community uses on a . In other words, the city intended the land to host new homes, parks/recreation facilities, and other community amenities, while avoiding flood-prone areas.

Recreation Already Underway: Today, much of the property is open for public recreation and community use. Neighbors are already enjoying the space – people walk their dogs, kids play soccer on fields, and others use it for disc golf, cross-country skiing, and . A pump track (a circuit for biking) is also in the works to .

Land Allocation: Only about 20 acres of the 133-acre site are being set aside for future housing development. The vast majority of the land will remain as open space for active and passive recreation, including roughly 90 acres of . This means the city plans to preserve most of the former golf course as parks, trails, or natural land, while concentrating new homes in a relatively small portion.

Community Facilities: The site is already attracting community facilities. For example, Central Vermont’s largest childcare center, called Turtle Island, is being established . This addition, along with the recreational uses, hints at a new neighborhood taking shape – one where families can find childcare, outdoor activities, and, eventually, housing, all in one area.

Montpelier’s Urgent Housing Needs

Housing Shortage: Montpelier faces a significant housing shortage. The city’s newly adopted City Plan sets an aspirational goal of adding 1,500 new housing units in the next . For perspective, only 278 housing units were built in the city over the entire 20-year period from 2000 to . This dramatic shortfall illustrates why officials believe bold action is needed.

Ambitious Targets: To meet the 1,500-unit target, Montpelier will need a combination of smaller “infill” developments (e.g. adding apartments within the downtown and existing neighborhoods) and larger projects on . The Country Club Road property is one of those big opportunities, along with other potential sites like Sabin’s Pasture and Isabel Circle, which have been discussed as housing development .

City Ownership as an Advantage: Because the City owns the Country Club Road land, officials say they can ensure the development serves . In particular, they envision creating homes that local workers and residents can afford – “homes for teachers, firefighters, nurses, seniors, young families, and people currently priced out of Montpelier’s housing market,” as . The goal is to provide housing for a mix of incomes and ages, especially those who struggle to find housing in Montpelier’s current market.

Flood-Resilient Location: Another motive for focusing housing here is that the site sits on higher ground, making it safer from floods. After the devastating floods Montpelier experienced (such as the July 2023 flood), the city lost some housing units in low-lying, vulnerable areas. Placing new housing on this former golf course property would ensure a “safe, flood-resilient housing supply to replace units lost in vulnerable . In short, this development is part of a strategy to rebuild housing stock in parts of town that won’t get submerged by future floods.

Partnering with Developers – The RFQ Process

City is Seeking Developers: Montpelier’s leaders make it clear the city itself will not build the hundreds of homes being imagined – the city is not a housing . Instead, they are inviting professional developers to come forward with ideas. They have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), essentially a public call asking interested developers to express their interest and demonstrate their ability to undertake a housing project on the .

Community-Shaped Vision: Importantly, any development proposals must align with the community’s vision for the property. Over the past year or more, the city undertook extensive public engagement, including nearly a dozen public meetings and workshops, multiple online surveys, and detailed discussions by city staff and the . From this process, a vision and set of priorities for the site emerged (for example, a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, recreation facilities, open space conservation, etc.). Developers responding to the RFQ are expected to propose ideas in line with these community-defined goals, rather than coming in with completely unrelated .

City Oversight (Not a “Free Rein”): The officials stress that this is “not an invitation for a free rein.” In other words, developers won’t get to do whatever they want – the city will ultimately decide what gets built on Country Club . The development will happen through collaboration: the chosen developer(s) will work with the city, and there will likely be negotiations to ensure the project meets public needs.

Incentives to Attract Good Proposals: Recognizing that building new housing, especially in Vermont, is challenging and often not financially , Montpelier is prepared to offer incentives to make the project viable. The letter mentions tools like grant funding, the new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP), and tax increment financing (TIF) as ways to help cover the cost of infrastructure or other . (For example, the city might assist with building roads, sewer/water lines, or other infrastructure on the site, and could temporarily adjust taxes or fees to support the .) These incentives, along with the fact the city is even willing to sell the land for a nominal price (such as , are aimed at encouraging developers to take on this project despite higher construction costs or market risks.

Two-Stage Selection: The process is structured in stages. The current RFQ (Request for Qualifications) will allow the city to screen developers based on their experience, vision, and capacity. After reviewing RFQ responses (due by Nov. 21, 2025), the city will shortlist a few qualified developers (up to . Those finalists will then be invited to submit detailed proposals through a Request for Proposals (), likely in December 2025. This two-step process ensures the city negotiates with capable partners and sees concrete plans before making any commitments.

Due Diligence and Addressing Concerns

Phased Planning (Not Designing Every Detail Yet): Some residents have wondered what exactly will be built on the site – how many homes, of what type, where, and so on. The officials explain that they have not predetermined a detailed plan “down to the doorknobs.” Instead, the development will unfold in phases, and specifics will be worked out once a development partner is . In practice, this means the city has a broad vision and some concept plans, but they are waiting to see developers’ ideas and feedback before locking in details. This phased approach is intended to keep things flexible and ensure any plan is financially and practically feasible.

Studies and Site Assessments Completed: The city has already done a lot of homework on the property to identify any issues . In 2022, an engineering and environmental firm (VHB) conducted a comprehensive site review and . There’s also been an Archaeological Resources Assessment (to ensure no important historic or indigenous sites would be disturbed) and a preliminary traffic assessment to gauge how development might impact local . These studies are part of the due diligence to understand the land’s conditions and constraints.

Environmental Precautions (BRELLA Program): Given that the land used to be a golf course (formerly the Elks Club golf course), there could be residual chemicals (like old pesticides or fertilizers) in the soil. To proactively handle this, Montpelier enrolled the property in Vermont’s Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Program (). Being in BRELLA makes the city eligible for state funds and support to investigate and clean up any contamination if it’s found, without taking on undue liability. In short, the city is preparing to make the land safe for housing and community use by addressing any environmental contamination issues that might .

Transparency of Findings: All the reports from these studies (environmental reviews, traffic study, archaeology, etc.) are available to the public on the City’s . This means community members can read the technical findings about the site’s conditions. Sharing these reports is part of the effort to be transparent and to inform both citizens and potential developers about the property’s status.

More Studies to Come: Before any shovels hit the ground, additional detailed studies will be . These include further environmental assessments (if the chosen development plan has specific needs or impacts), more in-depth traffic studies once the number of housing units and layout is decided, and financial analyses to ensure the project’s viability and to plan any public . The city is holding off on commissioning some of these until a formal proposal is selected and approved, to use resources . In other words, rather than spend money designing roads or utilities now, they’ll wait to tailor those plans to the actual development proposal that moves forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Recognizing that many people have questions and concerns, the city put together an FAQ document in October . This FAQ addresses common queries – everything from traffic concerns, environmental questions, to how the project will be financed and what the timeline looks like. City officials encourage residents to read this FAQ (available through the city’s website) to get answers to specific concerns that have been raised. Essentially, the city is trying to anticipate and transparently answer the community’s most pressing questions about the Country Club Road development.

Addressing Controversy Impartially: It’s worth noting that the push to develop this site has sparked debate in the community. Some residents have criticized aspects of the process – for example, the City Council’s decision to offer the land for only $1 and the fast-tracking of hiring a development consultant drew public . A complaint was even filed alleging the council violated open meeting laws when approving the consultant . City officials, in response, have maintained that the urgent need for housing justifies moving quickly and exploring options. They also emphasize that starting an RFQ/RFP process “won’t lock [the city] into anything” until a suitable plan is . In summary, while there is some controversy, the city is attempting to address it by doing thorough due diligence, keeping the process open to public input, and carefully evaluating each step before committing to a final development agreement.

Climate Resilience and Future Growth

Learning from the Flood: Montpelier’s leadership frames this project as not just a housing initiative, but a critical piece of the city’s climate resilience strategy. The severe flooding that struck Montpelier in recent memory underscored that certain low-lying neighborhoods are at great . Rebuilding or adding housing in those flood-prone areas would be unwise. Instead, the Country Club Road site offers a safer location on higher ground for new housing, helping the city adapt to climate change. By moving some housing capacity to this flood-resilient property, Montpelier can offset losses and reduce pressure to rebuild in areas likely to flood again.

Sustainable, Forward-Looking Development: The plan for Country Club Road aligns with the city’s broader goals for sustainable growth. Montpelier’s City Plan calls for development that is environmentally sustainable and prepared for a changing . This means energy-efficient buildings, potentially renewable energy on site, and a design that encourages walking, biking, and other low-impact transportation. While specific building plans aren’t drawn yet, the intent is that any new neighborhood here will be built with the future in mind – both in terms of climate and community needs. For example, the site could potentially host solar panels or use modern energy-efficient building techniques, and it might be laid out to accommodate public transit or safe biking routes to downtown.

Community Amenities for a Growing Neighborhood: In their letter, city officials also nod to the importance of integrating community amenities alongside housing. As this area develops, it isn’t just about building houses – it’s about creating a livable neighborhood. That includes the recreation facilities (fields, trails, possibly a recreation center in the future) and services like the aforementioned childcare center. While not explicitly detailed in the letter, considering “schools” and other infrastructure is implied in planning for a new neighborhood. Montpelier will likely need to coordinate on how new residents in this area will access schools, shops, and other services. The overall vision is to ensure that growth on Country Club Road is balanced – adding much-needed housing while also enhancing the quality of life for residents with open spaces and community facilities.

Next Steps and How the Public Can Get Involved

Public Backing & Bond Vote: The officials credit the community’s initial support for making this opportunity possible. It was Montpelier voters’ “courage and faith” in approving a bond to buy the land that gave the city a chance to control its destiny on this . Because the public invested in buying the former golf course, the city can now steer it toward public benefits like housing and parks rather than leaving it to private sale.

RFQ Deadline and Review: The immediate next step is the RFQ process. Developers have until November 21, 2025 to submit their qualifications and interest to the . After that date, all the responses from developers will be posted on the city’s website for everyone to . This transparency will allow residents to review who might be interested in the project and what their general ideas or track records are.

Selection of Candidates: The Montpelier City Council, with help from city staff and a consultant, will review the RFQ submissions. At the December 17, 2025 City Council meeting, the council plans to decide on a shortlist of developer . Those selected (possibly a few finalists) will then be invited to develop more detailed proposals in a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) phase. The RFP will likely ask for specifics like site plans, number and type of housing units, financing plans, etc., to be submitted by those developers in early .

Ongoing Public Engagement: City officials are encouraging the public to stay engaged at every stage. There will be opportunities for public feedback when the developer proposals come in. Residents will be able to review the submitted plans and share their questions or opinions with city . In fact, the city explicitly invites community members to provide input – whether by contacting their City Councilors, emailing the Planning & Community Development Office, or reaching out to the Acting City Manager, Kelly . All questions and comments are welcome as the project moves forward.

Transparency and Possible Vote: The City Council will ultimately decide whether to proceed with a given developer’s plan, including any sale or lease of the land. By Vermont law, if the city agrees to sell municipal land, citizens also have a right to petition for a public vote on that decision (if 5% of voters sign a petition within 30 days of the council’s . This means, even after the Council selects a proposal, the community could potentially call for a city-wide vote to approve or reject the sale terms. While this wasn’t highlighted in the letter, it is an important part of the public process ensuring that a major decision like transferring city-owned land for development has an extra layer of accountability.

Timeline for Development: Even in the best-case scenario, things will not change overnight. According to city officials, if a developer is selected in early 2026, it will take time to do the detailed planning, secure financing (including applying for programs like CHIP), and design the infrastructure. No construction is expected to begin until 2027 at the earliest, possibly . This gives a sense that the project will be unfolding over the next few years, with multiple points where the public can learn more and weigh in.

Staying Informed: The city has promised to keep information flowing. The dedicated Country Club Road Site page on Montpelier’s website is a hub for updates, documents, and reports. Community members can find the RFQ, FAQs, study reports, and in the future, the developers’ submissions on that page. Keeping an eye on City Council meeting agendas (especially around mid-December and into 2026) will also help residents stay up to date on decisions being made.

In summary, Montpelier’s leaders are making the case that developing new housing at Country Club Road is essential for the city’s future – to address the housing crunch, to build in a climate-safe location, and to create a vibrant new neighborhood with recreational amenities. They emphasize that the process will be carefully managed and collaborative, involving experienced developers and guided by input from the community at every step. While there are challenges and some community skepticism, the city officials present this project as a major opportunity to reshape Montpelier in a positive, forward-looking way, and they are urging residents to remain informed and involved as the plan takes shape.

Sources:

McCullough, J., & Murphy, K. (2025). “A Message from City Hall: Building Our Future at Country Club Road.” (Letter outlining the plan for Country Club Road, housing goals, and public process).

Dodd, P. (2025). “City Asks Potential Country Club Road Housing Developers To Indicate Interest By Nov. 21.” (News article describing the RFQ process, incentives offered, and community reactions).