Dear Editor,
On Jan. 26 the VCRD hosted “Killington 2020: Setting Priorities for the Future” a follow up to the 2008 VCRD Community Visit, in which we as a community came together to set our priorities to achieve economic development and make our town a better place for everyone. Our latest meeting served to reflect on our progress, actions and accomplishments to date. Most importantly though, we met to set our priorities for continuing our progress and building on our successes. I want to thank everyone who attended this important meeting and added to the discussion.
Often when we are in the midst of change and improvement we do not always see the extent to which we have succeeded in our endeavors. I want to thank VCRT and the EDTC (please read their excellent report) for illuminating how far we have come. From creating a strong Killington Mountain/town partnership, to increasing four season attractions and events, to creating a unified brand, to increasing our name recognition and improving our gateway, and curb appeal through beautification efforts — we have really have achieved a great deal. The most telling benchmark has been the growth of the options tax revenue, 3rd quarter (summer) receipts have nearly doubled since 2011.
Moving forward, attendees championed projects and priorities for the future. We have many great and challenging things to look forward to. Among the priorities deemed by the attendees as most important was working on a new fire station/public safety building as well as planning for replacement pool/recreational facilities down the road.
Other high priority goals were: to support continued mountain bike development, continue our gateway and beautification efforts and to develop affordable housing to attract full-time residents, families and quality employees.
This type of enthusiasm to improve our future is invigorating. One of the most telling things I have seen in recent months of how far we have advanced is the number of highly qualified candidates attracted to our town manager position because we, as a town, have vested a lot of energy in our town Strategic Plan and moving forward. Energy attracts successful and energetic people, who will in turn help us become more successful.
If you were unable to attend the meeting but would like to let us know your priorities, feel free to email me at pjm22@icloud.com
Best regards,
Patty McGrath, Killington Selectboard chair
