The town of Killington is in process of purchasing a five-unit, 11,000+ square foot property at 2046 U.S. Route 4 in Killington — the building where the Post Office is located, according to a town news release Nov. 15.
The Post Office has a long-term contract, which offsets costs for the $1.2 million purchase.
The Select Board has closely evaluated the budget and worked with the Planning Commission to make this investment for the community. The acquisition is built into the current budget to be paid off within five years and does not require a special bond or separate ballot item. Christopher Karr, Killington Select Board member, presented information about the potential purchase at the Nov. 14 regular Select Board meeting.
“This purchase will not only create a gateway marker for our town, it will give greater accessibility to our town services for everyone residing here,” Karr said. “This building is in perfect shape to house all of our town services in one place and the smartest fiscal decision for our town’s future and further development.”
The sellers, the Koch family, acquired the building on May 27, 2004 in an auction of the Rome Family’s property, have been approached by many offers over the years, both from out-of-town and state. But, the Koch family wanted to wait for the right buyer who would ensure that the new owners of such a prominently-placed location would honor community needs first and foremost.
“Killington is a really special place for our family and given the economic developments in Vermont and the people moving to the community — offering a proper entryway to all our town has to offer is important to us,” said Nancy Koch, vice president of CSK Inc. “Our family businesses right next door (the Killington Deli, CITGO Gas station and 802 Spirits) have served as a community gathering place and we are thrilled at the prospect of visitors and residents being able to get all of their needs in one place before exploring the rest of Killington.”
As residents and visitors pull off Route 100 and onto Route 4, it’s hard to pinpoint “the heart of town,” the town news release stated. “This action is the first step to creating an entrance for the community resort and town businesses,” the release continued.
It also frees up the current town office to become a recreation and gathering space for youth and senior residents. The current Killington town hall offices located at 2706 River Road in Killington are set back on a partially finished road and away from a main highway. The building does not accommodate all town services at that location and would better serve the community as a youth and senior center, according to the selectmen.
“Killington’s youth population has increased over several years and there is no real safe space to gather in between youth sports leagues or various other town activities,” Karr said. “In addition, our seniors deserve an accessible place to come together for recreation and socialization, which is currently only available within our community businesses and/or their own homes.”
The sale of the new building on Route 4 will be finalized on or before April 14, 2023, according to the news release.
For more info, visit: KillingtonTown.com.
