West Rutland officials credit VHCB funding for Marble Village affordable‑housing redevelopment

Mary Anne Gullet, town manager of West Rutland, told the Vermont House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development on Feb. 13 that Marble Village, a 24‑unit affordable‑housing redevelopment in the village center, would not have been possible without state support through the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB).

Gullet described the site as formerly blighted — a burned corner store, vacant lots and contaminated soil — and said remediation work cost roughly $600,000. She said the project used local contractors and created permanently affordable units close to the grocery store, post office and school, which residents and town officials have embraced.

Gullet said the project structure involves creation of a for‑profit entity that produces tax revenue for the town and that the development provides downsizing housing options for seniors. She emphasized the project’s neighborhood benefits, including increased customer traffic for nearby businesses and an improved center‑of‑town appearance.

Questions from committee members covered unit counts and payments in lieu of taxes; Gullet said the development pays taxes through the for‑profit entity and confirmed the 24‑unit size. She urged continued VHCB investment so nearby blighted properties can be redeveloped in a similar way.

The committee recessed for lunch; the day’s agenda indicated H.385 would be taken up at 1 p.m.