Lawmakers weigh 90-day reprieve and bill to preserve Julian Scott�house after FEMA buyout

Representative Dan Noyes and Representative Richard Bailey presented a resolution-turned-bill asking the legislative body to support the town of Johnsonin efforts to preserve the house where artist Julian Scott once lived, and to give the town time to explore options after the property was included in a FEMA buyout.

Noyes said the local community is requesting "some more time to figure out what we're gonna do with this building" so that the house is not immediately demolished and lost. The presenters said the town has contacted the division of historic preservation and that state staff and FEMA representatives are scheduled to meet the selectboard to clarify next steps.

Why it matters: the house contains a painting by Julian Scott in the state Capitol and local advocates argue the building has historic value. The property was bought out under FEMA rules after repeated flooding; FEMA buyout terms typically require demolition or removal of structures in a buyout area unless otherwise negotiated.

Key questions raised

Committee members asked whether delaying demolition would jeopardize FEMA buyout funds (who would be required to repay), how long FEMAhas granted the town to delay demolition, and whether the resolution would create any ongoing state financial obligation. A staff member reported FEMA had granted a 90-day extension starting May 1, meaning the town faces a decision point by August.

Building-trades testimony and feasibility

A witness representing building trades cautioned that moving or preserving the house could carry large costs (moving a house and providing a new foundation, utilities, and upkeep can be expensive); members pointed to a local example where a library was moved using grants and donations to illustrate that preservation is sometimes feasible but costly.

Next steps and procedure

Committee members asked to hear from the town of Johnson and officials from the division of historic preservation at a follow-up meeting (members suggested scheduling a hearing as soon as next Tuesday) to clarify FEMA timelines, potential costs, and whether the resolution should remain a simple resolve or be carried forward as a bill that could be fast-tracked. The chair said staff will coordinate with local contacts and historic-preservation officials to bring those answers back to the committee.

Quotes

"We're asking the legislature to give the community some more time to figure out what we're gonna do with this building," Representative Dan Noyes said.

"According to FEMA, do we lose that FEMA money?" a committee member asked, pressing whether any reprieve would force the town to repay buyout funds.

"Moving it is going to cost, you know, $100 or so for a moving company to lift it up and bring it to wherever it needs to go," a building-trades witness cautioned, emphasizing that preservation requires funding and logistics.

Next steps

The committee requested that town officials and staff from the division of historic preservation appear to explain FEMA's timeline, the town's options, and any financial implications before the committee votes on the resolution or advances it as a bill.