UVM student intern to draft Shelburne land‑use policy; commissioners cite species and water quality concerns

Patrick McGonagle, a rising senior at the University of Vermont and stormwater intern, presented his capstone project to draft a town land‑use policy that could apply to the O’Brien Brothers development.

Commissioners suggested Mr. McGonagle study the procedural steps to develop a land‑use plan, including survey design and stakeholder outreach, and to gather input from Shelburne committees and commissions. Cathy O’Brien raised access concerns related to the O’Brien Brothers property that staff will investigate.

Commissioners identified endangered species protection, water quality and improved information gathering as the three priorities Mr. McGonagle should address; he will return with research and recommendations at the first meeting in August.