Preservation group urges Middlebury to inventory vacant properties, flags traffic risk at Straits Turnpike

Nick Stuller of the nonprofit Save Historic Middlebury asked the Economic Development Commission to compile an inventory of empty and partially completed buildings in town and to promote existing vacant properties before approving new construction projects. Stuller cited several underutilized buildings in Middlebury and recommended prioritizing reuse over new development.

Stuller noted two recent local business moves—the opening of a Chinese restaurant in the former TD Bank location and Edward Jones's consolidation into the Middlebury Edge annex—as positive signs, and raised concern about traffic danger on Straits Turnpike where a proposed trucking warehouse has received Department of Transportation approval. The meeting record does not show a formal response from commissioners; the concern was entered as public comment for commission consideration.