Dear Gov. Scott, Lt. Gov. Rogers, Sen. Major, and Rep. Kimbell,
My name is Rick Martin. As you are aware, I am the owner of Chloe’s Market, aka Plymouth Country Store, in Plymouth, Vt.
The market has become the centerpiece of the village center in Plymouth, as the primary business on Route 100 between Killing and Okemo that provides fuel, groceries, a deli, and beer/wine. We serve hundreds of customers each day and are a major stopping point for tourists, adding much-needed revenue to the local economy.
In fall 2024, I attended a selectboard meeting at the Town of Plymouth’s offices where representatives from the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) presented a plan to repair bridges in the area. One of the major concerns raised was that there were no plans to have a one-lane access put in place during construction. Not one of the representatives even considered this matter. We were told AOT would come back with a more comprehensive plan to address our concerns.
This closure will cause severe damage to workers at the store who cannot drive and depend on local rides to get to their workplace. We all understand the need to repair our bridges and roads, but there must be contingency plans in place to mitigate safety concerns, economic losses, and the impact on residents.
None of this has been done.
There were elected officials who championed the installation of a one-lane bypass over the Quechee Gorge during replacement of that bridge. Said elected officials have not been involved in this matter and residents are sorely disappointed. In fact, several residents were told not to worry about the construction, as it would not affect them. Well, that turned out to be a whopper of lie now. How disingenuous of them to make such a callus statement. I guess we do not have the wealthy residents like Woodstock voting for them. This is a poor reflection on elected officials who approve such projects without considering the devastating impact on the local economy and the people who voted them into office.
Gov. Scott, Lt. Gov. Rogers, and Rep. Kimbell, I applaud you all for your efforts to change the status quo in Montpelier, however, this is just more of the same incompetent management at VTrans. This construction project is a prime example of their lack of compassion and inability to pay heed to the needs of their constituents.
We were hoping to come to a resolution that will ensure that the much-needed bridge repairs are completed without sacrificing the livelihood of residents and businesses. These closures on Route 100, especially the one planned to close over the Labor Day weekend, will be a death knell for many businesses. This is our busiest time of the year, and my employees may be out work if I have to close the business due to poor sales, as I will not be able to afford to pay them.
Gas prices are through the roof, and people are now being expected to shoulder another financial burden forced upon us by the State of Vermont. Shame on all the elected officials who have done nothing to stop this madness and get VTrans under control.
There is an election coming up, and this will be high on the agenda for those of us who will not forget that Plymouth residents were thrown to the wayside just to use FEMA money to fix bridges and cause such economic devastation to the local business community. Perhaps we should all move to Woodstock where the money is, and then maybe folks in Montpelier would listen.
Sincerely,
Rick Martin, President
Chloe’s Market
Plymouth, Vt.