LUDLOW, Vt. – Toga5 LLC, represented by Reeves Consulting of Chester, appeared before the Ludlow Development Review Board (DRB) on Monday, March 9, to present their plans for the properties located at 130 and 136 Main Street in Ludlow.
The application from Toga 5 asked for approval to remove the existing building at 136 Main Street, the former Book Nook location, to construct a three-floor, six-unit residential structure, with three two-bedroom units on each floor. The plan proposes to tear the building down to its foundation. The Pot Belly Pub, which stood empty at 130 Main Street for years, was demolished on Dec. 16, 2025, and the vacant lot is up for sale.
Although the same group of persons technically own both properties, the ownership is through two separate LLCs, according to Ted Reeves, of Reeves Consulting.
The applicants provided the DRB with an index of documents submitted for their review, including floor plans, building elevations, and a parking plan. The parking area will be divided between the two properties. The petitioners have reviewed their plans with Fire Chief Ben Whalen and Erin Ladd, the planning and zoning director for Ludlow.
DRB member Doug Sheehan asked if a “police letter” was required, to which Ladd responded, “I will make that a condition of the permit.”
One resident voiced his concern about what will or will not happen after the building is torn down. “I’m not sure what’s better, to leave the building, or tear it down and leave chain link fence around it,” the man stated, referencing the demolition of the old pub. “I don’t think it looks good for the town.”
Although the DRB questioned the parking plan, which would require cooperation from future occupants of both properties, the hearing was adjourned without further pushback. No further inquiry into plans for 130 Main Street was pursued. The permit proposal was approved by the board, pending receipt of the requested letter from the police department.