A town committee presented a set of land-use recommendations for the Knob, a town-owned property, at the St. Johnsbury Select Board's July 13 meeting. The recommendations include designating the property for bow-hunting only, building a walking trail open to bikes, and further study on parking and a proposed community garden.
The committee accepted the draft management plan in principle but flagged several areas needing additional work. Parking drew concerns from neighboring property owners about traffic, and the committee said accessible parking should be considered. On the community garden, the committee suggested the town could explore other sites, including the former RK Miles property, due to water access and parking challenges.
The committee recommended a walking trail based on the Arrowwood plan, avoiding vernal pools and sensitive areas, and recommended removing barbed wire along upper fields near likely trail routes. It said there is no immediate need for mountain-biking trails given existing nearby options. Mowing and brush-clearing should follow a regular schedule to preserve open fields and habitat for bobolinks, and signage should be educational and highlight the property's history.
The board did not vote on the recommendations.
In other business, the board approved the town's Rental Housing Improvement Grant Program for the coming year, transferred $60,024.66 into the town's housing reserve fund, and approved a grant agreement for new state funding to Discover St. Johnsbury, the downtown organization. The board also approved a resolution on delinquent property taxes. Bid openings for the Bay Street project are expected soon, and town staff addressed street painting delays due to vacancies and medical leave. State auditors visited and a report is expected in September.
Originally reported by North Star Monthly.
Photo: Craiglduncan (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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