A special town vote will be held on Oct. 1 regarding the Vermont Gas easement to supply St. Stephen’s Church with natural gas. A “yes” vote means that St. Stephen’s will have the option to connect to natural gas.

The article reads:  Shall the legal voters of the Town of Middlebury approve the current Deed of Easement agreement as approved by the Middlebury Selectboard at their meeting on June 25, 2024, and convey to Vermont Gas Systems a land easement to install gas services to St Stephen’s Episcopal Church?

Voting in person is 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Town Offices. Absentee ballots are accepted before that date.

St. Stephen’s is in need of replacing its heating system. Changing from (our present) oil to gas will save $10,000 per year and reduce over 33,000 pounds of carbon from the air per year. St. Stephen’s has invested $50,000 in an ACORN solar field, installed heat pumps where appropriate and is in the process of tightening the building envelope, as well as plans to further insulate and install energy efficient lighting. Alternative energy sources are also being explored.

Presently all the schools in Middlebury, Porter Medical Center, the Congregational Church, St Mary’s Catholic Church, many buildings at Middlebury College, the National Bank of Middlebury, and countless businesses and residents have access to Vt Gas.

Please vote “yes” so St Stephen’s will be afforded the same option as others.

Nancy Malcolm

Middlebury