The recent article on preparations to market land in Middlebury’s industrial park rightly notes the opportunity ahead. But as the town readies nearly 200 acres for commercial development, the time is ripe to think bigger — and more holistically — about the future of this area.

Vermont is in the midst of a housing crisis. Recruiting new businesses will be difficult if there’s nowhere nearby for workers to live. This parcel offers a rare combination of scale and infrastructure: access to municipal water and sewer. In Vermont, that’s a precious resource, and one we can’t afford to underutilize.

While the land is not currently zoned for residential development, Middlebury is about to begin updating its town plan — a process that sets the stage for future zoning changes. That makes now the right time to explore a mixed-use vision that includes housing as well as jobs.

Thoughtful planning can create a neighborhood that welcomes light industry, food and beverage businesses, and apartments side by side. We’ve seen this work in developments from the Pine Street corridor in Burlington to Taft Corners in Williston.

And we don’t have to look far for a local example. Bristol’s Stoney Hill development brought housing and jobs together in a walkable, modern neighborhood. Multifamily affordable homes at Firehouse Apartments sit comfortably across from NRG Systems, a solar technology company, with no adverse impacts — just smart land use.

Middlebury has the opportunity to shape a future that supports both economic growth and the critical need for more homes. Let’s not miss the chance to plan boldly.

Elise Shanbacker

Vergennes