Montpelier

Benjamin 'Ben' Huffman, 88, died July 8, 2026, in Montpelier, Vermont, from polycystic kidney failure. He had a three-decade career in Vermont public policy, working with state leaders and contributing to legislative responses. Ben was married to Kristin Glaser for 50 years and had a career spanning roles in state planning, legislative counsel, and environmental policy studies.

Montpelier's Planning Commission is exploring allowing taller buildings in the River District to address housing shortages, with discussions including six-story apartment buildings and simplified zoning. Current zoning permits six-story structures downtown, but developers have not utilized this. The conversation also involves reimagining the area as a more inviting space with fewer gas stations.

Two Montpelier police officers, Sgt. Diane Mathews and Detective Alesha Donovan, have resigned to join Northfield's police department, marking the fourth such departure in a month. Montpelier now has 11 officers instead of the approved 17, prompting the appointment of Detective Sgt. Jeffrey Pearson as interim police chief. Northfield, which recently hired a new town manager, is rebuilding its police force after significant vacancies and a prior leadership dispute.

The Vermont State Housing Authority is seeking landowners in Hartford and surrounding areas to donate or sell land for building single-family homes through its Move-In Vermont program. The initiative aims to construct 1,000-1,500 square foot homes, prioritizing three-bedroom models, on lots with municipal water/sewer access, excluding flood zones. Land would be sold for $7,500 with VSHA covering subdivision costs and installing factory-built homes.

Montpelier’s former post office at 87 State Street is set for a federal auction in June 2026. The building, damaged by the 2023 flood, faces uncertainty due to undisclosed PCB contamination, with the Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier proposing mixed-use redevelopment but encountering challenges.