The Royalton Town Meeting in 2025 has sparked heated debate over floodplain regulations that could significantly impact development and property use in the area. Rhona Tuthill, a long-time resident and horse owner, voiced concerns about the proposed regulations, citing her own experience with flooding on the White River property. Tuthill’s personal story adds a human touch to the larger issue at hand, highlighting the real-life implications of the regulations on residents.
Aiming to enhance public safety and prevent environmental damage, the Royalton Planning Commission drafted a comprehensive bylaw that would restrict construction in designated flood zones and regulate property use along river corridors. Selectboard Chairman Stuart Levasseur emphasized the importance of protecting the environment and ensuring residents’ safety in the face of potential flooding, emphasizing the town’s need for effective regulation.
Despite the noble intentions behind the proposed bylaw, it has faced pushback from skeptical residents who view the regulations as unnecessary zoning restrictions. Many argue that the rules infringe on property rights and could have negative repercussions on property values and resale opportunities. The lack of transparency throughout the planning process has also been a point of contention for some residents, raising concerns about the inclusivity and fairness of the decision-making process.
The proposed regulations target properties within FEMA-designated 100-year and 500-year flood zones, as well as state-regulated river corridors. With approximately 215 parcels falling under the purview of the bylaw, the potential impact on property owners is significant. Geo Honigford, Planning Board Chairman, clarified that the bylaw aims to expand existing zoning regulations rather than introduce entirely new restrictions, emphasizing the continuity with previous policies.
Personal stories from residents like Rhona Tuthill and Sandy Conrad, who both live in flood-prone areas, shed light on the individual struggles and concerns surrounding the proposed regulations. Tuthill’s opposition to certain provisions, such as the restriction on RV storage and permitting requirements for renovations, reflects the broader sentiment among residents who feel that the regulations are overly restrictive and burdensome.
In response to residents’ feedback, the Selectboard made amendments to the bylaw to address some concerns while maintaining compliance with external standards. Despite efforts to strike a balance between residents’ interests and regulatory requirements, challenges remain in reconciling individual property rights with the collective goals of floodplain management. The looming deadline of statewide floodplain development rules set to take effect in 2028 adds urgency to the town’s decision-making process.
Royalton residents find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the complex intersection of personal property rights, environmental protection, and community safety. The bylaw represents a delicate balancing act between individual autonomy and collective responsibility, requiring thoughtful consideration and informed decision-making from all stakeholders involved. As the town prepares to vote on the proposed regulations, the outcome will shape the future landscape of Royalton and set a precedent for how communities navigate the challenges of floodplain management in the years to come.
