Prospect Heights: Public Notice for Activity in a Wetland

Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Wetland

 To: All Interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the City of Barre (“the Responsible Entity”) under 24 CFR Part 58, has determined that the following proposed action funded under 07110-DR-IG-2025-Barre C-32, is located in a wetland. The Responsible Entity will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the wetland and potential impacts on the wetland as required by Executive Order 11990 in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands.

The proposed action is known as Prospect Heights, located on a parcel currently owned by Fecteau Residential Inc. addressed at 0 Prospect Street in the City of Barre, Washington County, Vermont. The City of Barre is advancing the proposed action to provide much needed single and multi-family housing options in the Central Vermont region. The proposed action primarily involves the construction of a new residential development offering both affordable and market rate housing opportunities within Barre’s Residential 4 Zoning District. Project activities also include construction of an access road extending from Prospect Street to the future development, stormwater management systems, and landscaping.

The proposed action takes place on an approximately 34-acre subject property, of which approximately 9.7-acres are located within delineated wetlands. The extent of on-site wetlands was determined by a project-specific wetland delineation completed by the City’s environmental consultant and reviewed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) District Wetland Ecologist. A portion of a Class II palustrine forested wetland complex is present in the southern portion of the subject property, outside of the developable area. Another portion of a Class II palustrine emergent/scrub shrub wetland and five Class III palustrine emergent wetlands, ranging in size from less than one-tenth of one acre to approximately one-half acre in size were delineated within the developable area of the subject property. Natural and beneficial functions of the delineated wetlands include water storage for flood water and storm runoff, surface and groundwater protection, and erosion control. Potential impacts to the natural values of Class II wetlands would be caused by placing a minimal amount of fill into wetland buffer and/or wetland and therefore resulting in a change in wetland hydrology. Class III wetlands are not considered to be State significant and are not regulated by the VT DEC. Jurisdictional wetlands under applicable definitions of Waters of the US are regulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers and may include Class II or Class III wetlands. Based on the extent of on-site wetlands and the generally low level of natural function of the wetlands in the developable area of the subject parcel, project-related impacts to the natural values of wetlands are anticipated to be minimal.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in wetlands, it must inform those who may be affected.

Written comments must be received by the Responsible Entity via email by contacting Patrick Cushing, Interim City Manager, at Patrick.Cushing@barrecity.org or at the following address on or before November 26, 2026.

City of Barre
Patrick Cushing, City Manager
6 N. Main St., Suite 2
Barre, Vermont 05641

Date of Publication: November 10, 2026