Brattleboro Requests More Motel Housing Program Capacity

Brattleboro seeks to increase the number of available emergency motel housing units by 20 to a total of 137 rooms.

Brattleboro seeks to increase the number of available emergency motel housing units by 20, through a request to the state for a total of 137 rooms, reflecting the existing need among unsheltered households. The decision came after a close vote by the Select Board, which highlighted the town's current situation that includes 117 sheltered households as reported by board member Nell Mayo.

Concerns regarding the management of the state’s motel housing program were raised during the discussion, with Board Vice Chairwoman Amanda Ellis-Thurber expressing reservations about the town’s roles and responsibilities. The need for these additional rooms was framed within the context of the estimated community needs discussed at previous meetings.

The conversation around motel housing was sparked by community inquiries regarding the vouchers and whether the town could implement a cap on the number of rooms used for the program. Town Manager John Potter clarified that decisions about capping these rooms were influenced by discussions with the Vermont Department of Children and Families, pertaining to safety issues connected to specific motels.

The Select Board had previously acknowledged public safety concerns stemming from criminal activities linked to the motel program, revealing a need for a reevaluation of resources allocated to these establishments. Ample feedback from residents highlighted the financial burden imposed by the program, with estimated costs of roughly $500,000 a year for town services responding to incidents in these rooms. Since reducing the number of rooms, the town noted a significant decrease in calls for service.

Potter’s analysis suggested that maintaining a maximum of 377 motel rooms could potentially escalate annual costs by an additional $1 million. With each room averaging several emergency calls yearly, it was debated how this demand might detract from the community’s overall safety priorities. However, the board chairman emphasized that the data present was subjective and could be interpreted differently.

Amidst concerns over room caps potentially leading to increased crime, community voices defended the motel program as an essential safety net. Advocates argued for the economic benefits of housing vulnerable populations, suggesting a lack of proper shelter would exacerbate issues like homelessness.

As the meeting concluded, an abrupt end led to numerous apologies circulating among board members for the tension displayed. Mayo and others reflected on the emotional weight of discussions, recognizing the need for professionalism in future gatherings. The closed discussions around motel housing will resume in the following meetings to further explore the multifaceted issues at play.