Brattleboro keeps its encampment policy after ACLU proposals

The Brattleboro Select Board voted to adopt the town's existing encampment policy after the ACLU of Vermont presented alternative options, including designated permissible camping spaces and clearer rules; town officials cited legal, operational and cost concerns.

Brattleboro's Select Board formally adopted the town's existing encampment policy after hearing alternatives from the ACLU of Vermont. Jessica Radbord, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU, presented a "menu of options" that included permitting encampments on certain town-owned land with rules, and adding facilities such as toilets and waste receptacles. Town Manager John Potter warned that a 20-site tent area could cost about $1 million to $3 million to set up and said no legally permissible sites have been identified. Health Officer Charles Keir III said the town's current policy covers many elements the ACLU raised but that some suggestions fall to the Select Board or town manager to decide. Key points: - The Select Board voted to adopt the existing encampment policy rather than amend it after ACLU input. - The ACLU proposed designated permissible encampment spaces, clearer rules, due-process protections, and better record-keeping. - Town Manager estimated 20-site tent setups could cost roughly $1 million to $3 million and noted no specific sites have been identified. - Health Officer Keir said removals are prioritized for public property, public spaces, or when hazards like needles or human waste are present, and that parts of the ACLU proposal overlap with current policy. - A motion to direct staff to incorporate ACLU elements failed 4-1; the board then approved the policy presented by Keir. Summary: The Select Board's decision keeps the town's current approach in place while the ACLU's suggestions were recorded and discussed. Town officials emphasized legal, operational and financial limits in considering an expanded policy. Undetermined at this time.