The St. Johnsbury Select Board approved an agreement with the Fairbanks Inn on Monday
The St. Johnsbury Select Board approved an agreement with the Fairbanks Inn on Monday. The town’s zoning decision to stop the lodging of homeless people at the Western Avenue motel headed to the state’s Environmental Court after the decision was appealed by Fairbanks Inn owner – “Malav Inc.” (MAY-lav) The town issued an order to Malav alleging that Malav was operating a “Temporary Overnight Shelter” in St. Johnsbury that was permitted for a motel. “The Town alleges that the property is not being used as a hotel/motel,” said the agreement. But the Vermont Legislature passed S100 (Act 47), which amended language on a housing bill that takes effect on December 1st of this year. It prevents any municipality from prohibiting or penalizing any motel or hotel from renting rooms to provide housing assistance through the State of Vermont’s General Assistance program with public funds.