The Town of Craftsbury has received notice of a federal lawsuit over the operation of the Town’s gravel pit. Consistent with established procedure, the Selectboard has forwarded the complaint to its insurance carrier so that defense counsel may be assigned.

The Selectboard would like to emphasize the following key points for Craftsbury residents:

First, the Town has operated the gravel pit under state-issued stormwater authorization for many years. This authorization is subject to oversight by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Town has worked with DEC to ensure its operations comply with applicable environmental regulations. Craftsbury will continue to coordinate with DEC to maintain compliance.

Second, these same two plaintiffs previously brought litigation against the underlying property owners—Kurtis and Margot Mellett —regarding the gravel pit property. This new lawsuit against the Town appears to be a continuation and escalation of that earlier litigation, designed to draw Craftsbury into costly, time-consuming, and ultimately unnecessary litigation—requiring the expenditure of significant Craftsbury taxpayer resources on claims the Selectboard believes are unfounded.

Because the matter is now in active litigation, the Selectboard and Town officials cannot comment further on the specific allegations or legal arguments. However, the Town continues to operate the gravel pit responsibly and underscores that the pit remains an important resource for maintaining the Town’s public roads.

A copy of the complaint is attached.  Further updates will be provided when appropriate.

-Craftsbury Selectboard