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- calendar_today November 10, 2026
Blueprint Unveiled for Country Club Road Development
Four years after purchasing a former golf course to address a growing housing shortage, Montpelier now has its most detailed vision for property development on Country Club Road. The city's latest step involves a non-binding letter of intent with DEW Properties, marking a significant milestone in efforts to create new housing opportunities.
Initial Plan: 108 Housing Units Proposed
According to the agreement unanimously approved by the Montpelier City Council, DEW Properties has outlined plans to construct 108 housing units on approximately 20 buildable acres along the lower ridge of the property. This development phase would feature a mix of townhomes and smaller buildings, aiming to blend housing production with preservation of natural and recreational assets.
Path From Purchase to Proposal
The 138-acre former Country Club Road golf course was acquired by Montpelier after voters approved a $2 million bond in 2022. The decision, which passed narrowly by a 1,205-1,021 margin, followed community debate over property taxes and affordability concerns. Since then, the city has sought the right partner to realize its housing goals.
DEW Properties, which operates in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, was selected from four New England-based developers. The process involved proposal submissions and in-depth interviews dating back to December 2025, culminating in a recommendation from the city council's Country Club Road subcommittee in July.
Market Evaluation and Next Steps
Before formalizing a development agreement, both the city and DEW Properties are awaiting the results of a comprehensive market evaluation. This study will help determine whether project scale and timelines are viable for Montpelier. As noted by Robert Wells, DEW's development coordinator, construction is not expected to begin until around 2028.
The letter of intent serves to solidify Montpelier's choice of developer while leaving flexibility for either party to withdraw if financial terms cannot be reached. Outcomes from the market evaluation, expected by year's end, may require adjustments to project costs, materials, or timelines before a final agreement is signed.
Infrastructure and Regulatory Hurdles Remain
The city is projecting an $8 million investment in infrastructure improvements for the site, including water, sewer, and road upgrades. To support these efforts, Montpelier has secured grant funding such as a $3 million award from the Northern Borders Regional Commission.
Additional steps include environmental cleanup for historical pesticides used on the golf course, completion of local zoning reviews, and clearance under Vermont's Act 250 land-use permitting. According to DEW Properties, the permitting, due diligence, and feasibility stages could extend from four to twelve months.
Projected Timeline For Housing Availability
If plans proceed smoothly, housing units on Country Club Road could be ready for occupancy by 2029 or 2030. However, major legal, financial, and regulatory challenges remain before construction can begin, and further adjustments may be needed depending on the outcome of the ongoing market evaluation.
Source: vtdigger.org.
