ADUs in Norwich, Vermont

CLASS of 1964 POLICY RESEARCH SHOP STUDENTS TESTIFY BEFORE THE NORWICH PLANNING COMMISSION ON MAY 24, 2019

Just days before commencement, two seniors in the Class of 1964 Policy Research Shop—Emily Schneider ’19 and Polly Rao ’19—presented their final policy brief before the Norwich Planning Commission in Norwich, Vermont. Their project, “Accessory Dwelling Units in Norwich, Vermont: Investigating ADUs as an Affordable Housing Solution,” also co-authored by Justin Kramer ’21 and Michael Morck ’21, provided guidance to the planning commission regarding the possibilities and barriers facing the town in its efforts to implement an ADU policy. The town of Norwich is currently seeking ways to demonstrate to the regional planning commission that there are plans in place to address the affordable housing shortage across the Upper Valley.  Emily and Polly found that while ADUs may have an impact on increasing the overall housing stock in the town, it was not clear, given the associated costs of meeting ADU guidelines (particularly in expanding septic systems), that the resulting ADU construction would add to the affordable housing market.  The Planning Commissioners expressed their gratitude for the work of the Policy Research Shop students and wished them well in their endeavors following graduation.