Residents of Waitsfield and the Mad River Valley are invited to provide feedback on a draft plan that will guide future growth and development in Irasville. That input can be provided in person at a Waitsfield Planning Commission meeting on November 18. A meeting agenda with details will be posted on the town website prior to the meeting date.
The Waitsfield Planning Commission and Irasville Village Master Plan Steering Committee will also take comments from the public on a draft Irasville Village Master Plan. The plan is available at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/af47fecd1e3646a8ada69138fab98b18.
Comments can be submitted using the survey form on the project website. Public comments will be accepted through Monday, December 1. Members of the public are also welcome to bring questions about the draft plan to the Waitsfield Planning Commission at their regular November 18 meeting.
VILLAGE-STYLE ATMOSPHERE
Among the goals articulated in the draft plan are creating a cohesive “Main Street” hub that fosters a village-style atmosphere within already developed areas, including two- and three-story mixed-use buildings. Protecting natural assets is central to the plan: all high-function wetlands, and at least 85% of total wetlands, will remain permanently undeveloped to preserve flood mitigation and stormwater management along the Mad River.
Housing goals suggest up to 70 new homes within Waitsfield’s municipal wastewater service area, including apartments and townhomes with a focus on affordability for younger residents, seniors, and first-time buyers. Revitalizing existing and underused commercial properties will also be key.
Transportation planning prioritizes safety, connectivity, and walkability by creating new roadway links, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle networks, minimizing surface parking, and fostering a “park once and walk” environment. Slower vehicle speeds and improved driver awareness will help create a welcoming village experience. Finally, Irasville will strengthen its role in the outdoor recreation economy by serving as a year-round gateway for outdoor activities and integrating recreational trails directly into the community’s mobility network.
The draft Master Plan was developed over the course of a 1.5-year planning process that included over a dozen meetings of the Village Master Plan Steering Committee and two community open house events. An initial open house in November 2024 saw community members weigh in on overall project direction and goals. A subsequent open house in March 2025 provided an opportunity for members of the public to share input on initial vision, conceptual design ideas, and master plan recommendations.
KEY THEME
According to town officials and project consultants, a key theme from these community events was a desire to “think big” for a vibrant future in Irasville, building off the historic investment made in 2024 by Waitsfield voters with the passage of a $15 million bond measure to support the implementation of the Waitsfield Community Wastewater System. Attendees expressed support for compact, walkable infill development that result in new homes and public-facing businesses, including mixed-use development with upper-floor residences and ground-floor businesses. The draft Master Plan presents a variety of strategies to achieve this vision, identifying pathways for new homes, businesses, and an improved pedestrian and trail network while conserving critical wetland areas.
“Irasville is where the Mad River Valley comes to shop, dine, gather, and play. One of two villages in Waitsfield, this area has long been envisioned as a vibrant regional center, featuring a thoughtful mix of homes, local businesses, services, and recreational amenities. For years this vision has been held back, challenged by insufficient infrastructure, natural resource constraints, and a lack of planning progress. Thanks to sustained efforts by local and regional partners, the time is ripe to reestablish an actionable, pragmatic, and forward-looking vision and action plan for Irasville. The Irasville Village Master Plan aims to do just that,” explained Waitsfield planning and zoning director JB Weir.
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