Clarendon resident asks town nudists to show some respect
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By SANDI SWITZER Herald Correspondent - Published: July 26, 2007
CLARENDON — The idea of folks walking around town nude is unbearable to at least one Clarendon resident.
Joan Bixby has asked the town to consider adopting an ordinance to ban public nudity.
Bixby met with the Clarendon Select Board on Monday to urge officials to consider an ordinance as a result of ongoing behavior around a popular local swimming hole.
She indicated nudity had been an issue at Clarendon Gorge, and she said she did not want it to become a problem in other areas of town.
"There is no law against nudity in the state of Vermont," Bixby explained.
She noted other communities — such as Brattleboro — have outlawed public nudity by adopting a local ordinance.
The Brattleboro Select Board recently approved an emergency ordinance to ban public nudity for a 30-day period while officials consider a permanent solution.
Bixby said the board should "put out feelers" around town to give citizens the opportunity to offer input on the matter.
Administrative Assistant Linda Trombley informed the Select Board she had contacted Brattleboro officials requesting a copy of the ordinance, but she said had not received the document.
Trombley added the city of Rutland had adopted a similar ordinance that was "well-written."
Select Board Chairman Michael Klopchin cautioned any ordinance with regard to public nudity ought to take into consideration the rights of property owners. "Sometimes you think you're doing something good and it turns out to be something not so good," he said.
He agreed public nudity at the gorge should be addressed and an ordinance may be the solution. "On the surface, for the issue that goes on over there, it's appropriate," he said.
The Select Board directed Trombley to obtain copies of similar ordinances from other towns, as well as the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
Klopchin said board members would work with the Planning Commission on an ordinance "that's not too obtrusive to property rights" but addresses the nudity issue.
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