Williamstown is located in the northwest corner of Orange County.
Route 14, running north-south, bisects the Town and provides access
to the Cities of Barre and Montpelier, the capital, to the north.
Route 64 runs from Route 14 west to I-89, which provides easy
access to communities northwest and south. The Village is located
in a valley in the geographical center of the Town.
Settled in the late 18th Century, Williamstown's population increased
until the mid-1800's when it began declining. The population grew
rapidly between 1880 and 1910 due to the coming of the railroad
and the increasing number of jobs in granite related industries.
Between 1910 and 1960, the population went up and down with each
succeeding decade. Since 1960, the population has increased dramatically.
Between 1970 and 1980, population grew more rapidly than at any
other time this Century. Growth slowed only slightly over the
next decade.
Recently, Williamstown has dealt with several issues that some
feel will affect the Town's growth rate. These issues concern
the effects of soil and groundwater contamination discovered in
1983. To counteract this adverse effect, a series of steps have
been taken to assure a clean environment. Studies are underway
to locate and construct another source of water for the municipal
water system. An engineering firm has been engaged to carry out
the planning and surveying of a new pristine source. Problems
at the Town landfill are being addressed and the opening of a
new area at the same site is anticipated. This site was previously
certified and our Act 250 permit is valid until the year 2001.
The Town has also joined a regional waste district to study and
hopefully implement a long range solution to our solid waste problems.
Notwithstanding the above mentioned concerns, property transfers
have increased over the past year.
Williamstown is primarily a residential community and wants to
continue to encourage residential growth while also expanding
its commercial/industrial base at a rate at which the Town's services
can reasonably absorb. The Town does not intend to grow
at the expense of the natural environment. New growth must be
non-polluting, in appropriate locations, and in harmony with the
scenic character of the Town. Agricultural and forest land provide
Williamstown with its scenic beauty and represent important assets
in Williamstown's future growth. To retain these lands in their
current state, owners must find it financially feasible.
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