Rutland panel pitches signage, murals to save prison camp ruins

Other Committee · Meeting of April 28, 2026

Rutland commission counters DCR demolition plan for historic prison camp with signage and murals. DCR's Dan Clark and division director John Scannell heard from roughly 20 residents opposed to demolishing or filling in the site's cell block and root cellar, citing family history and tourism value. Police Chief Monaco said his department has "not investigated any criminal activity, aside from graffiti," tied to the structures.

The commission proposed "do not climb" signage under the state's recreational use liability statute, volunteer graffiti removal, a mural contest and graffiti-resistant coating instead of demolition. Clark said a 2022 engineering study found the structures "structurally insufficient" and "deteriorating." DCR set no timeline for a decision, and Rutland has no demolition delay bylaw to slow one once made.

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Source: the Other Committee meeting of April 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.