The Utah developer hoping to build a 20,000 person settlement in rural Vermont has unexpectedly canceled a public forum.
David Hall told the Valley News that he had received "threatening letters" from Vermont community members in the area where he is purchasing large parcels of land.
That's why he said he won't be attending an Oct. 4 meeting with the Royalton Planning Commission.
Hall did not return interview requests from VPR.
But Beth Willhite, the chairwoman of the Royalton Planning Commission, says nothing more than a peaceful protest had been planned during that meeting.
She says she discussed the likely protest with Hall's press officer in August.
“There have been protests since March, so nothing new has ramped up or changed. There's no added vitriol in the environment here,” she told VPR over the phone.
The Royalton Planning Commission is discussing whether to hold the meeting without Hall, to give the community an opportunity to share their opinions about the NewVista Foundation project.
