In Colchester, Vermont, a peculiar situation unfolds at 128 Hegeman Avenue. Even as night falls, the lights remain on, with signs of Vermont Construction Company visible outside. However, a closer look reveals a story that goes beyond a simple commercial property. Colchester Selectboard Chair Pam Loranger was alarmed when she discovered that up to 19 people were being housed in a storage space with exposed electrical wiring and loose trash near space heaters, lacking any fire or carbon monoxide safety measures. This discovery led to a heated discussion at a meeting on Tuesday night.

Controversy and Divergent Views

Byron Gokey from Vermont Construction Company defended the situation, stating that "it's not like they were living in squalor. This is good accommodations for some of them." Gokey has been in the construction business for over 50 years and is proud of his company's work. He claims that the demand for laborers, many of whom are Latino migrants, is on the rise, and they were doing the best they could when six people's housing fell through due to safety violations in September. There simply was no other place to put them, and even hotels in the town were unavailable.However, Loranger admonished the company, emphasizing the importance of safety and proper living conditions. She raised concerns about the well-being of these individuals and the need for proper regulations.

The Dairy Industry Trend

Employer-provided housing is a common trend in the dairy industry to attract migrant workers. Will Lambek with Migrant Justice points out the irony that the very people coming to build housing to address the state's shortage are having difficulty finding quality and dignified housing themselves. Other industries like hospitality and construction are also following suit, taking a page out of the dairy industry's book.This highlights the complex issue of housing for migrant workers and the need for comprehensive solutions.

New State Legislation and its Impact

Migrant Justice believes that new state legislation to protect migrants against housing discrimination could have a significant impact. It could bolster the labor force by ensuring that migrants have a safe place to live, which in turn would benefit the construction and other industries. Such legislation would send a clear message that the state values the contributions of migrant workers and is committed to their well-being.In conclusion, the situation at Vermont Construction Company's property raises important questions about housing for migrant workers and the need for stricter regulations and support. It is a complex issue that requires the attention and action of all stakeholders.