Will a low priced hotel in the center of Manchester mar the area's image?

Manchester is home to some of the finest brand name outlet shops in the U.S. The hills around the town are full of quaint and expensive inns, bed and breakfasts, antique shops and multi-million dollar homes. Into this bucolic scene, inject a Motel 8 or a Days Inn. There's a chance it could happen.

An interesting controversy has emerged in one of Vermont's premier resort towns and one of the richest areas in Vermont. Manchester is home to some of the finest brand name outlet shops in the U.S. The hills around the town are full of quaint and expensive inns, bed and breakfasts, antique shops and multi-million dollar homes. Into this bucolic scene, inject a Motel 8 or a Days Inn. There's a chance it could happen.

A preliminary proposal floated by 66 Manchester LLC, a holding company that would own the hotel if it is built, calls for a 10,000-square-foot building formerly used as a bowling alley to be torn down and replaced with a new structure on the same spot right in the center of town.

Opponents argue the "hotel" may appeal to the less well heeled and the development might lead to a Wal Mart or some other big box store. "It could be the start of a future of cheesy restaurants, lodgings and other outlets," one opponent is quoted as saying. "The rustic heritage of southern Vermont would never be the same. The area would loose its appeal."

A group of nine Manchester inn owners believe that the so called "hotel" is part of a motel chain that offers accommodations at rates far lower than what is normally available in the area. They told a local Planning Commission that their livelihood would be threatened. Members of the group provide somewhat sumptuous, high priced luxury lodging.

The negative reaction is said to extend well beyond the innkeepers because people don't want to see Manchester go the way of Rutland, Bennington or Burlington. People would rather keep things the way they are.

Like similar development issues elsewhere in Vermont the very success of Manchester as a tourist destination and weekend playground for the rich is attracting the development. Perhaps those worried by such development should look at how this issue has been dealt with in Stowe and Woodstock. Both these communities remain successful tourist destinations, both for the rich and for the less well heeled. Stowe has a MacDonalds and plenty of motels, though no chains. Woodstock has several large motels, and is lucky because everyone shops at box stores across the border in tax free New Hampshire!