A Benefit to the Local CommunityGreen Commons of Vermont (GCVT) believes in preserving common land to foster and support community-building and local engagement. Its mission is to protect land that holds a central place in a community. The Putney Common Parcel is one of those treasured places hosting a community garden, a farmers’ market, and gathering space, all adjacent to the future community housing. The Putney Community Garden was established in 2010 and consists of 39 gardeners tending 72 plots, including plots dedicated to supplying the Putney food shelf. The 11-year-old Putney Farmers’ Market is committed to enhancing the community’s well being by improving access to nutritious food for everyone. The Farmers’ Market hosts about 25 local farmer and artisan vendors, and participates in coupon programs such as NOFA Crop Cash and Farm to Family. GCVT will be buying Putney Common from Windham & Windsor Housing Trust (WWHT). WWHT is retaining the adjacent land for an affordable housing development. The construction of new housing and the protection of Putney Common fulfill two needs identified in the new Putney Town Plan—housing and village greenspace. The future tenants will have an accessible gathering and gardening space, and easy access to affordable, local food; and Putney Common will have adjacent neighbors with whom to engage and help direct the future public uses on the land.