Vermont Residents Decry Complex Based on Joseph Smith’s Plan

SHARON, Vt. (AP) — A Utah businessman's plan for a large-scale development in Vermont based on the papers of Mormon leader Joseph Smith has sparked concern in the largely rural and mountainous area.

The NewVistas Foundation has bought nearly 900 acres near Smith's Vermont birthplace and plans to buy thousands more over the next 30 to 50 years for a development ended to house and support 20,000 people. Developer David Hall says the community would be ecologically, economically and socially sustainable; not based on religion; and open to anyone.

He says his family foundation is also pursuing NewVistas developments in Nevada, China, India and Bhutan, but he wouldn't disclose the exact locations.