Dear Neighbors,
At Monday's Council meeting, the project team from Brookfield Properties, majority owner of CityPlace, gave us a presentation and update on the project.
The project team is being led by Aanen Olsen, Vice President at Brookfield, Chelsea Ziegelbaum, project manager and Joginder Singh, who leads the construction team for the project.
The team's update did not provide a great deal of new information but there were some highlights that I wanted to pass along to you.
1. The Brookfield team said that the project may well be constructed in phases. They stated that partial construction can be expected to begin within the next year. The team has been working on taking a holistic view of the entire parcel.
2. When the project was first envisioned, the developer did not own the Macy's project. I have repeatedly spoken with the Brookfield team over the past few months, urging them to incorporate the entire site into a plan that includes buildings that are no more than 10 stories and more in line with the Burlington skyline and what many Burlingtonians' want to see on this critical downtown site. I commented about this once again Monday evening.
3. The developers stated they are 100% committed to the project. They also said they understand the importance of the project to Burlington and the region. They understand the need for genuine community engagement and will have a plan and process for this interaction with the community.
4. The Developer clearly understands the toll the delays in construction are taking on our City. They committed to re-opening the rights-of-way between Bank St. and Cherry St. by moving back the barriers and will be working with BCA to provide artistic opportunities for the barricades surrounding the property. As well, they committed to helping to fund parking during the 2019 holiday season.
5. The team expressed their ongoing relationship with UVMMC as the anchor tenant in the project as strong and continuing. I am hopeful that the developer will focus on the needs of this tenant and get the project underway, focusing on getting this tenant into the site as soon as possible.
THE BROOKFIELD TEAM WILL BE AT THE WARD 6 NPA MEETING ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT MEETING. The Ward 6 NPA Steering Committee has worked hard to provide a terrific agenda, including time with Mayor and Ward 6 resident Miro Weinberger, Superintendent Yaw Obeng and Brookfield. This, along with a new and improved meeting format and community dinner, is a great opportunity to interact with these leaders and have your voice heard.
THE SEPTEMBER NPA MEETING IS ONE MEETING NOT TO BE MISSED.
Mark your calendar and I will look forward to seeing you at the NPA on September 5.
My best,
Karen
Oct 27, 2024, 4 to 5:30 PM
AARP Tax-Aide OpportunityOct 29, 2024, 3 to 4:30 PM
Natural Burial Documentary ScreeningOct 30, 2024, 5:30 to 7:30 PM