Neighbors: As we all realize, Burlington is unique among the Lake Champlain municipalities in sustaining a gorgeous waterfront with uses ranging from boating to swimming, running to birdwatching. But one piece remains missing, one jewel on a string of jewels linked together by the bicycle/pedestrian path. That is the lakeside grounds of what is now Burlington College. The 32 acre plot includes important community gardens for new immigrants and established residents, perhaps 20 acres of open meadow, an important pine/oak forest, beach and paths. The outlook across Burlington harbor toward the lake and the Adirondacks is nothing short of spectacular. This is the last significant plot of open space in the city. Yet without public debate or discussion in City Council, it is likely that this plot will be privately developed for housing, much of it luxury, with no recognition of the existing public interest in this land. You might ask, isn't this a private land sale? Isn't this simply the real estate market at work?

No. Both as a Catholic Church property and a college, owners of this land benefitted from real-estate tax exemptions and tax exempts as a charity and later educational institutions. Students and hence the college benefitted from taxpayer-supplied student loans and grants. Religious, charitable, and educational institutions can't maintain that they are operating in the public interest for tax purposes and then liquidate their assets without acknowledging that public interest.

What needs to happen to save this city-wide asset for public use? Attend an open forum discussing the future of this asset taking place tomorrow, Nov. 17, 6:30 pm, Burlington College. Urge the Mayor and your City Council members to take the lead in identifying the city's open space interest in this parcel. If city officials take the lead, private philanthropists and preservation organizations will follow.

But what about the College? Doesn't it have to sell off its assets to survive? The sale as presently contemplated will not pay off the bulk of BC's debts nor will it result in a positive cash flow. An open process involving a number of partners--the city, preservationists, philanthropists, and private developers--is far more likely to result in a win-win situation for both BC and the public. But time is running out.

Some ask, wouldn't a few million dollars of conservation money go further in the Northeast Kingdom? Well, it would purchase the full or development rights to more acreage, but not acreage to which tens of thousands of people have immediate access by bike and foot. That's the difference.

I urge you to attend tomorrow's meeting at BC, 6:30 pm, and bring your ideas.

Charles Simpson, Ward 6

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