Dear neighbors,
The City Council's next meeting is this Monday, September 23rd, at 6:00 pm. Public Forum begins at 7:00 pm.
As always, you are welcome to attend in person at City Hall or virtually on zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94751796951 .
If you'd like to speak during Public Forum in person, sign up at the meeting. If you'd like to speak during Public Forum on zoom, be sure to sign up using this link at least 1 hour in advance: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum
Here are some key items on our agenda.
→ RAILYARD ENTERPRISE PROJECT
The Department of Public Works will provide an update on the progress of the Railyard Enterprise Project, which will connect upper Pine Street to Battery Street, without having to go downtown.
→ WORK SESSION ON SOUTH END INNOVATION DISTRICT
The Council will hear a presentation on the details of the proposed project for the South End Innovation District, a joint effort between the City, Ride Your Bike (the same team as at Hula), and Champlain College.
→ ORDINANCE CHANGE ON EMERGENCY SHELTERS
A proposed amendment designed to bring Burlington's emergency shelter zoning in line with state law will be voted on.
→ FY 24: ANNUAL REPORT CITY OF BURLINGTON CCRPC
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission will give their Fiscal Year 2024 report.
→ RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A DOWNTOWN PUBLIC SAFETY HUB
Having a public safety hub in Downtown Burlington would be a visible and accessible resource for all Burlingtonians, and an important step for acting on current public safety concerns. This proposal will start a formal process of community engagement on what this hub could look like.
→ RESOLUTION ON ENSURING A MODERN FACILITY FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT
This resolution takes an important step towards ensuring our public safety personnel have a comfortable, modern facility that meets the expectations of the public and provides dignity and security for perpetrators and victims. We are also considering an updated fire station in the context of the Memorial Block development. Current employees and prospective hires have identified our outdated public safety building as a hurdle to recruitment and retention.
→ ORDINANCE ON COMPOSITION OF POLICE OVERSIGHT PANEL
In November, Burlingtonians will vote on a charter change to establish a panel to resolve disputes between our Police Chief and our resident Police Commission. This ordinance specifies the composition of that panel.
→ ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT, NEIGHBORHOOD CODE 2A
This is the first warning of amendments to the Secondary Structure component of Neighborhood Code, Burlington's new residential zoning standards. As originally passed six months ago, the Neighborhood Code allows secondary structures of up to four dwelling units, as long as they fit within a lot's dimensional standards. I supported this as an important step towards addressing our housing crisis. The amendment now before the Council would walk this back, effectively limiting secondary structures on most lots to no more than two units. I do not plan on supporting this amendment as I think it is a too far step backwards at a time when we desperately need more housing development.
To see the full agenda, click the link here: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7008/files/agenda/11745.
As always, I welcome your feedback and questions.
Thank you and best regards,
Ben Traverse, Ward 5
City Council President
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