Dear Neighbors,

At the last City Council meeting, held at Chamberlin School and heavily attended by residents in our neighborhood, I requested that the Council allow Police Chief Trevor Whipple address the use of the empty homes adjacent to the neighborhood for police and fire training. The Council did not allow this to occur since it was not warned, but decided that it would be on the agenda for September 3 (this Tuesday) held at 575 Dorset, Fire Department North Side, Rear Bay (next to City Hall). Rather than a discussion, however, there is Item #7 to:

7. ***Consider a resolution regarding the use of vacant homes on property owned by the City of
Burlington and situated near the Burlington International Airport for training purposes for first
responders. (7:55 – 8:10 PM)

I am disappointed that a discussion could not occur prior to this resolution, especially given that the Council had agreed to warn for the next meeting (September 3) a "conversation with regard to the continued use of empty properties for fire and police training" and "an update from the Chief" (Chair Pam Mackenzie). This is not the substance of the agenda item. Nevertheless, I encourage all those concerned by this issue to attend the meeting and weigh in on the council deliberations. I will plan to attend to ensure that a conversation and update are included prior to consideration of the resolution.

Please come!
Meaghan Emery