Dear Neighbors,

As many of you know, the City is engaged in evaluating parking both for our residential neighborhoods as well as our downtown. As is often the case in our City, there are many competing needs and the challenge is always balancing those needs and being respectful of all stakeholders. Parking is one such issue.

Following the last community forum on resident only parking a few weeks ago, it became very apparent the the best way to approach this program was to discuss parking strategies in smaller groups on a street-by-street or small group of streets basis. To that end, and on their own, the neighbors of Robinson Parkway have organized such a meeting.

The date of the meeting is this Wednesday, May 13. The meeting will begin at 6:30 although both Chapin Spencer and Nicole Losch of DPW will not be arriving until 7pm. I mention this so you know that while your neighbors and i will gather at 6:30 and we encourage you to join us at that time, if you need some extra time at home at the dinner hour, it's perfectly fine to arrive at 7pm.

We will be meeting at Ruggles House.

Please keep in mind that this meeting is an opportunity to discuss all the various strategies in the consultant's report which you can find online at: http://www.burlingtonvt.gov/sites/default/files/u135/BTV_Parking_Presentation_141119_Final.pdf
(the resident parking program begins on page 28 of the presentation.)

The meeting will include a broad discussion on parking strategies. As well, it is an opportunity for residents to express concerns about the resident only parking program. Many fought hard to get this program and I have listened to many residents who have told me how precious this program is to their street and quality of life. I respect that and I know Chapin and Nicole do as well.

The City is trying to find solutions to a challenge that plagues our City. We all enjoy the beauty of living in a city like Burlington, our access to downtown within walking distance and all our waterfront has to offer. We all want to see our property taxes remain stable and we all want people to feel welcome in Burlington to work, live and recreate. In short, there are a lot of competing needs. Chapin and Nicole are charged with finding strategies. They are eager to talk with you and want this to be an open discussion. I see this as a reasonable request as do the organizers.

My thanks to Judy Barber and Maryanne Kampmann who have worked hard to organize this meeting and communicate with me and Chapin.

I am writing this post primarily for residents of Robinson Parkway. Certainly other residents in the area are welcome to attend and if you would be interested in a meeting for your street or area, I would welcome and encourage that conversation as would Chapin and Nicole.

I wish you a good weekend and a Happy Mother's Day to all. See you on Wednesday evening.

My best,
Karen

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