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Center For Community and Neighborhoods (CCAN)
CCAN Outreach & Communications (Publications, Buzz, etc)
- The BUZZ will be sent every Thursday, and the focus will be
events/ happenings in Burlington. Take advantage of this
outreach tool and forward any stories that you would like to
include to Jenny by COB each Wednesday.
Refugee Services (Collaborative, Mythbusters, Welcome packet)
- Attended meeting hosted by State Refugee Coordinator to
discuss with VRRP and their mother agency the number of new
refugees expected to arrive this year. Estimated 75 community
agencies and volunteers attended to express their support and/or
concern about refugee arrivals and supports needed. (Beth
Truzansky)
Neighborhood Services (Neighborhood updates, events, problem
solving)
- Wards 4/7 are working on a community-wide mural that will be
painted on the backside of the movie theatre in the Ethan Allen
Shopping Plaza. The project is the first of what could be other
graffiti-prevention pieces of art throughout the city (there is
talk of a second mural in the South End).
- Wards 4/7 want to see the Robert Miller Center open for
youth “drop-in” hours during the summer and during school
vacations, two times when the kids need a place to hang. There
is an effort to gather the appropriate orgs/reps/people to
discuss how to make this happen.
Neighborhood Planning Assemblies
- The All-Ward Steering Committee met on 7/22 – determined the
topic for this year’s Neighborhood Improvement Nights: Municipal
Development Plan (history, purpose, process/goals/timing of the
current review).
- David White, Sandrine Thibeault, Peter Potts, Wayne Senville,
and the rest of the Planning Commission and P & Z Dept. have
embraced the opportunity to bring this important document before
the NPAs and are looking specifically for input on how to better
connect the downtown to the waterfront.
- There are also plans to provide each attendee with an
opportunity to provide direction on the following questions
(probably through a survey): - what do you value about your
neighborhood? - how do you define your neighborhood (both
logistically/street-by-street and in speaking from the heart).
- Here are the 2009 NIN dates – not all times are finalized:
- Thursday, 9/17 - Wards 4/7, 7 – 9:00 pm (light snacks)
- Thursday, 10/1, Ward 6, 6:30/dinner, 7 – 9:00 pm/mtg.
- Thursday, 10/8, Wards 2/3, 5:30 pm/dinner, 6:30 – 8:30 pm/mtg.
- Wednesday, 10/14, Ward 1
- Wednesday, 10/21, Ward 5
Neighborhood Grants Programs
- We are offering a training to interested NPA members on “How
to write an effective neighborhood grant” on 8/24 at 5:30 pm at
CCAN. Margaret Bozik has graciously offered to help with the
training that is being presented at the request of the NPA
Steering Committee members who want to be able to offer support
to neighbors who might have an idea for a relevant community
project that could be funded through CDBG funds. (Jenny Davis)
Community Policing (walk abouts/first response project)
- Neighborhood staff met with Chief Schirling to discuss
future collaboration with the Police Dept., roles for the
Neighborhood Services and Graffiti position. Collaboration is
high with the start of the new Graffiti Coordinator, Nicky
Beaudoin. (Beth Truzansky)
AmeriCorps*VISTA Program
- Many of our members are completing their service this coming
Friday. We will hold an End of Service Celebration scheduled for
8/14/09 at Mt. Philo State Park. Supervisors have also been
invited.
- New class of Members will attend Pre-Service Orientation in
Philadelphia 8/11-8/14. This class includes three returning
members and two team leaders.
AmeriCorps*State Program
- Inaugural class of AmeriCorps*State members are completing
their service in August and September. An End of Service
Celebration is scheduled for 8/13/09 at the Waterfront Shelter
near the fishing pier.
- CEDO received notification of the 2009-2010 grant for the
AmeriCorps*State funding. This includes expansion by 20%. Total
number of members will be approximately 35 full- and part-time
members. Sites now on the waiting list may be allocated a
member.
Financial Literacy Outreach Project & Free Tax Site
- Met with CASH Coalition to explore how AmeriCorps program
could support financial literacy efforts. Potential
collaboration and focus for the 2010-2011 AmeriCorps grant
applications. (Beth Truzansky)
- Graffiti Removal Team
- Added 11 new Adopt-A-Block members
- More than 100 tags cleaned in July
- In process of distributing advertising posters around town
- Still in search of van/hot pressure washer
- Fence on North Avenue project is completed. 16 volunteers,
16 hours, 9 gallons of stain. (Nicky Beaudoin)
Community Justice Center
Restorative Justice/Youth Restorative Justice
- We currently have 93 active cases heading into August
- 63 Department of Correction Referrals (3 Youth cases)
- 29 Burlington Police Referrals (10 Youth cases)
- 1 UVM Referral
- Volunteers donated 200 hours in the month of July!
- Looking ahead to September we will be adding a Tuesday
afternoon panel to the mix and eliminating the Thursday evening
panel to better meet the needs of our participants and
volunteers.
Parallel Justice for Victims of Crime
- July 1 marked the beginning of our 4th year. So far, we have
reached out to more than 3,000 individual victims of crime and
helped 821 people in some way.
- Cases continue to be mostly theft and vandalism: cars, bikes
and theft from unsecured buildings.
- Together with BPD, piloted “Ounce of Prevention” campaign to
remind drivers not to leave cars unlocked or with valuables
visible. Community response overall is very positive. Plan to
repeat in the fall when students return to campus.
- Chittenden Bank paid for printing of car safety “report
cards” and also donated to the Victims’ Fund. Thanks!
- At annual planning meeting, prioritized goals for next 3
years of program.
Economic Development
Technical Assistance for Business
- Provided technical assistance to 9 clients (Jon Adams-Kollitz,
Diana Colangelo)
- Commercial Space Database (Diana Colangelo)
- 585,663 sf of total listed space
- 435,663 sf of total built space
- 456,549 sf of total listed Office space
- 25,646 sf of total listed Studio space
- 47,160 sf of total listed Industrial space
- 192,050 sf of total listed Retail space (numbers don’t
reconcile due to overlapping uses)
Renewal Community
- Provided information to 1 Pearl St. business about Renewal
Community program (Jon Adams-Kollitz, Ed Antczak)
BED and Burlington Telecom Support
- Provided 2 referrals to BED for energy audits (Jon Adams-Kollitz)
BE3
- Arranged BED energy audits for 2 ONE businesses (Jon Adams-Kollitz)
North Street Business
- Arranged BED energy audits for 2 ONE businesses (Jon Adams-Kollitz)
- Helped organize ONE World Market (Jon Adams-Kollitz, Diana
Colangelo)
Miscellaneous
- Helped organize and run ONE World Market during the Ramble,
provided 15 micro-businesses a very low-cost opportunity to sell
in Market setting. (Jon Adams-Kollitz, Diana Colangelo, Ed
Antczak)
- Distributed 75 copies of Doing Business In Burlington (Jon
Adams-Kollitz)
Housing
Homeownership – Downpayment Assistance & Rehab
- North Avenue single family home: Rehab is 90% complete on
this owner-occupied rehab project. Scope of work involved
bathroom rehab, total rewire, and correcting miscellaneous
deficiencies. Weatherization work is completed. Project will be
closed out after minor interior repairs and possibly replacing
asphalt roofing shingles. HOME commitment: $22,097. (Todd
Rawlings & Lisa Chicoine)
- Peru Street single family home: Working with owner of this
permanently affordable CHT property on a HOME rehab project.
Scope includes structural, plumbing, electrical, lead hazard
reduction, and exterior improvements. CHT helped secure $30,000
in additional funding. Owner has moved back in the home, and the
original scope of work has been completed. Lead Abatement
Contractor completed exterior painting. GC contract for
additional minor interior and exterior work scope of work has
been awarded with a proposed August 3rd project start-up. HOME
commitment: $84,218. (Todd Rawlings & Lisa Chicoine)
- Park Street single family home: Substantial rehab of this
CHT single family home is substantially complete. Unit will be
resold to income eligible homeowner in mid-August. HOME
commitment: $28,000. (Todd Rawlings & Lisa Chicoine)
- Decatur Street duplex: Contract closing for duplex purchase
was held on June 12th. EDI/HOPWA commitment: $20,000. (Todd
Rawlings & Lisa Chicoine)
- Hyde Street single family home: Met and did walkthrough with
owners interested in miscellaneous improvements. Property has
already undergone lead hazard reduction. Pending receipt of
application. Estimated HOME commitment: TBD. (Todd Rawlings &
Lisa Chicoine)
- Oak Street single family home: Met and did walkthrough with
owner interested in miscellaneous improvements. HOME rehab
application was received, second site visit has been scheduled
to start working on scope of work. Estimated HOME commitment:
TBD. (Todd Rawlings & Lisa Chicoine)
- Manhattan Drive single family home: Met and did walkthrough
with owner interested in miscellaneous improvements. Pending
receipt of application. Estimated HOME commitment: TBD. (Todd
Rawlings & Lisa Chicoine)
- Elmwood Avenue duplex: Working with Habitat for Humanity to
determine the feasibility of putting HOME funds in the project
involving the rehabilitation and conversion of this structure to
a single family home. Estimated HOME commitment: TBD.
Non-Profit Housing Developments
- Sophie’s Place: Burlington Housing Authority developed 11
units of service enriched housing for battered women coming out
of the Women Helping Battered Women’s shelter. Working with BHA
on federal and local procurement compliance; both buildings are
99% complete, and 5 units are occupied. Landscaping required to
complete project; total completion expected by end of August.
HOME commitment: $285,000 (Todd Rawlings & Brian Pine)
- King Street Housing: At 88 King Street, the Champlain
Housing Trust is 99% complete on its project to create 20 rental
units on the former BankNorth parking lot. Working with CHT on
federal and local procurement compliance. Landscaping required
to complete project; total completion expected by end of August.
HOME commitment: $372,000; HTF $70,000 (Todd Rawlings & Brian
Pine)
- 30 Blodgett Street: CHT developed an owner-occupied duplex
and is converting 10 adjacent rental units to limited equity
condos. Construction on new duplex is complete. All units sold
or under contract. HTF: $70,000. (Brian Pine)
- Flynn Avenue Co-op: Working with a prospective applicant for
HOME funds for roof repair to this very successful co-op.
Awaiting application. HOME commitment: TBD. (Todd Rawlings &
Brian Pine)
- Salmon Run: CHT and Housing Vermont are proposing to
purchase and rehabilitate this 79-unit apartment complex and
convert 20 market units into affordable units for a total of 56
affordable units. CHT has requested that the City “roll-over”
the $7 million of HoDAG principal and interest that has accrued
since project completion in 1990. Working on procurement and
other federal and local requirements. Closing expected in
mid-August. Estimated HOME funding commitment: $285,000. (Todd
Rawlings)
- 3 Cathedral Square: CEDO is exploring a request to HUD to
permit restructuring the HOME affordability period for this
project. If successful, more HOME funds could be allocated to
the planned rehab project, thereby freeing up CDBG funds. (Todd
Rawlings)
- Cathedral Square, CHT and private developer Eric Farrell
were chosen by the State to undertake a mixed-use development on
the former DMV/Thayer School site. Project includes mixed-income
apartments for 60 senior households and 40 low and moderate
income families (Brian Pine)
- Northgate Resident Ownership Corp. now owns the property,
and Boathouse celebration planned for late summer/early fall.
(Brian Pine)
For-Profit Housing Developments (Brian Pine)
- 114 College Street: VT Supreme Court ruled that applicant
did not meet the requirements for a parking waiver as granted by
both the DRB and the District Environmental Commission and
denied the permit.
- 237 North Avenue: 25 condos issued a zoning permit and Act
250 approval. VT Supreme Court ruled in favor of the applicant,
but this project is on hold due to concerns about the market.
- 354 Manhattan Drive: Dennis Rouille built 15 new condos.
Market units begin at $168,500 and 2 IZ units at $143,000 with
$10K grant. Only 1 IZ unit has sold. Developer seeking release
from the perpetual affordability requirement to make the unit
more marketable.
- Sunset Cliff/Scarlet Circle/Starr Farm/Von Turkovich:
Developer exploring senior housing options. Permit previously
denied.
- Appletree Point Lane: Bill Niquette, Infill Development
Services LLC proposing Planned Residential Development +/- 160
mixed-income elderly housing units on the former Wick estate –
25% IZ requirement would yield 40 perpetually affordable units.
Developer has not submitted a revised plan, so the permit
process is inactive.
- 173-193 St. Paul Street: Stuart Chase developing 32-unit
condo complex that will include 4 IZ units priced at around
$120,000 for one-bedroom and $150,000 for two-bedroom units and
28 market units priced between $150,000-$435,000.
- 155 Plattsburgh Ave. Paul Presseault developer. Preliminary
plat review of a 13-unit Planned Unit Development (4 existing
and 9 proposed new). Rental housing to include 2 IZ units.
- 198 East Ave. Nate Hayward developer. Change of use from
single family to planned residential development consisting of
original building plus sixteen dwelling units. Adjacent on south
to Co-Housing – concerns about maintaining solar access and
proximity of new building.
- 151-157 South Champlain St. BHA and King Street Neighborhood
Revitalization Corp. still attempting to develop housing on this
site.
- 159 South Champlain St. Marvin Fishman developer. CEDO
assisted with a CCRPC-funded Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).
ESA found that contamination is migrating from the neighboring
property.
Miscellaneous Housing Updates
- Burlington Lead Program is an Award of Excellence,
second-place winner of the 2009 Lead Safe for Kids’ Sake grant
program from the US Conference of Mayors and DuPont. CEDO will
receive $50,000 for a variety of lead safety activities.
- Collaborating with CVOEO Fair Housing Project on a
HUD-funded effort to train CEDO staff, conduct outreach to
property owners who use our programs and update our Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. (Brian Pine)
- Working with the City Attorney’s Office on enforcement of
noncompliance of written agreements on several HOME and EDI
funded units. (Lisa Chicoine)
- Working with a group of residents and Thelma Maple Co-op
about future ownership options (i.e. staying co-op, straight
rental, condo, whether to form a new the tax credit partnership,
etc.)
- Active Davis-Bacon Projects (Todd Rawlings):
- Heineberg Senior Center lift: working with owner; contract
executed and work scheduled to be complete by the end of July.
- Northgate playground project: Initial meeting with Abby
Russell. Work expected to occur this summer.
- Edmunds Middle School sign project: Initial meeting scheduled
for June.
- Cathedral Square solar panels: Initial meeting with developer
regarding requirements.
- Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) Community Housing Development
Organization (CHDO) operating funds (Todd Rawlings):
- Executed an agreement with CHT for program year 2008.
Completely disbursed and closed out.
- Working with CHT to execute an agreement for program year
2009.
- The most recent (2nd quarter of FFY2008) HOME performance
report ranked our HOME program in 77th percentile overall and at
100th percentile in several categories. Next SNAPSHOT comes out
mid-July. (Todd Rawlings)
- Executed FFY2008 HOME award grant agreement with HUD.
Allocation for this year is $489,759. (Todd Rawlings)
- Replacement materials on historic buildings. Continue to
advocate a more balanced approach with the Planning Commission.
(Brian Pine)
Ordinance Development (Brian Pine)
- Lead Safety ordinance in now in effect and City stakeholders
are working on implementation.
Ordinance Administration (Brian Pine)
- Condo conversion activity continues to pick up steam as
owners seek ways to sell for highest and best use. Ordinance
change will encourage conversions, but some owners are concerned
that they will be unable to make the numbers work with 25%
affordable requirement. We are exploring some options to address
this concern.
UVM Housing (Brian Pine)
- UVM is once again proceeding on the next phase of Redstone
Apts. City working with UVM to identify sites for more student
housing.
Access Program (Lisa Chicoine)
- Lafountain Street: Technical assistance for proposed access
ramp for rental unit. VCIL is funding the project.
- Johnson Street: Technical assistance for access ramp, stair
glide and bathroom modifications for rental unit. Tenant is
exploring relocating to accessible unit.
Free Exterior Paint Program (Lisa Chicoine)
- CEDO is not funding the paint program this paint season
because of the lack of funding.
Burlington Lead Program (Jeff Tanguay)
- Total number of units tested: 69
- Total number of units enrolled: 134
- Total number of units in progress: 173
- Total number of units treated/cleared: 27
- Total number of people trained (EMP): 349
Outreach and Education Activities: (Lindsay White)
- Educational presentations offered weekly at BHA for section
8 tenants.
- Worked with CVOEO to distribute BLP and Lead Poisoning
information to community members
- Home visits for dust wipes and education
- Attendance of monthly RISPNet meeting
- Distributing new and revised BLP brochures and DVD’s
- Facilitated a fun learning activity for children and parents
at the Winooski Family Center
- Corresponding with parents regarding blood testing for
parents with children enrolled in the Lead Program.
- Total number of people accessed by O & E activities: 38,218.
Special Projects
Intervale Food Enterprise Center
- Closing on .3 acre parcel of land almost complete, CVPS has
signed indemnity agreement, waiting on GMP and VPPSA
- Intervale Center board met July 28 to discuss suggested
changes to MOU between BCDC, the city, and Intervale Center.
BCDC met the previous month, and proposed leaving the basic
structure of the deal in place, but recouping additional funds
expended since the MOU was first drafted. Also, the financing
mechanism between BCDC and the city has changed.
- Working with the City Attorney’s office to draft documents
to transfer the land from city to BCDC, including mortgage docs.
Burlington Community Development Corporation
- BCDC has retained Dormemus, Roesler and Kantor as BCDC
counsel, in particular, for FEC project
- Met with Leahy’s staff and UVM to discuss options to keep
the Lake Monsters in Burlington Recovery Act (ARRA)
- Continuing to research funding opportunities through ARRA,
particularly by coordinating with the VT Office of Economic
Stimulus and Recovery (ESR), to discuss stimulus-eligible
Burlington projects.
- With Mayor’s Office and Legacy, submitted application to EPA
Showcase Climate Communities for energy efficiency and renewable
energy improvements at Barnes School.
- Coordinated meeting with BED and BURDES regarding
preparation of applications to Clean Energy Development Fund.
- With DPW, preparing a DOT TIGER Discretionary Grant proposal
for Waterfront North.
Federal Funding Priorities
- FY10 appropriations bills continue to be marked up. Waiting
on Transportation and Housing bill, in which the city has
several projects pending. Working with Leahy’s office regarding
last few remaining issues related to the city’s federal funding
priorities for FY10. The Senate CSJ bill includes $1,500,000 for
the Aviation Technology Center, and the E&W bill has $500,000
for Burlington Harbor.
- Working with Leahy and Sanders regarding transportation
reauthorization priorities.
Tax Incremental Financing District
- Redrafted and submitted Letter of Intent for new downtown
TIF district.
- Let RFP for consultant to prepare the application to VEPC.
Only received one response – under review.
- Preparing proposal to Joint Fiscal Committee to use tax
incremental financing revenues from the current district to
finance new infrastructure within the district for a five-year
period beginning on January 1, 2010.
Legacy
Admin/Office Updates
- The Legacy Plan, first compiled and ratified by the City
Council in 2000, is being reviewed and updated over spring and
summer, in preparation for the December 8 Legacy Town Meeting.
Joe Speidel (Steering Committee co-chair) and Legacy Staff are
scheduled to meet with Sue McCormick (formally of the Snelling
Institute) to discuss a community engagement and outreach plan
over FY 2009-2010.
- Legacy staff continue to add context to the new website.
Union Street Media will launch the new site on August 17.
Burlington School Food Project and Food Council
- Preparations are underway for the August 10 Food Council
(FC) meeting at the Fletcher Free Library. Agenda items included
committee updates and a discussion by guest speaker Intervale
Intern Beth McKellips. Beth has been involved in developing a
strategic land use plan for Chittenden County.
- Legacy continues to play a role on the FC’s strategic
planning committee. The group met on July 1 and later on July 29
to consider fundraising, website design and the role of Legacy
when VISTA volunteer Erika Merrell departs in mid-August. Work
is underway to draft a job description and to begin fundraising
for an FC administrator/manager who might possibly be housed at
the Intervale.
Legacy Environment Specific Initiatives
Climate Action Plan and the Burlington Sustainability Action Team
(BSAT)
- BSAT co-chairs met in late July to discuss the Climate
Action Plan (CAP) update, the prospect of launching a
telecommuting pilot effort, the September City Hall trash sort
with CSWD, and meeting with CATMA to discuss employee commutes
and how to instigate and support alternative modes of transport
for city staff.
- Legacy and DPZ have hired Union Street Media to develop the
CAP website and graphic designer Keith Clark to assist in logo
design. Graduate student Rosemary Mosco is developing several
components of the new site, including an analysis of what
climate change means to Burlington.
- A city staff team reviewed proposals submitted on July 17
for CAP work, and cost-carbon-energy analysis in particular.
Although two excellent proposals were submitted, the team agreed
that Spring Hill Solutions was best suited for the job. The
Spring Hill team meets with the City-staff CAP team in
mid-August. Work on the analysis will begin towards the end of
August.
- Legacy organized a meeting with CSWD and BSAT members to
hash out the specifics of a City Hall Waste sort. This event
will take place in City Hall Park on September 17 and help City
Hall gather baseline data to assist in the development of a
long-term waste reduction strategy.
ICLEI and other Membership News
- Legacy remains actively involved in the new Urban
Sustainability Network. Legacy staff will attend a September
conference to discuss issues related to environmental health,
including transportation and land use planning issues and the
challenges faced by other sustainability directors.
- Legacy has been invited to participate in ISC’s Climate
Leadership Academy. As participants, Legacy will form a team of
city and regional transportation planners to join a September
meeting with other municipalities engaged in transportation and
CAP work. Thus far, a CCMPO and CCTA representatives will join
Legacy for the Chicago meeting.
Proposals and Funding
- Legacy worked with the Mayor’s Office and other CEDO staff
to write and submit an EPA Climate Communities Showcase
Proposal. This proposal, submitted on July 22, includes energy
efficiency upgrades, PV installation and curriculum development
around energy use and renewables for the Sustainability Academy
at Barnes. The project would be managed by Legacy and involve a
myriad of players, including BED, Vermont Energy Education
Project, and Shelburne Farms’ Sustainable Schools Program.
- Legacy, in conjunction with other City staff, submitted the
City’s Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant proposal in
mid-June. Funds are anticipated to be available shortly.
Legacy Governance Sector Specialist meeting
- On July 22nd the Governance Committee had a very
enthusiastic conversation as members identified the need to
continue moving forward while they defined the actions and
indicators.
- The process the group selected involved looking at
indicators and actions identified 10 years ago as well as
looking for: the story, the numbers and what's next * actions,
indicators. Because combined with the rank, this provides a
complete picture of what has been accomplished and what
direction to head in. The Governance sector next meeting is
scheduled for 8/13/09, 5:00-6:00pm, City Hall, Room 12.
Youth On Boards
- The following week, 7/28/09 the Youth On Board advisory
committee met with Governance sector specialist and House
Representative Kesha Ram. Agenda: Mission Statement, August
Celebration and Governance sector pertaining to YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
in the Legacy Plan review process. Next action step: Three youth
will be participating at the next Governance meeting 8/13/09.
Anti-racism Amendment Report
- 7/30 Wanda met independently with City Councilor Emma S. who
recently joined the Legacy Steering Committee as a liaison to
the Council. Emma is also engaged in the Legacy Plan review
process and has shown extreme interest in the Legacy Action plan
anti-racism Amendment Report on progress on Implementation
Progress April 1, 2007.
- Although the report had several action steps with progress,
Action item #5 appeared the most significant in achieving
increased diversity on decision making boards of all types.
After lengthy discussion, mutual consensus agreed current
research data was needed for necessary identified outcomes such
as: the makeup of commissions and boards might better serve in
identifying where we are at, who is missing, why they are not
applying, how to begin removing barriers, etc... With the
current review process of the Legacy Plan, now would be good
time to reconvene stakeholders and invested broader community
members to update the anti-racism progress report. Emma pointed
out that designing a pipeline for leadership must become a
reality.
Social Equity Investment Project
Peace & Justice
- 7/8/09 Wanda was interviewed by Ben Sachs-Hamilton; research
specialist, Peace & Justice. Ben was doing the leg/ground work
in order to finalize Peace and Justice’s latest finding, Summary
of Focus Group and interviews to Better Understand Perceptions
and Experiences of People of Color Living in Vermont. Ben did
reveal the sample numbers were not large enough to lend total
credibility. In spite of, there was a general consensus in the
data trend suggesting definite racial challenges. RECOMMEND
REVIEWING REPORT upon completion.
Burlington College; Guest speaker
- 7/9/09 Wanda served on a “Cultural Diversity Education
Outreach” panel at Burlington College as part of the
Quadricentennial Celebration. The targeted audience consisted of
French foreign students traveling abroad from France, Europe.
The object was to educate them about how much the greater
Burlington area population landscape had changed culturally over
the last twenty to thirty years. Other guests included diverse
individuals from Burlington’s new and emerging communities.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
- In July, Wanda met on numerous occasions with Burlington
School District (BSD) Diversity and Equity Director Dan Balon to
discuss a Burlington School District funding opportunity from
the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
- Recently, the Kellogg Foundation board approved a five-year
Racial Equity Strategic plan. Request being sought must
demonstrate a two-pronged approach which includes racial healing
and addressing structural racism. The Kellogg Foundation’s goal
is to support programs and develop the field of community-based
racial healing and racial equity efforts.
- Dan and Wanda feel much of the ground work has already been
laid and that the most sound approach would be to build on
previous successful project outcomes, for example; Study Circle
identified next action steps, “We All Belong” Parent Leadership
engagement, Shades of Ebony, etc…
- Especially since, Kellogg encourages supporting inclusive
racial healing work that eventually will promote extensive and
sustained efforts across racial and ethnic lines to achieve
needed policy and practice change.
- 7/13/09 Wanda met with BSD Diversity and Equity Director Dan
Balon, Sue McCormick; Every Day democracy Senior Associate to
discuss/brainstorm about the Kellogg Racial Equity and Equality
Healing Grant.
- 7/17/09 Dan Balon, BSD Diversity and Equity Director invited
Wanda Hines; Beth, CCAN Coordinator; Winnie Looby, BSD Parent
Liaison; and Mercedez Mack, BSD AmeriCorps*VISTA for broader
discussion about Kellogg grant. Many extraordinary ideas and
existing programs were brought forth. Still, the majority
articulated that much of the ground work had been laid and
should be built upon as long as the two prong approach was
adhered to.
- 7/20/09 Met with UVM higher education recruiter Laura
Clemmons. Focus: Kellogg grant, racial equity and equality
healing. Primary discussion centered on the possibility of UVM
being a partner. The key identified outcome would be to create
stronger recruitment opportunities for local ethnic and
culturally diverse youth seeking higher education.
Uncommon Alliance
- 7/15 Wanda Hines and Christine Longmore co-facilitated
Uncommon Alliance meeting at Fletcher Free Library. There was a
large turnout with many old and new faces in attendance ranging
from local law enforcement, Human Rights Commission, State
senators, high school students, local community leaders, all
invested in creating an equitable tomorrow for future
generations.
- Note: the Race data collection project has been up and
running since January 2009. The Data collection project is a
commitment by local law enforcement to pursue allegations of
racial profiling brought by members of the community. As a
result, many new trusting relationships have been established
which only contribute to healthy, positive social change as the
greater Burlington area becomes more and more ethnically
diverse.
Vermont Buffalo Soldiers 100th Anniversary
- Exactly 100 years later the Vermont Buffalo Soldiers
returned and the City of Burlington welcomed them triumphantly
with a reception at Contois Hall.
- Wanda Hines, Co-Director, served as MC. The event was
sponsored by the City of Burlington and the Legacy Project. The
welcoming was kicked off by Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss who noted
the value of the amazing historic arrival then and return now as
he praised their bravery and lasting contribution to the very
fabric of all communities. The homecoming continued as Mayor
Kiss introduced the 9th and 10th Calvary and National President
Trooper Derrick Davis. Other guest speakers included Kesha Ram,
House Representative, who shared her own feelings about the
brave buffalo soldiers and read a very inspiring letter from
Senator Bernie Sanders honoring their courageous actions. Next,
Dan Balon, the Burlington School District’s Diversity & Equity
Director, acknowledged the many contributions made possible,
especially contributions to Vermont classroom curriculum. He
shared, for example, the inspiration of Boys & Girls Clubs
Buffalo Soldier writing contest winner Brian Nguyen and the
intricate role of the Buffalo Soldiers in Vermont’s own black
history.
- Also present was Chittenden County State Senator Hinda
Miller, who with the State of Vermont Senate Chamber, last year
passed a resolution honoring the Vermont Buffalo Soldiers.
Senator Miller began by sharing that she understood what it was
like being an outsider as she was Canadian born. Her words were
moving and clearly filled with admiration for the perseverance
and determination the Vermont buffalo soldiers must have endured
as they were eventually welcomed with open arms.
- The highlight of the evening arrived when local legendary
lead singer of Lambsbread reggae band Bobby Hackney provided the
audience a moving solo performance of the song “Buffalo
Soldiers.” Before performing, Bobby made clear that that moment
was like a dream come true as he has played the song so many
times; however, this time was the most heartfelt as if it was
meant to be. The crowd swayed, sang, clapped and embraced the
joy of such a powerful performance to which they'd just been
privy.
- In closing, the return of the Vermont Buffalo Soldiers is
symbolic of where we have drifted socially, where we recognize
that “We All Belong,” and that our Diversity was then and is now
our strength. Next year--when we as Vermonters celebrate Black
History month, let us not forget our Vermont Buffalo Soldiers.
Everyday Democracy
- 7/27/09 Everyday Democracy launched a new national blog
highlighting the Vermont Leadership Institute/Social Equity
Scholarship Fund luncheon hosted by the Social Equity lnvestment
Project which took place June 25th. Please make sure to visit
the website: http://democracyspace.typepad.com/democracyspaceorg/2009/07/on-june-23rd-2009-the-social--equity-investment-project-seip-hosted-a-luncheon-to-benefit-the-vermont--leadership-ins.html.
Waterfront
Moran Plant
- Lincoln Applied Geology begins work on $100,000 contract
with state DEC to clean-up interior of building. Scope includes
removal of guano, asbestos, stabilization of lead paint,
dewatering and removal of scrap metal from the basement.
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