I am a Burlington resident. I have the following suggestions regarding the Moran plant:

1. The building should be either entirely or partially demolished to make it a low-rise structure.

2. Uses of the building should be lake-related with the existing Community Sailing Center being the center piece and providing greater opportunity for launching non-motorized boats. The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum may also wish to use part of the building or lakefront for their programs.

3. Parking is an obvious constraint that would need to be addressed.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment.

Jim Schweithelm, PhD

The open space can then be used for an extension of the park/bikepath or for another public use. I'm against using the space for housing. Everyone should be able to enjoy being near the waterfront!!!

Don Boniface

I studied landscape architecture [land development] at the University of Virginia, 1970-74, although I never went into the practice.

I am submitting this suggestion for the future development of the Moran Plant for CEDO's consideration.

Due primarily to it's prime location on Lake Champlain, the Moran Plant complex should be developed as a source of continuing revenue for the City directly, and indirectly, as a self supporting attraction to bring tourists and other income generating participants and activities into the area.

Based on it's proximity to the Lake itself, it is ideally suited to take advantage of the boating/marine potential. Therefore, I suggest that leasing arrangements be made with a company that would establish a Marina on the site. The feasibility of this proposal is based on the very high, real demand for mooring/docking space that currently exists on the Lake, there would be only one other competitor in Burlington. The proposed Marina would serve the long term private boat owners while the current docking facilities maintained by the Parks and Recreation Services, would be geared toward the "transients" or visiting and/or temporary boaters coming into Burlington, as well as, any commercial operations such as the "Spirit of Ethan Allen III", which could now be expanded due to the additional space. Perkins Pier, currently utilized for smaller recreational boats would remain under Parks and Recreation control. The Sailing Facility would be moved to the existing Boathouse docks.

The Marina, to be successful, must be operated as such, by a company specifically suited to that purpose. Considerable information currently exists to analyze the potential for income from a Marina. This potential could serve as an incentive to generate private investment monies to develop the site for the City while, substantially minimizing it's (City) actual financial outlay. Additional income could be realized directly by the City by making winter boat storage space available to individuals who now must take their boats elsewhere during the Winter months. This storage capability would use the onsite space that might otherwise be under utilized during the winter months, perhaps the unused portion of an already existing parking area. The City's expenses would be minimal, for example, lighting, a security presence and building/liability insurance. Anyone choosing to store their boats would be required to maintain their own property insurance, most boat owners do so year round anyway. The Marina benefits indirectly as well by preparing the boats for storage in the Fall and for launching in the Spring.

Furthermore, a year round, mid to upscale restaurant should be incorporated onto the site, one that would take advantage of the Lakefront and would not be impacted during the Winter, on the contrary, it would actually benefit by the beauty of Winter on the Lake. Additionally, again benefiting by it's proximity to the Waterfront and, the now strictly visitor/commercial (boating) designated Boathouse area, businesses suited to the tourist trade would also be developed. The Church Street area would also benefit by the additional drawing capability of the area.

Obviously parking would be required, as would direct access from Battery Street. There already exists a separate street, it intersects Battery and, I believe, North, near the College, that could be improved upon to handle the additional vehicular traffic. The present shuttle service would also be expanded to efficiently move people into the various trade/commercial areas. The present boardwalk/bike path would be extended from the Boathouse to the new Moran Complex.

The present building, ownership retained by the City, would be either remodeled or replaced based on whatever the final plans for the area are. The individual businesses within would be financed privately to suit their ultimate usage. The overall theme of the Complex would be an extension of that used for the Waterfront Park for a sense of continuity.

This is certainly a valuable opportunity for the City to increase it's revenue generating capacity and the final decision, whatever it may be, should be quickly and efficiently implemented.

Thank you.

Robert Wainwright

This building is an ideal a space to be turned into an amazing fine art museum.

The Dia Foundation did this to a similar building in Beacon, NY.  www.diabeacon.org.

Another larger scale example of this type of transformation is Mass Moca in North Adams, Massachusetts.http://www.massmoca.org/visual_arts/visual_arts.html

I have always thought that the Moran Plant was a very unique structure that screamed out for this type of application.

Thanks for your time!

Will Patlove

1) On the outer ring (an indoor XC skate skiing loop. This would be similar to what you see for indoor running tracks, of course it would have to have the technology to make, groom, and maintain a snow surface for traditional and skate type skiing. This is needed because the Champlain Valley has such poor, undependable snow conditions for XC skiing and this would provide a steady use area to supplement area outdoor facilities. In addition, it would allow a non-jarring exercise during the summer for those who can't run, etc. This track could be opened up to the outside when snow conditions on the waterfront and parts of the bide path exist for trail grooming. In addition, its location close to the Lake could allow grooming along the Lake under appropriate conditions. As you Ski on this surface picture a tall window overlooking the Adirondacks !)

2) Inside the "ski oval" would be an ice skating oval which would provide speed skating and recreational skating options. This could also be linked to ice skating on the Lake when the Lake is frozen.

3) Inside the "skate oval" would be a hockey rink which would allow a basketball surface to be set over top as well (I believe many Civic arenas have this capability). Over top the outer ovals would be stadium seating for the hockey or basketball events (UVM, etc ? )

I believe a multi-use, state of the art year round winter sports palace on the shores of Lake Champlain would add greatly to the economic health of the area. Developing the XC skiing aspect would allow the waterfront to move forward into it's potential in this areas as well as Skating.

Mike

I feel the Moran Plant should be demolished. I strongly believe that no amount of money for restoration of this ugly building is going to make for an attractive edifice. It will always be an eyesore, no matter what cosmetics are attempted.

After it is demolished, the property should be made into some type of park for the PUBLIC. This property belongs to the taxpayers and should not be sold t

Environment: Building more impervious surfaces that close to the lake will only result in more runoff right next to the boathouse and North Beach.

Cost: I understand that the cost of removing the plant will be quite affordable, and I'd be happy to contribute to that fund.

Beauty: Burlington is becoming increasingly hemmed in by development. As the countryside gets tougher to bike to or run to, the town desperately needs more green space.

All this said, I believe my comments are most probably moot, as I can't see any project getting passed for the reasons I cited as well as multitudinous others I'm not even aware of. So, to me, it's not a question of whether the city will turn the Moran into green space, but when.

Thank you for your interest.

Matt Dugan

I want to see the Moran plant torn down and replaced by a forest park--a place

with lots of trees and a few picnic tables. No more development on the waterfront! It's already beautiful as it is!

Corey

I don't have any great ideas for the future of the Moran Plant site, but I here is what I do think.

* The Sailing Center is a very valuable resource and I would like to see it enhanced as much as possible.

* I'm concerned that the Moran buildin, use of environmentally sustainable technologies, design and materials.

The Pavilions first floor would be an open pedestrian space with VT based retail shops, and could feature local artisans, crafts and other wares. The upper levels of the Pavilion would be converted to a 4-Star hotel, making Burlingtons waterfront a year round tourist destination. Boating on the lake, and waterfront festivals, activities as the summer draw. In the winter, the area is totally under utilized. With Pavilion there could be horse drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, and other seasonal activities. The idea for the Queen City Pavilion arose while Dean was running for President and I envisioned the Queen City Pavilion as Putins St. Petersburg in North America.

Improved and augmented dock space would encourage boaters on Lake Champlain to visit the waterfront. The landscape surrounding the Pavilion would be improved by incorporating innovative and sustainable stormwater treatment facilities that integrate function and aesthetics for a seamless blend with the surrounding environment. A promenade along the water front could have a small café and serve as an entrance to the public mezzanine level.

The development of the Queen City Pavillion should be done with the Public and the City of Burlingtons best interest in mind. Public uses in and around the facility should be incorporated into the renovation, design and business plan. The Queen City Pavilion would serve as the gateway to Burlington, the bike path, and the waterfront. I look forward to hearing about the other ideas at the meeting.

Dave

If you've been to Seattle or Vancouver, BC you will know of Pike's Market in Seattle and the public market on Granville Island in Vancouver. I wonder if Burlington could have such a facility combined with a craft center and perhaps the energy (and related topics) education center proposed recently in the "Free Press" or perhaps something like an Imax theater.

The food related part of a public market might limp along during the winter without the fresh produce but the artisan and specialty foods (cheese, syrup, jams, etc.) with the other elements might sustain it until the local or regional growing season kicks into gear. The local and tourist crowds at Pikes and the public market in Vancouver are astounding, and I think that the use of the facility for both local and visitor related purposes would be beneficial to Burlington, the greater community, and visitors.

I suggest your planning committee give some thought to such a concept.

Best wishes, and thanks.

Toby

Toby Knox & Associates, LLC

What if that structure were knocked down and you created an observation tower. You could get a 360 degree view with a map all the way around describing the land marks you were looking at.

For example- UVM, Whiteface Mtn, Shelburne Point, etc...

Christine Hinkel

Nothing that creative, but what's missing to me down there are year-round recreational opportunities for families that are more active (i.e. we belong to ECHO, but my kids want to run around) - indoor/outdoor playground/mini-golf/sports facility - all universally accessible (e.g. wheelchairs). Thanks,

Valerie Wood-Lewis

Imagine housed in the dynamic space of the Moran Plant a function that would draw visitors from throughout New England, while stimulating creative thinking and research. Modeled after the successful ECHO Center on Lake Champlain, the proposed New England Energy Center & Museum would incorporate interactive displays and information on a wide range of energy topics: from solar, hydro, wind, woodchip, coal, oil, and nuclear. And importantly: the role of energy conservation.

The New England Energy Center would provide a stimulating place for both school age children and adults from throughout New England to visit. The Moran Plant -- with a direct connection to the role of energy -- would provide an excellent site. The Energy Center would also be a place where conferences and educational workshops could be held. With involvement from the University of Vermont, the Vermont Law School, St. Michaels & Champlain Colleges, and other institutions, the Energy Center could also be a focal point for research on energy issues and policy.

The Energy Center would draw on the resources of Vermont energy companies, including the Burlington Electric Department (perhaps offering tours of the McNeil Generating Plant), Vermont Gas, Green Mountain Power, CVPS, NRG Systems, and many others.

The New England Energy Center would strengthen the role of both Burlington and the State of Vermont as a hub of creative thinking about energy and its role and impacts on our society. It would also closely relate to efforts of a variety of groups, such as the Burlington-based Alliance for Climate Action and VEIC / Efficiency Vermont.

Finally, it would complement -- and strengthen -- the role of the ECHO Center by creating a hub of activities in close proximity. It would attract visitors from across New England, Quebec, and likely even further. (Interestingly, in a quick search of the Internet, I found only a few energy-related museums listed, primarily the Texas Energy

Museum: http://www.texasenergymuseum.org Energy is already an incredibly important issue facing not just our region, but the nation and world. And it will only become more important in the years ahead.

The Moran Plant could provide an ideal location to house the proposed New England Energy Center & Museum.

Submitted by:

Wayne Senville

FROM: Dennis McMahon

DT: 9 June 2005

MORAN PLANT SHOULD BECOME FILM STUDIO

I believe that the best and most dynamic and civically beneficial use of the Moran Plant would be as the locale for a film production studio along the lines of the Silvercup Studios in New York City. Such a facility would dovetail with the immense reservoir of local talent as well as the unique scenic, geographic, and historic features of the region. Indeed, Burlington's favorable reputation and convenient and accessible location to Canada and other parts of New England and New York could make our area a key part of this sector of the artistic and entertainment community in North America.

In addition to research and communications with associates and various officials and entities I am working to make producers and relevant corporate and artistic personnel aware of the educational, artistic, and human resource potential of the Moran site. For example, the following [not included here] is the text of a letter to Steven Spielberg. A letter enclosing my letters to the city and state was mailed to Harvey Weinstein, co-chair of Miramax on June 6, 2005. Sony, Viacom, and Paramount have also been approached with similar communications to relevant corporate personnel.

Dennis McMahon

We think the plant should be taken down and the site left in as natural a condition as possible .. lowest possible upkeep and maintenance .. Chris & June Behr, Staniford Road

Ever since I got back from London last year I have been hot for a modern art museum in the Moran plant ala the Tate Modern Museum of Art in London.

In London there is an incredible and community enhancing installation entitled "The Sun" which takes a huge interior space to pull off. You can see more information about this online, in art magazines and I have pictures I took myself, but the idea is that you enter this amazingly huge open space, slightly dark, and find a glowing orange orb created by a half circle of backlit orange composite material wedge up against a huge broad mirrored ceiling. While you are experiencing the effect of the glowing orb you take a long look up and see everyone else experiencing it along with you. When many people are in a room at once it has quite an impact!

We could do the moon and stars ala the July Full Moon when everyone is celebratory for the fireworks and when the cold wind is blowing in the winter we can still have that warm summer sky to remind us what we love about this place we live in.

The sailing center needs some nicer space as well and there would be no reason not to keep multi-use space there, just without the pigeon nests - pigeons are one thing I learned not to desire from my experience in England.

We are such a great city, wouldn't it be cool to publicly support some kind of world cultural experience right along beside enjoying the benefits of gorgeous Lake Champlain!

Just had to have my say!

Thanks for asking,

Tamar G. C. Bouchard

Education purposes, have UVM to study the lake and find a way to clean it up.

Thanks

Rene Pellerin

Kathy Curley

I would like to see the Moran Plant cleanedup and used as a community space. The Maritime Museum would be a great fit for this space. The Maritime Museum and the Community Sailing Center are complementary organizations that need lakefront property.

Thank you,

Nicole Carpenter

I'd like to see the Moran Plant as a place for community classes and rec center with completely portions completely free and open.

Sincerely,

Evan Long

The continuation of the Community Sailing Center is a must have resource for the City of Burlington. It provides for public access to the Lake, one of Burlington's defining assets. The space should be also used for some other additional community resources, include a history of Burlington, provide bathrooms for the nearby waterfront park, bike path, and skate park. Burlington is already renowned (in my eyes) for its continuous commitment to its community, but I think this space could provide some accompaniment to the existing community resources down on the water. The building could either be demoed or renovated into a structure and learning center that promotes healthy environmental resources, include a teaching center about the utilization of water and energy resources. The poignancy of Brownfield Redevelopment could be highlighted and used to promote green space preservation. By having the bike path and sailing center near the relevance of Alternative Transportation could be easily highlighted. Put a city owned bike shop in the space to provide support for the bike path, provide bike rentals.

Any renovation or new construction done MUST be done to promote a healthier environment, sustainable development, use LEED like the other buildings on the water front. The City of Burlington has already gone far enough to establish and promote stringent building and energy codes.

Use the Moran Plant as an opportunity to have our actions continue in the steps of our words. I believe that if the City of Burlington and Greater Burlington area, were to foster the importance of these concepts it will accelerate Burlington to front of what will be an important period of change, as the State, Country, and World strive to resolve energy and environmental fiascos. As these resolutions evolve there will be a lot of new technological advancement and development, and it would provide Burlington with the opportunity to conscientiously prosper by attracting this type of revenue. To facilitate this provide office space on upper level floors for environmentally conscience business, similar to what happened at the Main Street Landing project, growing companies like Seven Generation would jump at these opportunities.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Josh Talbert

I really like the idea of using the Moran plant as a public swimming pool and recreation center. As a Ward 3 burlington resident who holds degrees in architecture, structural engineering, and civil engineering, the idea of demolishing it strikes me as absolutely ridiculous. The old power plant undeniably needs some sprucing up, but it would be a travesty to destroy a structure with such magnificent bones. Additional open space on waterfront will do nothing positive or negative for the city. On the other hand, a recreation center which attracts and engages more residents to make the waterfront a part of their daily lives will only enliven and enhance the spirit of the Burlington.

Power plants consistently make wonderful conversions for the cities where residents appreciate the value of these old structures and the vast incredible interior spaces they contain. Burlington should look to Baltimore, Toronto, London and Sydney for inspiration (see attached article, if haven't seen it before).

Thanks for seeking the public's input on this issue,

Juliet Landler

My vision for the site would make it multi-use:

- Build large windows facing the lake view to allow light and view.

- Install hardwood floors in areas that could be used for groups to engage in dance, exercise, and movement arts. (Much as the loft of the memorial auditorium is used today). I have participated in a free exercise group in that loft for over 20 years and always have a sense of gratitude towards the city for allowing me to use a public building - a great return on my tax dollar as I am a homeowner in Burlington. Others such as the African Dance class and dancers also use the auditorium space. This brings all our diverse cultural activities together under one roof.

- A large gym on another level could accommodate basketball and volleyball groups and if large enough could also be used for civic activities and concerts.

- A food concession or snackbar could generate revenue from users as well as visitors who are enjoying the lakefront.

- The land adjacent to the building could be grassed and fenced off for other activities such as baseball, dog sports including agility and flyball practice areas, a childrens play space, etc.

- The lakefront could sport a boardwalk for strollers, benches, and a boating facility similar to the boathouse.

- If the inside decor was beautified enough, some areas could be rented out for other activities such as weddings, graduations, private and public parties of all sorts.

- Attracted to the structure by the new-found beauty of the building coupled with the breathtaking view, many would be drawn to use the structure much as a 'home away from home.' As a homeowner in Burlington with no lake view and actually no view at all, I would love to have a place to go on a regular basis to relax, play and enjoy the beauty that is our waterfront.

Thanks for allowing me to express my wishes,

Maxine Holmes

I would also add some kind of play set so that our children, and our children's children, have a place where they can go to enjoy the waterfront as well. ( It shouldn't cost much for some grass seed, some benches, a couple of small trees, and a play set. ) It would seem to me that this would be the most cost effective way to deal with this problem. My brother in-law who’s from Burlington and is an architect in Boston now, has pointed out it would cost more to remodel the Moran Plant, than it would to tear it down and start over.

Jody Mesick