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7:05 pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Connie Gunther, Roger
Marshall, Elisa Nelson, Brendan Bush.
Open Forum
Roger Marshall announced that the Special Budget Task Force that
he sits on should be coming out with recommendations soon. He also
expressed his dismay at the makeup of the group, with 1/3 being
appointed citizens, 1/3 school department, and 1/3 school board.
CEDO Director Larry Kupferman requested time on the January or
February agenda to discuss a proposal for a Clean Energy Assessment
District. The proposal will need voter approval to create the
district, and also to fund it. The proposal would be for a property
tax assessment for energy efficiency upgrades.
Roger Marshall asked Larry Kupferman if Jenny Davis’ job would be
included in his 2010 budget. Larry responded that yes, it would.
Larry also announced that Moran Plant funding questions might be
another good topic for a future NPA meeting agenda. He stated that
there would be an open house at the Moran Plant in early October.
Neighborhood Improvement Night was announced. It will be on
October 21 at Champlain Elementary. 6pm dinner and 6:30 assembly.
Childcare will be available. There will be a presentation on the
Municipal Development Plan (MDP), with time for Q&A and a survey.
Pine St. Deli
Michael Alvanos, owner, reports that the Pine St. Deli would like
to amend the zoning of their property and several adjacent
properties (St. Anthony’s, Howard Space) from Medium Residential to
Neighborhood Activity Center. They are looking into possible
building renovation to add apartments and change the permits for the
store. All stakeholders would be able to make improvements on their
properties if the zoning change is made. The long range goals for
the Pine St. Deli would be to renovate their current space, fix old
problems that they inherited in the current structure, and address
past inconsistencies.
Jason Van Driesche asked for specifics on the boundaries of the
proposed change, and Michael was unsure of the exact boundaries.
Roger Marshall asked if they planned on removing the curb cut
that allows cars to cut through the light at Flynn and Pine. Michael
responded that this would likely happen as part of a more
comprehensive zoning amendment.
Jason asked if they were planning on adding floors to the
existing structure or knocking it down and starting again. Michael
answered that they want to leave the foundation, but redesign the
building and landscaping of the property.
Michael concluded with a message that their next meeting with the
planning and zoning department would be on Oct 1.
Safe Streets Collaborative
Jason Van Driesche (jason@localmotion.org), the Education and
Safety Manager at Local Motion, presented on the Safe Streets
Collaborative. The goals are to increase safety awareness and
promote a culture of respect, with an initial focus on bicycling,
walking, and driving. He asked that the NPA help get the word out
about the program.
There will be bike safety 101 courses around town for people who
want to learn more about bike safety.
Car Share Vermont
Annie Borden, Executive Director of Care Share Vermont, announced
that CSV is in its ninth month, and has over 350 members. They have
8 cars, with a ninth on the way with assistance from a state climate
change grant of $12,000. Their most used vehicle is driven about 9
hours a day, and their least used vehicle about 3. Their members get
an electronic key and can make reservations for the car in 15 minute
increments. They are looking to expand to more cars.
CDBG Neighborhood Grants
Jenny Davis announced that Burlington gets federal grant money
meant to be used to improve the lives of moderate to low income
residents. There is a four page application that must be filled out
to request money for a CDBG grant.
The deadline for applications is Dec. 15, but the NPA and city
departments have to sign off first, so residents will likely present
at the November and January NPA meetings.
Parks & Recreation
Lisa Coven and Anna Thelemarck, who has taken over Bob Whelan’s
old job, presented on Smalley and Champlain park improvements.
Anna talked about an idea of a natural playground for Smalley
Park, which would use natural materials with no prescribed way to
play with or use things. Money would be available from Penny for
Parks revenues for such a project.
Lisa talked about improvements that have already been made at
Champlain Park, but expressed regret that there were “undesirable
elements” taking over the park. She would like to solicit
neighborhood feedback in October or November to discuss the future
of the park.
South End Dog Park
Connie is still looking for a location for a dog park in the
South End.
Back to Agenda
Page last updated
December 17, 2009
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