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There has always been strong public interest in the future use of the
waterfront, clearly demonstrated by the debate over the recent proposal to reuse
the Moran Generating Plant. Such a debate indicates a need to institute a public
process to determine the future of the Moran Plant and the waterfront in
general.
The City Council has made it policy that plans for the future redevelopment
and/or demolition of the Moran Plant property will come before the public in the
form of an advisory ballot. Previous proposals for the Moran Plant were in
compliance with the City’s Master Plan, zoning by-laws, the Urban Renewal Plan
and the Public Trust Doctrine – all of which guide what uses are appropriate for
the filled lands on the waterfront.
The citizens of Burlington are a long way from consensus regarding the
ultimate future of Moran. Some favor more intense commercial uses, some would
tear down the old plant and leave the land open, and still others have different
nonprofit and public uses in mind.
The public process will reach deeper than “democracy by public
hearing”. It will inspire creativity, imagination and innovation. Below is an
outline of this process.
Thank you for your many ideas! At this time, Idea Cards and
emails are no longer being posted: however there will be ample
opportunity in the coming months to offer your opinion on the huge
range of ideas offered. You can read the ideas submitted
here.
With hundreds of Idea Card and email submittals received, the
process of going through the cards and emails has been completed. An Idea
Technical Review Committee (I-TRC) was established to assist in
organizing the huge volume of data received. They were selected by
the City Council Parks Arts and Culture Committee based on their
expertise, experience, and objectivity.
The I-TRC completed the following tasks:
- Determined criteria for review.
- Listed, categorized, and clustered the ideas.
- Established an assessment tool/matrix for addressing
frequently asked questions and for sorting common themes
including but not limited to construction costs, traffic, zoning
and Public Trust.
- Evaluated each category or cluster for its costs and
benefits.
Idea Technical Review Committee (I-TRC)
Moran Plan Ideas Report
(10/4/2005)
This document is available in
PDF format. For the printable PDF version, you will need
Adobe
Acrobat Reader. If you do not have a current copy of this free
software, you can
download it now.
The I-TRC, all volunteers,
was disbanded at the completion of this phase. Note that they did not
make any “cuts” or rankings: that is the job of Burlington citizens.
During the “Request for Ideas” phase of the public process,
approximately 600 ideas submitted for the future
of the Moran Generating Plant.
Thirty-eight "idea categories" were
developed using the 600-plus ideas. The individual ideas were
initially scanned, transcribed, and posted online. Then the ideas
were sorted, collated, and categorized in order to advance the
public debate about Moran.
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Moran Surveys
A survey was mailed to every household in Burlington, asking citizens
to rate a list of ideas for the future of the Moran Plant, and the
importance of a variety of potential impacts. Over 1300 surveys were
returned. |
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Moran Forums
Thank you to the approximately 140 people who participated in Forums
held on October 17th, 18th, and 19th!! The Forums included an overview
of the public process, a short slide show, Question and Answer sessions,
and facilitated small group discussions. Participants were asked to
provide written comments on large sheets posted on the wall, each
representing one of the idea categories that have been generated during
the public process. Copies of the survey were made available, with
completed surveys collected at the end of each Forum.
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Requests for additional information, including more detail on
demolition costs, environmental conditions, historic status, and the
wetlands area north of the Plant, will be provided in the coming
weeks on this web page.
To review the comments gathered at the public forums along with
survey results, please click on the documents below.
Moran
Public Meeting and Survey Report
Idea Matrix and
Top 12 Ideas
(These documents are available in PDF format. For the printable PDF
version, you will need
Adobe
Acrobat Reader. If you do not have a current copy of this free
software, you can
download it now.)
To view a PowerPoint slide show, please click
here: Moran Survey (PowerPoint)
Using Instant Runoff Voting technology, selected ideas will be
put to a vote. A by-product of the entire process may be that some
ideas will come to fruition in a variety of other locations, on and
off the waterfront. Depending on results, Requests for Proposals may
then be issued. The City Council authorized the ballot below for the
March 7, 2006 election.
Ballot
(This document is available in PDF format. For the printable PDF
version, you will need
Adobe
Acrobat Reader. If you do not have a current copy of this free
software, you can
download it now.)
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“Public
participation is essential as the city considers options for the Moran
Plant site. This is an opportunity for residents to see - more
concretely -- the ideas that they voted for in March. I hope that people
will come and look at the conceptual drawings and continue to be part of
this important discussion." Mayor Bob Kiss (Fall 2006)
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On
Saturday, September 30th, 2006, over 130 people came to the Moran Plant to view
a series of concept drawings based on the list of potential uses voted
in the March 2006 Moran Survey Ballot.
Held under
the same tent that was used for the “Moran Idea Night” in 2006, this
event was part of a public process that has been ongoing since 2005,
after voters turned down a proposal for a YMCA at Moran. Below, see the
drawings and comments gathered at the event. If you cannot download
these images, please contact CEDO (802-865-7144), and they will be sent
to you via US mail in CDROM and/or printed formats.
Comparative Budget Estimates: It is very difficult to create
viable construction estimates from conceptual sketches. There are
many variables that cannot be evaluated without complete construction
drawings. These estimates have been prepared utilizing per-square-foot
costs based on national averages combined with recent estimating work on
demolition and infrastructure. COSTS ARE ONLY FOR COMPARISON
BETWEEN CONCEPTS.
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Moran Fully Demolished:
- Remove entire Moran building to one foot below grade
- Backfill with topsoil, seed and mulch
- Replace Moran with plantings, open lawn space, and
park amenities typical of Waterfront Park to the south
- Relocate Community Sailing Center to unspecified
waterfront site
Comparative Cost Estimate:
| Building Removal |
$1,200,000 |
| Infrastructure |
$2,500,000 |
| Total |
$3,700,000 |
Comments:
- I think the Moran is a landmark and should not be
completely demolished if possible.
- All ideas are interesting, but the final design
should definitely include a large public park.
- Great idea. Expand skatepark for kids.
- We have enough in the North 40.
- Yes. Keep it open.
- Don't like. Already have one. Not worth the money.
- Yes. Park open, open space needed with population
growth in Burlington.
- Need to keep sailing center. We can do better.
- Concept #3 provides a better return on investment.
- No sailing center access. Bad idea.
- Pricing should include sailing center (#4) or money
for relocation.
- No.
- Wasted opportunity. Urban reserve is available.
- This plan seems to be the most reasonable. The plant
should come down! It is an eyesore. Park space is
important for all of us - and much more inviting when
coming from the lake to the shore.
- This is my favorite option. It reduces the current
ongoing maintenance costs and leaves the site available
for future uses and provides additional park land.
- 16,000 sq.ft. more is not necessary. The 42,000
sq.ft. adjacent to it is plenty.
- Most desired because most natural, peaceful, least
amount of traffic problems, and least expensive.
- Open enough to host lots of activities.
- Clearly, minimal creative effort was put into a
conceptual drawing for a park. I wish a landscape
designer had been given as much latitude for design as
the other drawings show. My vision is one of walking
paths within heavily treed spaces with a swath of open
space all along the lakefront edge. I am very
disappointed in the boring, empty "park" depicted in
Concept #1.
- Nice, but the sailing center needs to stay!
- Pros: Encourages outdoor activities and open space
for various events. Cons: We have plenty of park spaces
(i.e., Oakledge (family-oriented), Smalley Park,
Coolidge Park, Battery Park).
- I'd like to see some use of the building.
Transporation: Public transportation must be extended to
this area, including Sundays. Minimum parking lot to
reduce pollution.
- If you can't do some variation of Plan #7, I like to
see this.
- I also like a park idea, but not as much as #3.
- I think the building should stay! Restoration of an
old building is important for communities.
- I like this idea - open green space for everyone...
- No. Dead all winter long. Not much use in summer.
Totally dead concept.
- There is enough park land underutilized.
- A cultural civic center on this site would be ideal
here for both resident and financial gain. Good to
replace Memorial Auditorium
- Demolish the derelict eyesore, take away polluted
debris, and let grass and wildflowers grow.
- Combine 1, 2 & 3.
- Tear it down. I was born 2 miles north of Moran the
year it began operation: 1953. I support the green park
idea. No more commercialism, 50' from waters edge.
Benches, sculpture, a fountain, restrooms, trash
receptacles, flowering gardens, trees (i.e. Boathouse).
I have no objections to concert shell and sailing
center, however.
- I feel that adaptive re-use is the way to take
advantage of what we have. With the other options below,
I think that removing everything would be a shame.
- Good idea. Yes. Leave sculpture garden.
- Good idea, plus seems to be cheapest version.
- I like this - keep sculpture.
- Don't need so much more open land along lake. We
have Waterfront Park.
- Keep in mind the principle of "less is more." Let's
optimize open space and as much view of the lake as
possible.
- If you can't do rec center, then this is a good
option.
- Nice plan. Basic. Need to demolish Moran Plant!
Allows open space for future development.
- I like the idea of a public park. One thing that is
missing in our waterfront parks are restrooms - not
attached to a restaurant.
- Seems like underutilization of site, especially
moving out sailing center.
- Great! Keeps space open. Doesn't add a lot of
parking.
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If the Moran Remains:
- Construct 60,000 square foot Community and
Recreation Center in the Moran that might include:
- Family Aquatic Center
- Recreation Offices/Multipurpose Rooms
- Gym/Fitness Equipment Area
- Rock Climbing Area
- Space for teens
- Walking/Jogging Track
- Snack Bar
- Construct new 16,000 square foot Community Sailing
Center at the north end of the site.
If the Moran is Fully Demolished:
- Construct 60,000 square foot new Community and
Recreation Center that might include:
- Family Aquatic Center
- Recreation Offices/Multipurpose Rooms
- Gym/Fitness Equipment Area
- Rock Climbing Area
- Space for teens
- Walking/Jogging Track
- Snack Bar
- Construct new 16,000 square foot Community Sailing
Center at the north end of the site.
Comparative Cost Estimate:
| Construction |
$16,250,000 |
| Infrastructure |
$2,500,000 |
| Total |
$18,750,000 |
Comments:
- I like this best.
- Great use of space. Accessible to all.
- Much needed for our community with the other
concepts (1, 3 & 4), complementing the community center.
Parking still issue. Public transit a must.
- Sounds expensive and other local gyms are available.
- Too expensive.
- No - too much traffic; better sites in town (eg.
K-Mart, South End).
- My vote!
- Terrible idea. Community/Rec Center should be
centrally located in the City. This concept would
greatly increase vehicle traffic along the waterfront.
Waste of waterfront land. Why does a center of this
nature need to be on the water?
- Nice. Need to be thoughtful and deliberate about
what goes into the building.
- No need to build this on the waterfront. Any
building should be one that takes best advantage of the
lake, not something that could be located anywhere.
- Separate sailing center interesting.
- Maybe, but with other uses that generate revenue to
offset cost.
- A sailing, boating school for daily, weekly or
monthly lease.
- The idea of a community recreation center is a great
idea--but not in this location. Parking and road access
cannot reasonably be provided without degrading park and
bike path usage. P.S. What is the cost of building the
new separate sailing center?
- Keep the structure. Garden on roof. Restaurant on
top floor. Sailing center on water level area. Museum
(whatever) in middle floor. Put a band shell in the
42,000 sq.ft. adjacent.
- Pretty building. Nice to see the sailing center
included. How would we recreate?
- This is what was already eliminated.
- Don't like.
- Not in favor of too many people. Don't want too much
traffic or congestion. YMCA was a bad idea!
- Pros: Space for teens to hang out (healthy
activities). I would say it needs to be adequately
staffed. Cons: Petra Cliffs, YMCA competition
(perhaps). This would or might affect local entities.
- Looks too much like Patrick Gym to me, though it's a
nice building.
- No.
- This idea would be a great addition to the
Burlington community. Pros: Area for family rec; ability
to start new programs by waterfront; great way to
encourage recreation and activity; would boost sailing
center. Cons: Traffic in park.
- I don't think that the rec center needs to be
located down on the waterfront!
- Yes - Year-round activity - makes use of indoor and
outdoor activities that give life to waterfront all
year. It should have indoor swimming, outdoor swimming,
ice skating, fitness, sauna, and sailing. Parking and
traffic are NOT the big problem they are made out to be.
- Year-round use is great. Something for everyone.
Generate employment in construction and year-round use.
- The bike path is well known throughout US and
Canada.
- Bad idea. No. Leave sculpture garden. Use as
Veterans memorial.
- Bad idea.
- No. Bad idea. High cost.
- If $ no object - love this idea.
- We could enjoy a community/rec center. Citizen
committees have definite need for rec center two times
at least. Downside - how would we pay for? Would draw
people to waterfront year-round.
- This is the best use of the site. There is a
critical need for indoor rec space. Should work together
to develop City/YMCA partnership to pull it off. Also
maintain sailing center.
- So-so. Sounds like another YMCA. Who would staff it?
- We are in need of a public pool, but it would be a
slap in the face to the YMCA to build a rec center!
- I like this concept, especially aquatic center. As a
resident, I understand the tax implication.
- No. Should keep this beautiful site for outdoor
activities. Burlington could use recreation building
someplace else.
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If the Moran Partially Remains:
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Remove top section of Moran down to the
old machine room floor level
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Construct "green roof" - a park-like setting
with walks and plantings accessible to the public
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Keep the Community Sailing Center in the
lower section of Moran under the "green roof"
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Advantages are the creation of new green space,
keeping an important community asset, and the ability to build
on top in the future
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Build band shell to face the lake between the
Moran and the Urban Reserve to reduce the impact of sound on
adjacent neighborhoods
If the Moran is Fully Demolished:
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Remove entire Moran building to one foot below grade
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Backfill with topsoil seed and mulch
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Build band shell close to the new bus turn-around
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Design band shell to be big enough for Vermont Symphony
Orchestra
Comparative Cost Estimate:
| Construction |
$800,000 |
| Partial Removal of Moran |
$800,000 |
| Sailing Center |
$840,000 |
| Infrastructure |
$2,500,000 |
| Total |
$4,940,000 |
Comments:
- I like this second.
- No.
- Maintains sailing center, adds concert with a lot of
green space for good value! This is it!
- This one is my vote. In all of them turn
around/dropoff should be covered.
- Have a concert hall up the hill. Waste.
- Maybe.
- I also like this idea.
- Great! Love the green roof! Band shell only good if
for free concerts.
- Like it, although the building is unattractive.
Would prefer to spend more on the building's aesthetics.
- I like the green roof concept and the band shell,
but how is this different from Battery Park band shell -
larger? If one goal is "maintaining ability to build on
top in the future, maybe better to just retain Moran for
possible space.
- Best use. The best of #1 and #4 and band shell.
- Don't we have one?
- A concert band shell is not needed and probably not
economically viable. The summer concert scene is already
having problems nationally with ticket sales. The VSO is
great, but it's not going to compete with the BSO at
Tanglewood or the NYO at Saratoga. Also, like concept 2,
parking and traffic are incompatible with existing park
and bike path access.
- Keep the structure. Garden on roof. Restaurant on
top floor. Sailing center on water level area. Museum
(whatever) in middle floor. Put a band shell in the
42,000 sq.ft. adjacent.
- Like this as well. Wonderful place to gather and
listen to music - all ages. How would you handle traffic
problems?
- How is this different from Battery Park band shell?
- Nowhere near the parking to support the 2,000-3,000
that should/might show up for a band shell show.
- I always wanted to see a better place for concerts,
but we need a civic center on the waterfront with plenty
of parking, easy to get in and out, not just for outdoor
concerts.
- Not here.
- This is my vote! Great for displaying VT's great
music. Keep Sailing Center!
- Cons: Battery Park has a similar band shell. There
is not a need for this limited type of structure. Also,
residents will complain about the noise.
- I like the park on the building. More trees, though.
- Love this concept to keep it green with the Sailing
Center. Must keep LCCSC here.
- This is my first choice - great solution!
- I like the idea of a band shell on the waterfront.
It adds a wonderful ambiance that is needed! #1 choice.
- I like this concept the best. I would, however, add
to this an indoor/outdoor market to bring people down
year-round. Many models for this in Montreal. Also like
the green roof concept. No matter what, keep and expand
the sailing center.
- No. We have a band shell that gets limited use -
only a few days a week for 2-3 months a year.
- Band shell only useful 3-4 months and subject to
weather. Is not a good investment.
- Yes. This will bring great tax revenue and attract
shoppers to Church Street.
- I like this idea best. I believe the Sailing Center
should stay and then combine with other public uses.
- O.K.
- Even though the Sailing Center would remain, I do
not believe that spending $ no a band shell with another
at Battery Park is the best use of funds.
- No. Too much parking.
- Bad idea.
- No - too expensive.
- Best on a budget that is limited. Would love to see
an outdoor pool or "bubbled" pool added to this concept.
- The Battery Park band shell is not now fully
utilized. We don't need another.
- No.
- We already have a band shell at Battery Park. Don't
need another.
- Not enough parking. Neighbors will never let it
happen.
- This is also a good idea, if price of #2 is too
high.
- Good. Preserves open space.
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If the Moran is Partially Demolished:
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Remove top section of Moran down to the
old machine room floor level
-
Construction "green roof" - a park-like
setting with walks and plantings accessible to the public
-
Keep the Community Sailing Center in the
lower section of Moran under the "green roof"
-
Advantages are the creation of new green space,
keeping an important community asset, and the ability to build
on top in the future
If the Moran is Fully Demolished:
-
Remove entire Moran building to one foot below
grade
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Backfill with topsoil, seed and mulch
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Construct new Community Sailing Center (16,000 square
feet) at the north end of site
Comparative Cost Estimate:
| Partial Removal of Moran |
$800,000 |
| Sailing Center |
$840,000 |
| Infrastructure |
$2,500,000 |
| Total |
$4,140,000 |
Comments:
- Yes. No other place to sail in Burlington. Need to
take advantage of lake.
- A bit less money, so #2 alternative to #3 - best.
- Second choice.
- Second choice.
- Looks like a cool thing to do. Think that you need
to keep the sailing center. It's a great part of the
City. I was a founder of the High School team and it is
growing. Please keep this center but make it better.
- Love the idea of the green roof and keeping the
sailing center where it is. Don't move the sailing
center! It's so important for the City. #4 definitely
seems to be the most cost effective.
- Yes - keep sailing center - great resource.
- There is a youth sailing program. It would be a
shame to displace them and other boating activities.
Waterfront property is valuable, but boating is very
necessary to have water, whereas most of the proposed
concepts do not require water.
- Great! Love the green roof! CSC is most important
community asset on this site. Should be supported and
improved!
- Like it, although the building is unattractive.
Would prefer to spend more on the building's aesthetics.
Prefer #3.
- To me, green roof works if it's green - works less
as place for potential future buildings. We could make
it a "Community Safety Center." Given its
structure, it may be the safest place to go.
- The absolute best idea. There is no other option for
small boat owners in Burlington.
- If City doesn't think it will use a band shell,
otherwise #3 is the way to go.
- Fine. Maybe own facility or better facility.
- A sailing, boating school for daily, weekly or
monthly lease.
- I like this concept as well (although #7 is my
favorite). I think it is important to keep the sailing
center, and I love the green roof.
- Keeping the first floor of the Moran Plant makes no
aesthetic or financial sense. The resulting sailing
center would be inferior to constructing a new sailing
center. Again, it would be helpful to know what the cost
of a new stand alone sailing center - here or elsewhere.
Plus, who's paying for the sailing center - taxpayers or
sailing enthusiasts?
- Keep the structure. Garden on roof. Restaurant on
top floor. Sailing center on water level area. Museum
(whatever) in middle floor. Put a band shell in the
42,000 sq.ft. adjacent.
- Nice.
- At $4 Million, this is a deal. The Sailing Center
could accomplish that capital campaign of $840,000.
- Sounds very nice indeed. The community sailing
center needs to stay here!
- Sounds the best out of 7.
- I actually like the Moran building! It's historical
and, cleaned up, could stay here. Sailing center is
great and belongs here. Waterfront activities fit with
waterfront. Museums, etc. can be elsewhere. In general,
don't want to see hordes of people and cars in this
beautiful spot.
- This is a great nonprofit agency and community
organization, but has a limited audience...so it would
be best if the space could be more than the sailing
center.
- Whatever the decision, keep the sailing center.
- Great idea with rooftop views for the public keeping
sailing center on site. Must keep LCCSC here.
- No.
- A sailing center is nice, but can't be utilized
fully all year-round.
- Sailing center needs to be relocated!
- I am in favor of this use. I think encouraging more
traffic in the summer with a great sailing center and
limiting traffic in winter.
- No. Limited to a small segment of population and
limited to summer only.
- Sailing center is only ancillary activity useful
less than 1/2 of year.
- This area is one of the top 10 scenic areas in U.S.
and should be developed/preserved to utilize our prize
waterfront. Sailing center for sailboats is a perfect
fit for both resident and tourist viewpoint. Radio
control sailing should be expanded as a national draw
for tourist business.
- O.K.
- Yes - You do!
- Looks great - I love the green roof and believe that
the sailing center is an important part of the
Burlington Waterfront.
- Use smaller building for combined sailing
center/winter house for public.
- Good idea to combine park with sailing center, plus
seems to be one of the cheaper versions.
- #1. Keep sculpture. I like the idea of keeping the
sailing center. Good cost.
- We need this in BTV on lakefront so keep it please.
- Like to keep sailing center, but prefer option 7.
- I would prefer that the sailing center be kept and
combined multi-uses in the rest of the building (i.e.,
#6).
- I think this concept would be the best one overall
since the costs are quite modest. However, you still
have the option to incorporate any of the more
"extravagant" concepts down-the-road while still using
the area for parks & recreation in the interim.
- This plan leaves the sailing center. We already have
a band shell at Battery Park. This leaves the place
quite open for future development and takes down the
higher part of the building - which part is an eyesore.
I like the added infrastructure with parking and
bathrooms. This is my favorite plan.
- The best plan, especially if the Moran Plant is
demolished first, and then the sailing center is newly
constructed.
- I also like the idea of a park and sailing center
combined, but where would all the boats be stored?
- #3 is a better idea and not much more expensive.
- Good. Sailing center is appropriate for waterfront.
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If the Moran Partially Remains:
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Remove the top section of building,
erect new museum facility on top of the old machine room
floor
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Keep the Community Sailing Center in the
Moran under the Museum structure
-
Advantages are the creation of new green
space, keeping an important community asset, and the ability
to build on top in the future
If the Moran is Fully Demolished:
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Remove entire Moran building
-
Construct 16,000 square foot Museum on the Moran
site
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Locate Community Sailing Center (16,000 square feet)
on north end of the site
Comparative Cost Estimate:
| Moran Removal |
$1,200,000 |
| Construction |
$800,000 |
| Infrastructure |
$2,500,000 |
| Total |
$4,500,000 |
Comments:
- Bad idea.
- We don't need another venue that not everyone can
afford.
- We don't need another museum now - maybe later. We
already have Fleming Museum and the Echo Center. Need to
have a sailing center.
- No.
- Maritime Museum would draw people to the waterfront
year-round, and has an income stream which would help
funding.
- I don't see need for museum.
- Bad idea.
- No. Prohibitive to general public use - not open
space - not needed - Echo Center is there. Too
expensive.
- Not.
- Can you get Vergennes Maritime to move here? If so,
this could be a year-round attraction.
- 2nd choice. Better than summer only uses, but there
is already one Museum on the waterfront.
- This is another pretty good idea, but not as good as
#3.
- This is my second choice - I like the idea of a Lake
Champlain Maritime Museum II closer than Ferrisburg!
- Keep structure. I'd really like to see a museum
honoring the history of Burlington, maybe also
Chittenden County. I like the idea of maritime museum
too. How about both? Educational aspects for community.
Grants to pay. Keep sailing center.
- I will be honest. This is an awful idea. We have the
Fleming and the Echo and just 10 minutes away is
Shelburne Museum. This does not set well with me.
- We have ECHO.
- History museums are struggling across the nation.
This investment would require continued State and local
money (substantial) for years to come.
- Beautiful building but boring. No focused
activities.
- Like having a museum at this spot. Keep art alive
for all ages is desperately needed! Like to keep the
green space.
- Keep the structure. Garden on roof. Restaurant on
top floor. Sailing center on water level area. Museum
(whatever) in middle floor. Put a band shell in the
42,000 sq.ft. adjacent.
- This option has the same parking and traffic
problems of other intense use options.
- A saving space for boats of 40 feet or 8-1/2 feet.
- Only in combo with other uses.
- No.
- Doesn't take advantage of lakefront.
- This would depend on what kind of museum. This
probably isn't my favorite.
- There are better uses for this space than a museum.
Least desirable proposal.
- Museum of what? There's already a Lake Champlain
Museum in Panton. Why no green roof? Increased vehicle
traffic would be bad for the waterfront park.
- #1 vote. This idea really appeals. The City of
Burlington should have its own fine art museum. Can we
combine the Art Museum, the Band Shell and a sailing
center?
- First choice.
- If the money is there, it would be a stronger,
all-year use for the building - another "bookend" to
ECHO. Create long-term use.
- No. ECHO is fine.
- I don't think we need another maritime museum in
Vermont. We need a children's museum more like Montshire.
ECHO doesn't really fill this need. Or perhaps a museum
focusing on Vermont/Burlington history with some
hands-on exhibits for younger visitors.
- No. Focus development next to the existing city
buildings - keep area next to Urban [Reserve] open.
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If the Moran Partially Remains:
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Remove top section of Moran down to the
old machine room floor level
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Construct "green roof" - a park-like setting
with walks and plantings accessible to the public
-
Keep the Community Sailing Center in the
lower section of Moran
-
Advantages are the creation of new green space,
keeping an important community asset, and the ability to combine
several public uses
-
Space for additional uses
If the Moran is Fully Demolished:
-
Remove entire Moran building to one foot below grade
-
Backfill with topsoil, seed and mulch
-
Relocate Community Sailing Center to unspecified waterfront
site
Comparative Cost Estimate:
| Partial Removal of Moran |
$800,000 |
| Multifunctional Building |
$3,000,000 |
| Sailing Center |
$840,000 |
| Infrastructure |
$2,500,000 |
| Total |
$7,140,000 |
Comments:
- I like #3 better.
- Not happy with idea.
- Do not relocate sailing center to "unspecified"
site.
- Rec center/sailing center.
- I like this because it keeps the old Moran Plant,
still has some green roof, keeps sailing center, doesn't
require demolition and still has park land. Has
community multi-use building for community aspect.
- Bad idea.
- No. Tear it down.
- Not.
- Undefined use is poor planning. There area already
enough "white elephants" on the waterfront.
- No. Too green - no clear winter use. Too limited to
sailing.
- I don't really like this.
- No.
- I like this one - park like roof, multi-use, museum,
atrium - this seems to use several of the ideas. Maybe
increase trees, benches, etc. in sculpture garden. Build
a small, ramped observation area on the roof park.
- N/A
- Sounds lovely indeed.
- General public use year-round would require a
significant draw such as ECHO.
- Great building, but not a clear focus of the space.
- With this concept, I'd be worried about huge traffic
problems.
- No.
- Tear it down. New construction will be more cost
effective than retrofitting.
- Also fine idea.
- Use the entire structure.
- No.
- What's the point? Keep the sailing center as in #3 &
#4. Anything else can be located elsewhere. Should have
no commercial purpose.
- Why bother?
- Not as good as option 3.
- What other uses? No commercial!!!
- Third choice.
- No.
- I support this concept. It keeps the flavor of the
lake with the sailing center yet enhances the use for
people who do not sail. Also maintains open space for
future needs.
- No. Green roof good. Keep sailing center in place.
- I like the multi-tier roof space - could be
concert/band shell also.
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If the Moran Remains:
-
Construct small "green roof" -
accessible to the public
-
Keep the Community Sailing Center in the
lower section of Moran
-
Advantages are the creation of new green
space, keeping an important community asset, and the ability
to combine several public uses
-
Space for additional uses
If the Moran is Fully Demolished:
-
Remove entire Moran building to one foot below
grade
-
Backfill with topsoil, seed and mulch
-
Relocate Community Sailing Center to unspecified
waterfront site
Comparative Cost Estimate:
| Construction |
$9,000,000 |
| Infrastructure |
$2,500,000 |
| Total |
$11,500,000 |
Comments:
- I like #2 better.
- Big, ugly, probably toxic building.
- Definitely remove Moran Plant.
- I like this concept best. I think the roof cover
should be flat instead of curved.
- I like this because it keeps the old Moran Plant,
still has some green roof, keeps sailing center, doesn't
require demolition, and still has park land. Has
community multi-use building for community aspect.
- We need to somehow make something that can
self-support the cost.
- Bad idea.
- No. Tear it down.
- Not.
- Combine this building for #2, but move sailing
center, since this is only seasonal. Would make Moran a
year-round facility.
- No. Too green, no clear winter use. Too limited to
sailing.
- Absolutely no!
- Last choice.
- Very attractive and keeps the building with its
functional, yet historical aspects - turning lemons into
lemonade.
- I like keeping the old building, although the costs
seem astronomical. You could do "unfinished" loft studio
space for artist and public, non-profit art gallery.
- My concern is that the space won't be used fully -
that some won't be rented. I like atrium (enclosed)
idea.
- N/A
- Think I like it.
- General public use year-round would require a
significant draw such as ECHO.
- This is the only plan that keeps the building. I
have seen the inside, many years ago, and it could
become a great place for shows, exhibitions, meetings,
etc. With the proper sales job, that is, show the inside
to the people, you would have a much easier time
convincing people that this concept is the best one.
- This is a great old building - so I favor whatever
scheme will retain as much of the existing exterior as
possible. The other choices seem awfully BLAND!!
- The building is gorgeous and unique. The building
excites. Yeah!!!
- Traffic problems with this concept as well.
- Keep the structure. Garden on roof. Restaurant on
top floor. Sailing center on water level area. Museum
(whatever) in middle floor. Put a band shell in the
42,000 sq.ft. adjacent.
- Tear it down. New construction will be more cost
effective than retrofitting. Also traffic problems.
- Also works, as long as sailing center can remain.
- I like this idea if the building is kept. I think it
is very important that the sailing center remain (in any
concept). I love the green roof, and I like the idea of
renovating an existing structure which already provide
great waterfront views - it seems wasteful to build
something from scratch.
- I like the openness at the top. Would love to see
the whole building kept and re-use for museum and lake
use.
- Demolish entire building. Create waterfront park
with band shell and sailing center.
- Yes. Public.
- No.
- Ahh---no.
- Best! A use that does not require much parking. Keep
the structure.
- This best preserves the existing building and gives
the most possible choice in uses. This or #3 are my
favorites.
- This is the best, as it is a synthesis of all the
ideas basically. The building should not be demolished
because it is an integral part of the town. This allows
more park space, area for more cultural development or
public offices and allows a part of the town's history
to remain and be converted into usable public space.
- Not as good as Option 2.
- No commercial!
- Ugly - tear it down.
- No.
- I support this concept. It keeps the flavor of the
lake with the sailing center, yet enhances the use for
people who do not sail. Also maintains open space for
future needs.
- Good for all residents. Retain the original
structure and history.
- No.
- Maintains existing building with opportunity for
offices in tower.
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General Comments:
- We support the presence of the sailing center at the
site and think that any final design should include the
center.
- It makes sense to use the foundation and perhaps
lower floor of the building.
- It does not seem to make sense to make this area a
park given that it is effectively cut off from the main
part of the waterfront and probably would receive few
visitors.
- We are in favor of the multi-use design that
includes an aquatic center. We think that a public
swimming pool is one thing that Burlington really needs.
We realize that this option has the biggest price tag,
but perhaps there are innovative ways to fund part of
the construction costs.
- This space is a missed opportunity if it doesn't
draw people year-round. Concept #2 provides that.
- Save the building. Incorporate more parking and
public bathrooms.
- Expect all need more public parking. Wider access
road. Want most community use.
- Thanks for the chance to comment.
- This viewing day was very poorly advertised. Need to
get more of public aware and educated. This is a major
decision!
- Go back to square one and have the group that
developed Boston and Baltimore Harbors re-evaluate the
potential here in Burlington Harbor.
- Parking - traffic moving easily in and out - big
concern.
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What Happens Next?
- The public process on the future of Moran held in 2005
provided a shortlist of potential uses that were voted on in the
March 2006 Moran Ballot Survey, now shown in concept drawings.
- The City Council Parks Arts and Culture Committee is moving
the public process forward, and oversaw the completion of the
concept drawings and comparative estimates for each use listed
on the ballot.
- The concept drawings and estimates should reinvigorate
public interest in the future of Moran and assist in providing
information to the City Council and the public.
- There is no established timeline for action; however, the
condition of the building is deteriorating. Taking care of the
building is a continuing expense to the City.
- Now that the concept drawings are complete, the Mayor and
full City Council will revisit the issue and provide direction
for next steps.
- Citizens interested in the future of Moran should contact
CEDO, Mayor Bob Kiss or their City Councilors, whom will be
debating the issue in the months ahead.
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To view current information regarding the Moran Plant
Redevelopment Proposal, click here.
Page last updated
May 24, 2010
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