HomeMy WebLinkAboutpub comments re DRB meeting compiled 2020-04-281
Marla Keene
From:Tyler Barnes <tyler@crossfittt.com>
Sent:Monday, April 27, 2020 11:00 AM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: Support for the DRB's Continuation During COVID-19 Pandemic
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Hi Marla:
It has come to my attention that some community members are encouraging the Development Review Board (‘DRB’) to
suspend activity during the COVID‐19 pandemic. While I appreciate the concerns of these citizens, I am writing to voice
my support for the continuation of the DRB’s activity during the pandemic.
As the owner of a small, South Burlington business, these efforts concern me. My business may require revisions to it's
floor plan and layout to safely accommodate patrons in a post‐pandemic World. These revisions would require approval
from the DRB. Cessation of their activities during the crisis would further delay when we can re‐open, and may
inadvertently result in our permanent closure.
I am not alone. Construction and development play an important role in South Burlington’s economic welfare. Stopping
the DRB further jeopardizes our economies’ ability to rebound from this crisis by hampering this important sector’s
ability to expeditiously restart once this crisis abates. Said more simply: once it's safe to re‐open, our economy is going
to need all the help it can get. We should be doing everything we can to support initiatives that will help it responsibly
re‐open more quickly. The activities of the DRB exactly reflect such efforts, and should continue accordingly.
Legislative bodies such as the DRB should continue their activities so long as they are able to do so in a safe, effective
manner that neither compromises their efficacy, nor violates the State’s open meeting laws. The DRB has demonstrated
that they are able to conduct their activities in a safe manner by hosting their meetings remotely. By inviting citizens to
attend the meetings via remote teleconferencing software, not only are they adhering to Vermont’s open meeting laws,
but also they are preparing South Burlington citizens to the realities their elected governing bodies will face post‐
pandemic (moving forward, open meetings that allow for in‐person attendance may very well be a luxury that we simply
cannot afford. Civic engagement will still be necessary and welcome, but will need to be in a different format).
Accordingly, there is no reason to suspend DRB activity.
Some contend that the DRB should suspend operation because the regulations upon which the board will be basing it’s
decisions may not reflect either the City’s post‐pandemic needs, or it’s citizen’s wishes. I understand such concerns. I
also would remind the DRB of both the vehicles we have to allow citizens to voice such concerns, and the process that is
in place to make such changes and amendments. These vehicles and policies are incredibly important tools in ensuring
that our citizens are heard, and that the legislation followed reflects both the will and intent of the people. In times of
crisis, it is of the utmost importance that we adhere to these policies and processes. Abandoning them sets a dangerous
precedent – one that suggests that our laws should be bypassed in favor of politically expedient solutions whenever
convenient.
This is not to suggest that this pandemic is a minor inconvenience. These are exceptional times. I don’t fault anyone for
suggesting that we should discuss whether we should suspend activities like the DRB. That said, if bodies like the DRB
2
can safely and reasonably execute their duties during these difficult times, they should. If they can’t, they shouldn’t. The
DRB has shown that it can, and thus should continue. It shouldn’t be stopped because some in the community don’t
agree with the regulations upon which the DRB is basing its decisions. Failing to do so puts us at risk for having crises
used as tools to further political agendas.
Thanks in advance for your consideration,
Tyler Barnes
Managing Partner / CEO ‐ Threshold Training
1879 Williston Road
South Burlington, VT 05403
1
Marla Keene
From:Janet Bellavance <janetbellava@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, April 26, 2020 10:26 PM
To:Matt Cota; Brian Sullivan; Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: Pause DRB Meetings
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
4/26/20
Dear Matt Cota (chair) and DRB Members,
I am concerned about why the Development Review Board has not paused their meetings as other committees
have. We are living in unprecedented times. Everywhere I look I see ordinary people doing great things at the
local and state level to support their community and the well being of their fellow citizens.
In contrast, the DRB is continuing to hold meetings when the average citizen is preoccupied with this
pandemic-- whether it be worried about their parents, teaching and caretaking their children, coping with
isolation, working from home, concerned about job loss and finances, and/or struggling to keep informed so
their family stays safe. Participating virtually is problematic for many reasons and not an option for some
people.
This is not a time when DRB meetings should be happening. The fact that the DRB is holding a special
meeting this Tuesday April 28th, in addition to your regular meeting last week, to discuss large scale
development in our city (the 83 acre O’Brien proposal) gives the impression that you are trying to push
something through with limited public input, while the ordinary resident is struggling with the effects of this
event. For sure, a project of this massive scale will dramatically impact the local community as well as the
entire city of South Burlington. Again, this is a vulnerable time for many people and the DRB meeting seems
out of tune with the City Councils’ pledge to be transparent. It appears that you are taking advantage of these
challenging times to benefit the interest of a single developer over the interest of the community at large. This
creates an image of favoritism versus inclusion, which is the foundation of our democracy.
I urge the DRB to show consideration and understanding of what people are going through by pausing your
meetings until such time when citizens are more fully available to participate. We make our best decisions
about the future of South Burlington when there is robust conversation and varied citizen input. Thank you for
considering my request.
Sincerely,
Janet Bellavance
1
Marla Keene
From:Paul Conner
Sent:Monday, April 27, 2020 5:02 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:Fwd: EXTERNAL: DRB meetings
Paul Conner
Director of Planning & Zoning
City of South Burlington
575 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 846‐4106
Begin forwarded message:
From: Leslie Black‐Plumeau <lblack‐plumeau@vhfa.org>
Date: April 27, 2020 at 4:53:13 PM EDT
To: Helen Riehle <hriehle@sburl.com>, Meaghan Emery <memery@sburl.com>, Thomas Chittenden
<thomas.chittenden@gmail.com>, Tim Barritt <tbarritt@sburl.com>, David Kaufman
<dkaufman@sburl.com>
Cc: Kevin Dorn <KDorn@sburl.com>, Paul Conner <pconner@sburl.com>, John Simson
<simsonjohn0840@gmail.com>
Subject: EXTERNAL: DRB meetings
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when
opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Greetings City Council.
In this uncertain time requiring remote meeting participation, I am writing to thank you
for the stability created by the continuation of DRB meetings. Like South Burlington,
Many Vermont towns are working hard to meet new challenges presented by remote,
public meetings. Based on a quick look at some towns in our neck of the woods, I found
at least 4 others who recently held public DRB meetings successfully (Winooski,
Hinesburg, Williston and Shelburne).
Postponing DRB decisions directly adds to the cost of the residential development
planning process. In addition, housing becomes less affordable when the local housing
supply is prevented from expanding to meet demand. Unfortunately, South Burlington’s
experience during the past decade demonstrates this. Since 2010, South Burlington’s
housing growth slowed to an annual pace of about 1.4% (from 2% in the prior decade).
Meanwhile, the median price of all houses sold here shot up to $417,000 in 2019 from
under $300,000 in 2010, according to Vermont Property Transfer Tax records.
2
This month my family has newfound gratitude for the Vermonters who deliver packages
to us, collect our garbage and work at the hospital. South Burlington has an opportunity
to choose actions that improve rather than reduce the affordability of its housing for the
essential workers here that we count on.
Thanks so much for your continued leadership,
Leslie Black-Plumeau
Leslie Black‐Plumeau | Community Relations & Research Manager
164 St. Paul St, Burlington VT, 05401 | 802.652.3429
Vermont Housing Finance Agency
vhfa Affordable homes for a sustainable Vermont
1
Marla Keene
From:Paul Conner
Sent:Tuesday, April 28, 2020 11:25 AM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:Fwd: EXTERNAL: the work of the Development Review Board
From: Sandra Dooley <dooleyvt1@comcast.net>
Date: April 28, 2020 at 11:08:31 AM EDT
To: Helen Riehle <helenriehle@gmail.com>, "meaghanee@yahoo.com" <meaghanee@yahoo.com>,
"timbobo3@yahoo.com" <timbobo3@yahoo.com>, "Thomas.chittenden@gmail.com"
<Thomas.chittenden@gmail.com>, David Kaufman <dkaufman@sburl.com>
Cc: Kevin Dorn <KDorn@sburl.com>, Paul Conner <pconner@sburl.com>
Subject: EXTERNAL: the work of the Development Review Board
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when
opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Dear City Counselors,
I understand you have been asked to halt the work of the Development
Review Board until “we are through these trying times.” As a 46-year
resident of South Burlington and someone who cares deeply about our
wonderful City and its residents, I write to disagree, respectfully.
Yes, the pandemic is having varying effects on individuals’ capacity to
engage in activities that had been routine prior to its onset; I am sensitive to
this fact, both personally and more broadly. For me, how we and our
“institutions” (for lack of a better word) are adapting can be a source of
encouragement. As an example, I am heartened by the fact that some
activities are continuing, though differently, in spite of the pandemic. This
gives me the comfort of knowing that the “new normal” has not wiped away
as much of the “past normal” as it might have.
I put the work of the DRB in this category. I appreciate and applaud the
willingness of the volunteer DRB members to continue their work, though
remotely, and the electronic access that City staff have made available to
enable so many residents to participate in their meetings. This access
may result in “new” and, perhaps, even more participants in DRB
proceedings than in the past.
2
Another point is that the pandemic is not the only major threat to our well-
being and way of life. Another threat relevant to this question is global
warming. We need more housing close to where people work so that more
Vermonters have shorter commutes to their jobs, closer access to public
transportation and paths for biking or walking to work, plus carrying out
other activities of daily life. South Burlington also needs more housing to
increase its housing stock, thus, taking some pressure off the current
imbalance between supply and demand that contributes to the scarcity of
affordable housing in the City and region.
With the participation of residents that are interested in and capable of
doing so and the skills and experience of our DRB members and City
Planning and Development staff, the DRB can carry out its work
competently with results that are in the best interest of the City. In addition,
due to Interim Zoning, development in areas that might have adverse
effects on natural resources in many areas of City is receiving a further
level of scrutiny.
As an example of the DRB’s demonstrated capacity to deal with large and
complicated developments (without the extra layer of Interim Zoning), I cite
their recent decision that denied a permit for the proposed Dorset Meadows
development (Final Plat Application #SD-19-27). A reading of this 27-page
decision gives me a strong sense of pride in the proficiency, thoroughness,
and respect for our regulations reflected in the DRB’s and City staff’s work
.
Yes, the process is different due to the pandemic, and I empathize with
anyone who finds him- or herself less able to participate as fully as
desired. On the other hand, it appears that you (the City Council) have
acted responsibly and with care to enable the Development Review Board
to continue its work in a manner that is transparent and enables a vast
proportion of City residents to participate, should they so desire.
In short, I ask that you support the continued operation of the Development
Review Board during the pandemic unless new circumstances arise that
make this path untenable in your judgment.
Thank you for your dedicated service to the City of South Burlington,
including all who live, work, recreate, do business, and visit here.
Best regards,
Sandy Dooley
3
1
Marla Keene
From:william embick <wembick@hotmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, April 28, 2020 9:07 AM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: Suspension of the DRB
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
I understand that there is a push to suspend the South Burlington Development Review Board (DRB) because of
COVID-19. I am against this measure.
This is a rather melodramatic solution. When past crises threatened Vermont, we never resorted to suspending
the functions of local government. The British threatened to invade Vermont throughout the War of 1812; local
government remained functioning. The Spanish Flu of 1918 killed thousands of Vermont residents; local
government remained functioning.
Please keep the DRB functioning.
Please respond, thank you.
William Embick
South Burlington
1
Marla Keene
From:Rosanne Greco
Sent:Saturday, April 25, 2020 5:39 PM
To:Matt Cota; Marla Keene
Cc:Helen Riehle; Meaghan Emery; Tim Barritt; Tom Chittenden; David Kaufman
Subject:Pandemic-related request
Attachments:DRB omments 4-7-2020 (word).docx
Dear Matt and Development Review Board Members (Marla, please share this with the entire Board),
This morning a friend called to talk about the massive O’Brien development she read about in the Burlington
Free Press; but we ended up talking mostly about the pandemic. I came to the realization that I am not coping
well during this unprecedented time in my life, and that this is affecting me more than I’d like to admit. I doubt I
am alone in my reactions. I am sharing this with the members of the Development Review Board because I
am unable to continue to participate in DRB meetings during this worldwide crises even though I am
passionate about trying to save our open lands from environmentally and economically destructive
developments. During normal times, you would be seeing and hearing from me (and others) during your
discussions on large development projects, such as the O’Brien proposal. But these are not normal times.
Even in normal times, we rarely know what people are coping with. But, in this life-changing time, personal
and family troubles have increased and/or are exacerbated for many people. I have no idea if the pandemic
has affected any of you physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially. But it certainly has done that for
others, including me.
I am scared for members of my family and for close friends, some of whom have compromised immune
systems, who are working essential jobs. Some of my loved ones are in Vermont, some are in other states. In
a nearby neighborhood, two friends of mine (both parents with young children) contracted Covid-19. Another
friend who works in a hospital called me crying about her fears for herself and her colleagues. Two days ago, I
called to check on another friend only to learn she was admitted to the hospital because of suicide-related
psychological issues. A week ago, I watched as an ambulance pulled up to a neighbor’s house and took my
neighbor out on a stretcher. And, every day I am further stressed by the dysfunctional political circus
broadcast on TV, as well as the ever rising death count. I know I am not the only one affected by these
concerns and fears.
Only a few things are truly essential. The work of the DRB and other city committees are not essential right
now. To conduct business as usual shows a rather callous disregard for what human beings are
experiencing. It is hard to imagine that anyone who is truly absorbing what is happening in their neighborhood,
in our city, in our state, in our country and in our world would not be affected and under great stress. Lots of
people, in addition to being physically shut up, are also emotional and mentally shut up as well.
We are fortunate that South Burlington’s City Council is transparent, inclusive, and respectful in the way they
conduct city business. I am asking that their sensitivity and approach be adopted by the DRB as well. For the
sake of democracy, please suspend all DRB actions until we are through these trying times. Common sense
alone tells us that you lose citizen input during a global pandemic. These times will pass…ideally in the next
few months. There is nothing that the DRB is doing that cannot wait another few months.
Please try to understand what many residents are experiencing, and show your respect and compassion for us
during this incredibly difficult and fearful time. If citizen input matters, please call a halt to all DRB meetings
until this time of crises has passed. Thank you.
Rosanne Greco
South Burlington
2
PS. I am attaching the comments I made before the DRB during your April 7th meeting
April 26, 2020
Open Letter to the South Burlington City Leaders;
You, the leaders and people we have entrusted with running our City, must continue to stay positive and
productive. You have chosen to lead, whether it is as the City Manager, Chair of the City Council, Police
Chief, Fire Chief, City Clerk, Chair of the Planning Commission, or Chair of the Development Review
Board. You must remain resilient and hopeful. You must help our City be ready to pivot to help our
residents with strategies for working smarter and faster in uncertain, and rapidly changing and primarily
virtual workplaces.
The residents of South Burlington who have not lost their jobs, now more than ever are enjoying what
South Burlington has to offer. We will continue to work from home, while we care for our children,
relatives, pets and homes. You must make it worth our decision to stay and work remotely.
This is not the time for the gears of our government to grind to a halt. Our City, our State, our Nation
have to be prepared to support economic recovery. For those of us who are still working, we need your
help – we have to have certainty that the clients we are working with will have homes, roads, Fire and
Police Departments that have continued to function well in anticipation of our businesses reopening.
It is far past time to emerge from the “shock” stage of COVID-19. You cannot wallow in the worry and
catastrophic thinking phase. It is time for the mental strength, grit, resilience, planning and adapting for
the “new” normal. Think about our residents who are out of work. Think about our furloughed City
employees, all probably struggling with the ridiculously broken State unemployment benefits system.
They do not deserve anyone thinking about shutting down the ongoing planning and decision making
processes of our City Government. They have endured enough, South Burlington is better than that.
If the work you were doing the day you started to work remotely was important, it is even more
important now. Do not walk away. Keep up your work, your community needs you now more than ever.
Pam Mackenzie
40 Hummingbird Lane
South Burlington, VT 05403
802-343-9923
Pmackenzie221@comcast.net
1
Marla Keene
From:Claudia J. Miller <claudia@cjmillervt.net>
Sent:Sunday, April 26, 2020 4:44 PM
To:Matt Cota; Marla Keene
Cc:Rosanne Greco; Helen Riehle
Subject:EXTERNAL: FW: Pandemic-related request
Attachments:DRB omments 4-7-2020 (word).docx; Untitled attachment 00447.html
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Dear Matt and Development Review Board Members (Marla, please share this with the entire Board),
Rosanne is right and has spoken beautifully about the current climate and issues. I whole heartily agree with all of her
points that she has so eloquently presented.
During this pandemic it is unconscionable to be continuing with the DRB meetings.
The public needs ample opportunity to participate in these meetings and clearly right now that is not possible for so
many reasons.
Please suspend these meetings immediately.
Sincerely,
Claudia Miller
48 Old Schoolhouse Road
South Burlington, Vermont 05403
802‐863‐8271
From: Rosanne Greco <rosanne05403@aol.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2020 5:40 PM
To: Sarah Dopp <sarah.dopp@uvmhealth.org>; Janet Bellava <janetbellava@gmail.com>; Michael Mittag
<mittag.michael@gmail.com>; Duncan Murdoch <duncanhmurdoch@gmail.com>; Karen Ryder
<kmryder@comcast.net>; Allan Strong <allan.strong@uvm.edu>; Darrilyn Peters <darrilynp@comcast.net>; Kathy & Will
Hays <kwhays@comcast.net>; Louise Hammond <karmakosmo7@aol.com>; Noah Hyman <noahehyman@gmail.com>;
Claudia Miller <claudia@cjmillervt.net>; Bob Brinckerhoff <robertbrinck@aol.com>; Steve Partilo <partilo@yahoo.com>;
Andrew Chalnick <andrew@chalnick.net>; Dunia Partilo <dunialex@yahoo.com>; Daniel Seff <dseff@yahoo.com>; Kelly
Lord <kellyllord@gmail.com>; gonda05403@yahoo.com
Subject: Fwd: Pandemic‐related request
FYI
Begin forwarded message:
From: Rosanne Greco <rosanne05403@aol.com>
Subject: Pandemic-related request
Date: April 25, 2020 at 5:38:42 PM EDT
To: Matt Cota <mcota@sburl.com>, Marla Keene <mkeene@sburl.com>
2
Cc: Helen Riehle <hriehle@sburl.com>, "memery@sburl.com" <memery@sburl.com>, Tim
Barritt <tbarritt@sburl.com>, Tom Chittenden <tchittenden@sburl.com>, David Kaufman
<dkaufman@sburl.com>
Dear Matt and Development Review Board Members (Marla, please share this with the entire
Board),
This morning a friend called to talk about the massive O’Brien development she read about in
the Burlington Free Press; but we ended up talking mostly about the pandemic. I came to the
realization that I am not coping well during this unprecedented time in my life, and that this is
affecting me more than I’d like to admit. I doubt I am alone in my reactions. I am sharing this
with the members of the Development Review Board because I am unable to continue to
participate in DRB meetings during this worldwide crises even though I am passionate about
trying to save our open lands from environmentally and economically destructive
developments. During normal times, you would be seeing and hearing from me (and others)
during your discussions on large development projects, such as the O’Brien proposal. But
these are not normal times.
Even in normal times, we rarely know what people are coping with. But, in this life-changing
time, personal and family troubles have increased and/or are exacerbated for many people. I
have no idea if the pandemic has affected any of you physically, mentally, emotionally, or
financially. But it certainly has done that for others, including me.
I am scared for members of my family and for close friends, some of whom have compromised
immune systems, who are working essential jobs. Some of my loved ones are in Vermont,
some are in other states. In a nearby neighborhood, two friends of mine (both parents with
young children) contracted Covid-19. Another friend who works in a hospital called me crying
about her fears for herself and her colleagues. Two days ago, I called to check on another
friend only to learn she was admitted to the hospital because of suicide-related psychological
issues. A week ago, I watched as an ambulance pulled up to a neighbor’s house and took my
neighbor out on a stretcher. And, every day I am further stressed by the dysfunctional political
circus broadcast on TV, as well as the ever rising death count. I know I am not the only one
affected by these concerns and fears.
Only a few things are truly essential. The work of the DRB and other city committees are not
essential right now. To conduct business as usual shows a rather callous disregard for what
human beings are experiencing. It is hard to imagine that anyone who is truly absorbing what is
happening in their neighborhood, in our city, in our state, in our country and in our world would
not be affected and under great stress. Lots of people, in addition to being physically shut up,
are also emotional and mentally shut up as well.
We are fortunate that South Burlington’s City Council is transparent, inclusive, and respectful in
the way they conduct city business. I am asking that their sensitivity and approach be adopted
by the DRB as well. For the sake of democracy, please suspend all DRB actions until we are
through these trying times. Common sense alone tells us that you lose citizen input during a
global pandemic. These times will pass…ideally in the next few months. There is nothing that
the DRB is doing that cannot wait another few months.
Please try to understand what many residents are experiencing, and show your respect and
compassion for us during this incredibly difficult and fearful time. If citizen input matters, please
call a halt to all DRB meetings until this time of crises has passed. Thank you.
Rosanne Greco
South Burlington
3
PS. I am attaching the comments I made before the DRB during your April 7th meeting
1
Marla Keene
From:Paul Conner
Sent:Monday, April 27, 2020 12:20 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:Fwd: EXTERNAL: Suspension of DRB meetings
From: John Simson <simsonjohn0840@gmail.com>
Date: April 27, 2020 at 11:46:01 AM EDT
To: Helen Riehle <hriehle@sburl.com>, Meaghan Emery <memery@sburl.com>, Thomas Chittenden
<thomas.chittenden@gmail.com>, Tim Barritt <tbarritt@sburl.com>, David Kaufman
<dkaufman@sburl.com>
Cc: Kevin Dorn <KDorn@sburl.com>, Paul Conner <pconner@sburl.com>
Subject: EXTERNAL: Suspension of DRB meetings
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when
opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Hello all,
I have read the email from Roseann Greco calling for the suspension of DRB functioning for the extent of
the Covid‐19 shutdown. I assume your original decision to maintain the DRB was well thought out and
consistent with decisions by the State and other Vermont cities and towns. it is an inconvenience for
citizens to have to rely on technology to participate but the opportunity is there and meets the
requirements of the open meeting laws I believe. The DRB has a vital role by making decisions that will
either deny or allow development to go forward, thus giving property owners and developers a timely
response to enable sound planning. Shutting down the DRB will shut down development in the urban
areas of the City as well as the SEQ.
I also take issue with those who oppose development in South Burlington. We are not an island. The
City is part of the economic core of Chittenden County with beautiful open space and forests in the
surrounding rural communities. We have a significant portion of the jobs in the County. We are at the
confluence of the transportation systems of the region. We have one of the best planning offices in the
State. No one who is concerned about the perils of climate change would recommend the long term
reliance on long commutes to work, education or health care via personal gas powered vehicles. Nor
would one advocate for sprawl of population in open land miles away from our City. Denser
development near jobs, schools and health care should be our vision for the future. Right now there is a
shortage of housing at all price points. The vacancy rate is less than 2%. Ideally it should be around
5%. Many, many of our residents are paying too much for housing and it has been made worse by the
pandemic. More housing should be built in South Burlington, and soon. The O'Brien Farms
development is needed and appropriate, in my opinion, but it certainly should be adjudicated by the
DRB on a timely schedule so that it can be approved, modified or denied to serve the developer and the
citizens with a decision rather than uncertainty.
Thank you for your leadership.
2
John G. Simson
‐‐
I have changed my email address. Please send future mail to: simsonjohn0840@gmail.com