HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 03 Public Comments not related to agendaPublic Comments Not Related to the Agenda
received between 4/28/2020 and 5/13/2020
provided in alphabetical order by last name
1
Marla Keene
From:Matt Cota
Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2020 10:23 AM
To:chbergero@aol.com
Cc:Marla Keene
Subject:Re: EXTERNAL: mkeene@sburl.com
On May 8, 2020, 8:35 PM ‐0400, chbergero@aol.com <chbergero@aol.com>, wrote:
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, Matt:
I am writing to you to express my concern about the proposed second phase of the O'Brien development project. I own
a condo in the original Lancaster Farms (99 Eldredge Street), and have been saddened by the loss of the rural
landscape which was so beautiful 6 years ago when we bought this property. The total proposal of 873 dwellings will
certainly negatively impact the one of then few remaining natural resource lands left in South Burlington.
I further feel that any discussion or meetings of the DRB now, given the anxiety and stresses most of us are feeling due
to the coronavirus, will not be able to gather the honest public feedback so necessary for a thoughtful approach to this
development. I know the meetings are "open" to the public via Zoom or other means, but I also know that most people
are just too fatigued right now to participate in anything beyond trying to make ends meet, educate their children, and
figure out new work environments or unemployment challenges.
I respectfully ask you to pause all DRB meetings until the city of South Burlington opens up fully.
Thank you for your consideration,
Cathy Bergeron
1
Marla Keene
From:Chrysanne <cchotas@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 6, 2020 10:29 AM
To:Matt Cota
Cc:Marla Keene
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.
Hello
I recently learned that the DRB was continuing to hold meetings on proposals that are of important concern to south
burlington at a time when we are all focused on barely getting through each day. If the strategy is to move
controversial proposals through quickly it seems to be working but it is so, so wrong. Please please put these meetings
on hold until we have some idea when we are coming out of this horrible time. It’s terrible to continue like this.
Thank you!
Chrysanne Chotas
40 woodthrush circle
1
Marla Keene
From:Alida & John Dinklage <jadinklage@MyFairPoint.net>
Sent:Tuesday, April 28, 2020 3:02 PM
To:Meaghan Emery; Tim Barritt; David Kaufman; Tom Chittenden; Helen Riehle; Marla Keene; Cota, Matt;
Mark C. Behr
Cc:Kevin Dorn
Subject:EXTERNAL: Keep the wheels of government turning
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 Councilors and DRB Members (Marla, please send this to all the DRB members),
Requests have been made to suspend DRB proceedings until we are past the need for social distancing. Current
projections suggest that restrictions on gatherings of people, especially for us vulnerable seniors, will be needed well
into the fall. This is indeed a time of great stress and dislocation. But government must continue to function. There is
essential work to be done to ensure our economic recovery after the pandemic has passed. The DRB proceedings are
part of that essential work, in my opinion. We should bend over backward and go the extra mile to conduct our
government in an open, transparent, inclusive, respectful and responsive way. There are ways to do that, ways that we
have not utilized before. They may be awkward and not optimum, but it can be done. The charge by Gov. Cuomo to New
Yorkers is a good guide: be tough, smart, disciplined, unified, and loving.
This note is sent to you individually so as not to contribute to any fusillade of social media comments or letters to the
editor re this matter. Thank you for all the work you do for our community and for considering these comments. With
best regards, John Dinklage
1
Marla Keene
From:Sandra Dooley <dooleyvt1@comcast.net>
Sent:Thursday, April 30, 2020 3:14 PM
To:mhc343@gmail.com
Cc:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: FW: 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 Matt,
I just learned, based on an article in The Other Paper, that the City Council does not
have the power to suspend the operation of the Development Review Board. Thus, my
email below was misdirected.
I hope this email is not a violation of any rule. Still, I want to thank you for the
leadership and commitment to South Burlington residents and property owners that
you demonstrate by maintaining the operation of the DRB during the pandemic. In my
assessment the DRB’s work is fundamental to the City’s obligation to provide planning
and development services to residents and property owners (and their representatives)
and, as a result, you should continue to meet as long as you can do so in a manner
that does not threaten public health and provides meaningful access to the public to
participate in its proceedings.
Best regards,
Sandy (Dooley)
Note to Marla: I would appreciate your sharing this email with the other DRB
members.
From: Sandra Dooley [mailto:dooleyvt1@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 11:08 AM
To: 'Helen Riehle' <helenriehle@gmail.com>; meaghanee@yahoo.com; timbobo3@yahoo.com;
Thomas.chittenden@gmail.com; 'David Kaufman' <dkaufman@sburl.com>
Cc: kdorn@sburl.com; pconner@sburl.com
Subject: the work of the Development Review Board
Dear City Counselors,
2
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.
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 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 .
3
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
1
Marla Keene
From:Sally Howe <sallyhowe72@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 8, 2020 3:01 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: O'Brien development
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Marla -I sent this to Matt Cota and cc'd Helen Riehle and cc'd you with an incorrect address, so I'm re-sending
it to you.
Dear Matt. I am dismayed to learn that the DRB continues to meet to apparently rush approval of the huge
O'Brien development. The City Council has requested that meetings not be held during the pandemic, yet you
are holding meetings and scheduling extra ones. Are you in a hurry to rush this through while those of us
preoccupied with the pandemic won't notice until it's too late? Our current economic crisis does not cry out for
extensive new commercial and residential construction-to the contrary, there will likely be even less demand
for these.
The impact of this development on our infrastructure will be enormous. We already need our middle and high
school buildings replaced or overhauled, which the City's voters have so far deemed way too expensive. Where
will the hundreds of new students go to school, and who will pay for it? What about traffic and roads, and
increased demand for city services? Our taxes will go up some more, as the new development will not pay for
itself.
The land on which this is proposed has been identified during Interim Zoning as a particularly critical piece of
open space, to be protected for the sake of our wildlife and ecosystem. In addition, it has been considered
important open space for South Burlington for almost 20 years.
So I ask again, what's your hurry? Does this project not deserve, and require, that citizens know it's being
proposed, that they have input into deliberations?
I urge you to suspend your meetings until such time as those of us who will bear the consequences and cost can
participate in the process. I believe the City of S. Burlington desires and encourages citizens to participate in
evaluating these kinds of projects. It should not proceed under the radar.
Thank you.
Sally Howe
12 Woodbine St.
‐‐
Sally Howe
1
Marla Keene
From:Iris Mcdonald <irismcd@together.net>
Sent:Tuesday, May 5, 2020 3:06 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: DRB mtgs
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Please stop having these DRB meetings in isolation. Please wait until the residents of South Burlington are allowed to go
to meetings and can give input. To me, it seems that This is not a democratic process.
Sent from my iPhone
May 6, 2020
Dear Chairman Cota and DRB Members,
I am writing to urge you to suspend meeting during this corona virus pandemic when citizens
are observing the stay home/stay safe rules. As you undoubtedly know, offering “virtual”
participation is hardly an incentive for citizen involvement during a public health emergency
when people are coping with illness and death among their family and friends, massive changes
in every aspect of daily life, and uncertainty and stress over the duration and long term
consequences of the pandemic.
The City Council asked that the DRB and all city committees, in the interest of citizen
participation and maximum transparency, cease meeting. However, you have declined
because, as reported in The Other Paper, “government must go on.” Really? WHY must the
DRB hold their meetings? What is so urgent that it must be addressed immediately when civic
participation is expected to be the lowest?
I do not mean to suggest that I think the work of the DRB is trivial or unimportant and thus
should be postponed. However, the truth is that it is NOT ESSENTIAL that it meet now. While
you are all hardworking members, you are not “essential” as the term is applied during crises.
Yes, you have a role to play in “government” but it is one that can easily be postponed.
So, if you can easily postpone meeting and thereby increase civic engagement and DRB
transparency, why do you insist on meeting? Why must you rush your work? If your answer is
that you are in the process of considering the largest development in the history of South
Burlington, I would think that is the very best reason for suspending your meetings until you
can maximize civic involvement. As you must know, Phase Two of the O’Brien Development is
not only enormous but it is to be built on land that the Interim Zoning Open Space Committee
identified as “highest value” natural resource block. This is a highly controversial development
proposal and would have enormous long‐term effects for our city.
Under normal circumstances, hearings on this development would be lengthy, contentious, and
require considerable time and respectful listening by DRB members. I suppose I can
understand that it would be appealing to you to just slide this all through during a time when
citizens are paying attention to the urgencies of their daily lives. However, I respectfully remind
you that you asked to be appointed to the DRB and now must do THE BEST work you can on a
difficult issue. I urge you to listen to the City Council and listen to the citizens who are asking
you to wait to consider such an enormous development when they too can have their voices
heard. If you want to have the trust and respect of all the residents of South Burlington, you
need to wait until your meetings can truly be open, accessible, and engaging to all.
Thank you and may you all stay well.
Darrilyn Peters
1
Marla Keene
From:KAREN RYDER <kmryder@comcast.net>
Sent:Friday, May 8, 2020 9:03 AM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: Fwd: 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.
Marla, I incorrectly addressed this to you so I am resending it.
Karen
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: KAREN RYDER <kmryder@comcast.net>
To: mcota@sburl.com
Cc: mkeen@sburl.com
Date: May 8, 2020 at 8:49 AM
Subject: DRB meetings
Dear Matt Cota, DRB Chair
I am deeply dismayed that the DRB has continued to meet virtually
during this pandemic. In case you are unaware, most of us are in
somewhat of a turmoil given the multitude of daily adjustments that
have been necessary to deal with the current situation. As a result, we
have been distracted from what was our regular routine and emotional
state. Attending DRB meetings, especially virtually (which I happen to
know is difficult for many of us to even know how to do), is not at the
top of the list of our concerns.
I know that a large O'Brien development tract on land identified by
the IZ Open Space Committee as high priority for conservation is now
under review by the DRB. This is one of the most sizable pieces of
development in recent memory and one that will alter the configuration
of our community, wildlife habitat and scenic beauty. Mitigation local
pollutants and climate will also be negatively affected.
2
Beyond that, the School Board recently proposed large school
construction, one of the bases being that our schools are overcrowded.
This proposal was soundly defeated on Town Meeting Day. And now we
are going to build more residences for families with children? The
reasoning astounds me but surely the wider community should be aware
and involved considering more development, particularly such a large
one.
Regardless of one's opinion, the fact that plans for approval of this
development are going through the DRB when distractions are
abundant and requests have been made for the DRB to stop virtual
meetings ( and by the City Council, no less) until we can gather and
discuss in an open meeting is, in my opinion, disregarding the
importance of community input. I have no idea why it is essential to
proceed given the immense impact on SB residents and services.
I respectfully request, as have others, that you cease DRB meetings
until current restrictions allow open meetings in actual buildings in
rooms designed for this purpose.
Karen Ryder
20 Duchess Avenue
1
Marla Keene
From:Susan Saferstein <susanghc@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 5, 2020 3:53 PM
To:Matt Cota; Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: DRB Business
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 Mr Cota
It is inappropriate for the DRB to continue to hold hearings during our City and State‐wide pandemic
response. Simply because you are 'allowed' to hold meetings, does not mean you should. It is tone deaf to
the current situation. While there may be some citizens who are able to attend in these circumstances of
remote access, when they would not have been able before, there are many who find it difficult to attend or
adequately participate to the required level of detail.
Please reconsider your decision and stop holding your committee meeting until the City is resuming business
as usual.
Susan Saferstein
‐‐
Susan
1
Marla Keene
From:Matt Cota
Sent:Thursday, May 7, 2020 12:54 PM
To:Barbara Waters
Cc:Michael Mittag; Marla Keene
Subject:Re: EXTERNAL: Halt DRB until public can attend
On May 7, 2020, 12:32 PM ‐0400, Barbara Waters <barbarakwaters511@gmail.com>, wrote:
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Please pause all meetings until the city is again open to public attendance at DRB meetings.
We all live here; we are all affected, both by COVID and by the long term effects of decisions of the DRB.
We should be able to attend the meetings.
Barbara Waters
6 Duchess Ave
S. Burlington, VT 05403