HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 07_550 Park Rd_Blackrock_FP1
CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
SD‐21‐06_550 Park Road_Blackrock_FP.docx
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ZONING
Report preparation date: February 12, 2021
Plans received: December 22, 2020
550 Park Road
Preliminary Plat Application #SD‐21‐06
Meeting date: March 3, 2021
Owner
Highlands Development Company, LLC
P.O. Box 132
Lyndon Ctr., VT 05850‐0132
Engineer
O’Leary Burke Civil Associates
13 Corporate Drive
Essex Jct, VT 05452
Property Information
Tax Parcel 0570‐01100
Southeast Quadrant – Neighborhood Residential North
4.42 acres
Applicant
Blackrock Construction
68 Randall Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
Location Map
PROJECT DESCRPTION
Final plat application #SD‐21‐06 of Blackrock Construction for the 6.91‐acre “Wheeler Parcel” phase of a
previously approved master plan for a 450‐acre Golf Course and 354‐unit residential development. The
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planned unit development consists of establishing three lots for the purpose of constructing a public
road, 22 dwelling units in two‐family homes, and 10 units in single family homes, 550 Park Road.
CONTEXT
The project is located along Dorset Street, across from an existing residential development on Nicklaus
Circle which consists of two‐family homes. It is served by an existing recreation path on Park Road and
Dorset Street and is in an area identified in the Comprehensive Plan as an area of very low intensity
development consisting principally of open space.
PERMIT HISTORY
This 6.91 acre parcel is part of the 8/24/2015 “Amended Agreement Among the City of South Burlington,
Highlands Development Company, LLC and JAM Golf, LLC” (“Amended Agreement”). The parcel itself
was the subject of a land exchange between the City and these parties. The Amended Agreement
incorporates the 9/28/2015 “Amended Consent Order and Decree” (“Consent Order”), which approves
at the Master Plan level up to 32 dwelling units for this “Wheeler Parcel” lot in buildings consisting of
between one and four dwelling unit each. The Amended Agreement determined that the preliminary &
final plat reviews for the Wheeler Parcel would take place under an amended set of Land Development
Regulations, established through a collaborative process between the City and property owner.
“6. New Land Development Regulations for Wheeler Parcel Project Area.
a. A portion of the City Parcel, specifically the +/‐6.91 acres currently in the Wheeler Nature Park
east of Dorset Street and north of Park Road, being the lands labelled ‘6.91 Acres CITY of SOUTH
BURLINGTON to JAM GOLF, LLC’ on the survey incorporated herein as Exhibit A also referred to
as the Wheeler Parcel Project Area, is not presently in a zoning district that allows the use
contemplated by this Amended Agreement. The City agrees to amend its Land Development
Regulations, including necessary maps, to allow the Wheeler Parcel Project Area to be developed
with a maximum of 32 dwelling units in structures consisting of 1‐4 dwelling units within the
intent of this Amended Agreement. The City and Developers agree to cooperate and to work
together to ensure that the amendments contain provision that allow development of residential
structure consisting of 1‐4 dwelling units similar in type and size to those presently existing in the
Project, that include site and building design standards similar to those applicable to the
Southeast Quadrant, Neighborhood Residential Subdistrict version of the Land Development
Regulations that took effect on May 7, 2012, and that include site design standards that require
compatibility with adjacent natural areas. Applications for preliminary and final plat and site
plan approval for the Wheeler Parcel Project Area that be reviewed under the amended Land
Development contemplated by this Paragraph 6 (the ‘Amendments’).”
The amended Land Development Regulations contemplated in the paragraph above were adopted by
the City Council and took effect January 11, 2016, and were subsequently amended effective January 25,
2016 to correct an error in the included maps. The parties agreed that the January 25, 2016 regulations
would satisfy condition #6 of the Amended Agreement above.
The Board reviewed the sketch plan application for the project on January 22, 2020. Preliminary Plat
(#SD‐20‐17) was approved on June 17, 2020.
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COMMENTS
Development Review Planner Marla Keene and Planning and Zoning Director Paul Conner, hereafter
referred to as Staff, have reviewed the plans submitted by the applicant and have the following
comments. Numbered comments for the Board’s attention are in red.
A) DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
The Applicant is proposing to subdivide one existing parcel into two lots in preparation for development
of 32 homes on one lot and construction of a public roadway on the other lot. The non‐contiguous
residential lots must be considered as individual lots, making this a three lot subdivision.
SEQ‐NRN Required Proposed
Min. Lot Size 40,000 sf 2.23 ac (Lot 2)
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@ Max. Building Coverage 15 % 30 %
@ Max. Overall Coverage 30 % 46 %
Min. Front Setback* 20 ft. 20 ft.
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Min. Side Setback 10 ft. 30 ft.
Min. Rear Setback 30 ft. N/A
@ Max. Height (pitched roof) 28 ft. Unknown
Max. Stories 4 2
Max. Stories below roofline 3 2
Max. Stories facing street 2 2
*Along Dorset street, there is a minimum 50‐foot setback as well as specific landscaping buffer
and setbacks enumerated in Table 9‐2A and described below. The City owns an approximately
42‐foot strip of land between the development parcels and the Dorset Street right‐of‐way.
@ See discussion below
1. The applicant is proposing footprint lots. This action would create non‐conforming lots
(being of insufficient individual size, and having zero setbacks, and no road frontage) and
therefore will not be considered individual lots for the LDRs. For purposes of the LDRs,
footprint lots 1 through 18 shall be considered one lot with the common land on Lot 1.
Footprint lots 19 through 32 shall be considered one lot with the common land on Lot 2
located on Parcel D. Staff recommends the Board require the applicant to record a “Notice
of Condition” to this effect which has been approved by the City Attorney prior to recording
the final plat plan.
2. Porches may protrude up to 8‐ft into the front setback per 9.08C. The homes, excluding
porches, are set back a minimum of 20‐ft.
The master plan approval addressed the topic of overall coverage and building coverage, stating that the
maximum coverages were 30% and 15%, respectively. This must be provided on an overall basis,
however, and not on a project by project basis. The applicant approximated that the master plan is at
2% building coverage and 16% overall coverage. At preliminary plat, the Board found the applicant’s
proposed coverages acceptable in the context of the overall master plan. Staff considers no significant
changes to coverage have been proposed and recommends the Board approve the proposed coverages.
The SEQ‐NRN was established in 2016 as a specific response to a legal settlement agreement creating
this development area. It was intended to be similar to the adjoining SEQ‐NR district, but to “include
site design standards that require compatibility with adjacent natural areas.” The SEQ‐NRN district
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includes only this parcel, therefore it is assumed that the intention of the drafters of those regulations
was strict compliance of this project with the standards of the SEQ‐NRN. Compared to the SEQ‐NR, the
SEQ‐NRN contains additional regulations pertaining to landscaping buffers, and to height. Figure 9‐2A
illustrates the areas of these additional regulations.
Landscape buffers are discussed below.
Pertaining to height, this application presents three height‐related issues. In order from most specific to
most general, they are SEQ‐NRN height standards, adjustment of preconstruction grade, and maximum
building height.
SEQ‐NRN height standards: Within the SEQ‐NRN district there are three zones in which
buildings are limited to one story. The applicant has proposed to locate eight dwelling units in
these areas, consisting of four single family units and four units in duplex homes. At preliminary
plat, the Board required the applicant to provide revised elevations showing roof lines
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consistent with that of a traditional one‐story home, and not having more than one floor level,
as part of the final plat applications. Staff considers the provided elevations satisfy this
requirement.
Adjustment of Preconstruction Grade: At preliminary plat the Board found that there shall be
no adjustment of preconstruction grade in the single story areas because it would be counter to
the purpose of the single story areas, but allowed the applicant to request adjustment of
preconstruction grade pursuant to 3.12 outside of the single story areas. The Board further
found that the height in the single story areas may be no more than 18‐20 feet measured from
average preconstruction grade. The applicant has not provided enough information to evaluate
whether this condition of preliminary plat has been met1.
Further, the applicant has provided in their list of requested waivers a request for adjusted
preconstruction grade, but has not indicated whether the preconstruction grade shown on the
plans is adjusted or actual.
1. Since the Board has already determined adjustment of preconstruction grade is not allowed in
the single story area, Staff recommends the Board require the applicant clarify their plans to
show existing preconstruction grade and requested preconstruction grade, and if necessary,
amend their request to only request adjusted preconstruction grade outside of the single story
area.
Maximum Building Height: Outside the single story area, the applicant did not provide
maximum heights measured to the midpoint of the roof as required by the Board at preliminary
plat.
2. Staff recommends the Board require the applicant to demonstrate that the proposed house types
in the single‐story area will not exceed 18‐20 feet and that the proposed house types in the other
areas will not exceed 28 feet.
B) SOUTHEAST QUADRANT DISTRICT
The following general requirements of 9.06 are applicable to all sub‐districts.
A. Height. See Article 3.07.
(1) Heights of structures within the SEQ‐NRN sub‐district shall adhere to the standards of the
SEQ‐NR sub‐district except where limited by the requirements in Section 9.08.(C)(8).
See discussion above under dimensional standards.
B. Open Space and Resource Protection.
(1) Open space areas on the site shall be located in such a way as to maximize opportunities
for creating usable, contiguous open spaces between adjoining parcels, creating or enhancing
stream buffer areas, or creating or enhancing buffers for primary or secondary natural
communities.
1 Information provided includes requested preconstruction grade, grade of the first floor, grade of the garage floor,
and maximum roof height, but not all of this information is provided for all units, and no information about the
height at the midpoint has been provided for any building type.
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At preliminary plat, the applicant proposed a central open space consisting of a community
recreation path and community garden. In response to public and Board comments, the applicant
has removed the central open space in order to preserve an existing wooded area. The community
gardens are now located near the western road entrance to the development. In the context of the
master plan, Staff considers this criterion met.
(2) Building lots, streets and other structures shall be located in a manner consistent with the
Regulating Plan for the applicable sub‐district, allowing carefully planned development at the
average densities provided in this bylaw.
The master plan settlement agreement allowed for up to 32 units on this parcel. 32 units are
proposed. Staff considers this criterion met.
(3) A plan for the proposed open spaces and/or natural areas and their ongoing management
shall be established by the applicant. Such plan shall describe the intended use and maintenance
of each area. Continuance of agricultural uses or enhancement of wildlife habitat values in such
plans for use and maintenance is encouraged. Existing natural resources on each site shall be
protected through the development plan, including (but not limited to) primary natural
communities, streams, wetlands, floodplains, conservation areas shown in the Comprehensive
Plan, and special natural and/or geologic features such as mature forests, headwaters areas, and
prominent ridges. In making this finding the Development Review Board shall use the provisions of
Article 12 of this bylaw related to wetlands and stream buffers.
One application requirement is that the applicant submit “A written plan to preserve and protect
significant existing vegetation during and after construction. Such plan will be of sufficient detail
that the City of South Burlington will be able to inspect the site during construction to ensure that
existing vegetation is protected as per the plan.” The applicant has provided a Vegetation
Management Plan, sheet L‐102, indicating how each type of landscaping area is to be maintained.
This includes preservation of a wooded area in the center of the parcel.
3. Staff recommends the Board consider whether to require the applicant to modify the
maintenance requirement for the wooded area to include removal of invasive species.
The applicant has also provided an EPSC Construction Plan, sheet E2, indicating which areas are to
be protected during construction. The applicant has indicated the interior wooded area will be
protected by a construction fence.
4. Staff recommends the Board require the applicant to modify this plan to indicate that the
wooded area, extending to the outer edge of the root zone, is not to be disturbed. Staff
understands it is somewhat unconventional to have a no disturb “island” in the middle of the
construction site, but considers that damage to existing mature trees is irreversible and therefore
extreme precaution is warranted. Staff considers such limit of disturbance should be reviewed by
the City Arborist prior to approval.
Further discussion of preservation of existing vegetation is included under 9.08D(2)(a) below.
(4) Sufficient grading and erosion controls shall be employed during construction and after
construction to prevent soil erosion and runoff from creating unhealthy or dangerous conditions
on the subject property and adjacent properties. In making this finding, the Development Review
Board may rely on evidence that the project will be covered under the General Permit for
Construction issued by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
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The project will be covered by a Construction General Permit. Staff has reviewed the erosion
prevention and sediment control plan and considers it generally compliant with LDR Article 16.
(5) Sufficient suitable landscaping and fencing shall be provided to protect wetland, stream,
or primary or natural community areas and buffers in a manner that is aesthetically compatible
with the surrounding landscape. The use of split rail or other fencing made of natural materials is
encouraged. Chain link fencing shall be prohibited except:
(a) fencing for agricultural purposes, and
(b) fencing for recreational purposes, such as baseball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball
courts, dog parks, or similar activities. Any chain link fencing installed for these purposes shall
be plastic coated in either dark green or black.
In all cases, proposed fences shall comply with this section and section 13.17 (Fences) of these
Regulations
The applicant has proposed split rail fence along the perimeter of the property. There is one
wetland located adjacent to the property, to which the proposed stormwater treatment system
discharges. This wetland is beyond the proposed fence by more than 250 ft. Staff considers this
criterion met.
C. Agriculture. The conservation of existing agricultural production values is encouraged through
development planning that supports agricultural uses (including but not limited to development plans
that create contiguous areas of agricultural use), provides buffer areas between existing agricultural
operations and new development, roads, and infrastructure, or creates new opportunities for
agricultural use (on any soil group) such as but not limited to community‐supported agriculture.
Provisions that enhance overall neighborhood and natural resource values rather than preservation of
specific soil types are strongly encouraged.
The master plan identified this lot as a development parcel, therefore Staff considers this criterion met.
D. Public Services and Facilities. In the absence of a specific finding by the Development Review
Board that an alternative location and/or provision is approved for a specific development, the
location of buildings, lots, streets and utilities shall conform with the location of planned public
facilities as depicted on the Official Map, including but not limited to recreation paths, streets, park
land, schools, and sewer and water facilities.
No official map facilities are within the subject property.
(1) Sufficient water supply and wastewater disposal capacity shall be available to meet the
needs of the project in conformance with applicable State and City requirements, as evidenced by
a City water allocation, City wastewater allocation, and/or Vermont Water and Wastewater
Permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation.
The applicant estimates a water demand of 11,520 gpd and a wastewater flow of 6,720 gpd.
5. Staff recommends the Board require the applicant to obtain preliminary water and wastewater
allocations prior to closing the hearing.
(2) Recreation paths, storm water facilities, sidewalks, landscaping, utility lines, and lighting
shall be designed in a manner that is compatible with the extension of such services and
infrastructure to adjacent properties.
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(3) Recreation paths, utilities, sidewalks, and lighting shall be designed in a manner that is
consistent with City utility plans and maintenance standards, absent a specific agreement with the
applicant related to maintenance that has been approved by the City Council.
The South Burlington Water Department reviewed the provided plans on 2/18/2021 and offers the
following comments. Staff notes the Water Department also provided the comments as plan
markups, which Staff can provide to the applicant upon request.
Plan Sheet 2:
Install a main line valve on Park Road before the first 45‐degree bend at the entrance to
Zoey Circle.
Tee main line on Park Road to eastern entrance and install gate valve.
Install a main line valve between stations 5+00 and 6+00 near the intersection with the
recreation path.
Plan Sheet 3:
Extend water line to Park Road, then turn west and connect to water main at fist
entrance to Zoey Circle. Install valve on Park Road Line east to second entrance of Zoey
Circle.
Install main gate valve where line turns west at intersection of east entrance if Zoey
Circle and Park Road.
Water Detail Sheet 6:
Correct all details to be the same as those found in the Champlain Water District
Specifications and Details for the Installation of Water Lines and Appurtenances, current
edition.
Specifications Sheet 9:
Correct note at bottom to read: All water lines and appurtenances shall be installed in
accordance with the Champlain Water District Specifications and Details for the
Installation of Water Lines and Appurtenances, current edition. Correct all relative
specifications to be the same.
6. Staff recommends the Board require the applicant to address the comments of the Water
Department as conditions of approval.
At preliminary plat, the Director of Public Works provided two technical comments (not repeated
here) and the following general comments:
1. Sheet 1 – The path labeled “New 8’ wide community rec path” that goes right through the
middle of the parcel needs to be 10’ minimum if it is to be publicly owned.
2. Sheet 1 – At station 10+00 I have concerns about sight distance to the east for cars exiting
the project road onto Park Road. Please have the applicant confirm adequate sight distances
for cars exiting the property and braking distances for westbound Park Road traffic exist.
When asked for an update based on the final plat submission, the Director of Public Works provided
the following responses on 2/18/2021.
At the bottom of Page 4 of the [Traffic Impact Assessment] (TIA) the applicant states:
Both new intersections of the Project roadway onto Park Rd will have intersection sight
distances exceeding the recommended 280 ft for the 25 mph posted speed limit. This
sight distance also provides the recommended safe stopping sight distance for vehicles
exceeding the speed limit by as much as 10 mph.
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I agree with the TIA’s findings. There is plenty of capacity along Dorset and Park to handle the
proposed 32 housing units.
The overall site plan, titled “Overall Site Plan 12‐14‐20 OPT.pdf” shows a 12’ path connecting the
neighborhood to the existing rec path on the east side of Dorset St, which is a good idea. Of
concern, is its labeling as a an “Emergency Access Road.” We’ve had trouble with this exact type
of facility over on East Terrace in terms of normal vehicular traffic using it. Is FD requiring this
access? It seems like it would not be needed for emergency reasons and as such can be reduced
to 10’ as well.
I would like two 25 MPH speed limit signs added to the project, one at Sta 10+25 RT facing
south and the other at Sta 9+40 RT facing south. The Landscaping Plan was not stationed, so
to the extent these sign locations conflict with the Landscaping Plan, please have the
applicant modify the sign locations as needed.
Staff considers the comments regarding sight distances to have been addressed. With respect to
the path, the Fire Chief expressed a similar concern on 1/22/2021, indicating that the recreational
path cannot be an emergency lane at it’s current width. An easement over the recreation path is
proposed to be dedicated to the City for access to the Tree Nursery.
7. Staff recommends the Board require the applicant to reduce the width of the recreation path to
10‐feet and remove it’s designation as an emergency lane. The development has two points of
vehicular access and a third is not needed.
(4) The plan shall be reviewed by the Fire Chief or his designee to insure that adequate fire
protection can be provided, with the standards for evaluation including, but not limited to,
minimum distance between structures, street width, vehicular access from two directions where
possible, looping of water lines, water flow and pressure, and number and location of hydrants.
8. The Fire Chief reviewed the plans on 1/22/2021 and requested clarification on location of
hydrants and the street profile. Staff recommends the Board direct the applicant to coordinate
with the Fire Chief prior to close of the hearing.
E. Circulation. The project shall incorporate access, circulation and traffic management
strategies sufficient to prevent unsafe conditions on of adjacent roads and sufficient to create
connectivity for pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles, school transportation, and emergency service vehicles
between neighborhoods. In making this finding the Development Review Board may rely on the
findings of a traffic study submitted by the applicant, and the findings of any technical review by City
staff or consultants.
(1) Roads shall be designed in a manner that is compatible with the extension of such services
and infrastructure to adjacent properties.
(2) Roads shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with City roadway plans and
maintenance standards, absent a specific agreement with the applicant related to maintenance
that has been approved by the City Council.
(3) The provisions of Section 15.12(D)(4) related to connections between adjacent streets and
neighborhoods shall apply.
The applicant has provided a typical roadway cross section indicating 26 ft of pavement with curbs
and a 5 ft concrete sidewalk separated from the pavement by a 5‐ft greenbelt. The right of way is
proposed to be 50‐ft wide.
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At preliminary plat, the applicant had proposed an 8‐ft wide recreation path through the center of
the site. The Board found that the applicant needed to evaluate at final plat whether the omission
of the recreational path would allow greater conformance with tree preservation and open space
goals of this district. The applicant has subsequently removed the path. Further discussion is under
9.08D below.
Though the Board did not require one, the applicant has provided a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA)
to evaluate the traffic and safety impacts of the proposed project. The applicant estimates the
proposed homes will generate 34 trips during the PM peak hour. Staff notes that the master plan
contemplated and approved the overall development for 350 VTE, which included the 32 homes
currently proposed. The TIA concludes the relevant Dorset/Park Road intersection is well below
maximum capacity or signal warrants both under build and no‐build conditions. The TIA further
notes the Dorset Street/Park Road intersection is not a high crash location and there are no obvious
geometric deficiencies at this intersection or it’s approaches. Staff reminds the Board that though
there are numerous public comments pertaining to traffic safety, the Board’s authority is limited to
the impacts of this project. The Director of Public Works is available to discuss with residents
outside of the DRB setting if they have concerns about City roadways in general.
9.08 The following additional standards apply in the SEQ‐NRN.
(A) Street, block and lot pattern
(1) Development blocks. Development block lengths should be between 300 and 500
linear feet. Where unavoidable, blocks longer than 500 feet should include mid‐block
public sidewalk or recreation path connections.
The proposed road will be 1,020 ft long. It is approximately bisected by a proposed
recreation path connecting to the existing recreation path on Dorset Street. Staff
considers this criterion met.
(2) Interconnection of Streets At preliminary plat the Board found this criterion not
applicable.
(3) Street Connection to Adjoining Parcels. Street stubs are required to be built to the
property line and connected to adjacent parcels per section 15.12(D)(4) of these
Regulations. Posting signs with a notice of intent to construct future streets is strongly
encouraged.
Adjoining parcels not separated by an existing right of way are within the Park and
Recreation zoning district. At preliminary plat the Board found this criterion not applicable.
(4) Lot ratios. Lots shall maintain a minimum lot width to depth ratio of 1:2, with a ratio
of 1:2.5 to 1:5 recommended.
The applicant is not proposing to construct the buildings on their own lots. At preliminary
plat the Board found the proposed building configuration consistent with the intent of this
criterion.
B. Street, Sidewalk & Parking Standards
(1) Street dimensions and cross sections. Neighborhood streets (collector and local) are
intended to be low‐speed streets for local use that discourage through movement and are safe for
pedestrians and bicyclists. Dimensions for public collector and local streets shall be as set forth in
Tables 9‐1 and 9‐2, and Figures 9‐4 and 9‐5 below.
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Table 9‐2 requires 26‐ft of pavement, to include parking on one side. At preliminary plat the Board
found this criterion met.
(2) Sidewalks.
(a) Sidewalks must be a minimum of five feet in width with an additional minimum five‐
foot planting strip (greenspace) separating the sidewalk from the street.
(b) Sidewalks are required on one side of the street.
At preliminary plat the Board found sidewalk criteria met.
(3) Street Trees
(a) Street trees are required along all streets in a planting strip a minimum of five feet
wide.
(b) Street tree types shall be large, deciduous shade trees with species satisfactory to the
City Arborist. Street trees to be planted must have a minimum caliper size of 2.5 to 3 inches
DBH, and shall be planted no greater than thirty feet (30’) on center.
The City Arborist provided extensive comments at preliminary plat. He reviewed the updated
plans on 1/25/2021 and offers the following comment.
There is a tree on the plan labeled ARRS but that tree isn’t listed in the plant
schedule. Otherwise the plan looks OK
The applicant supplied the following response on 1/29/2021:
The plant schedule is correct but the plants labeled AARS on the plan are wrong. All of the
AARS labels should read AS; Acer saccharum ‘Green Mountain’ Maple.
Staff recommends the board include a condition requiring the applicant to correct the callout on
the plans.
(4) On‐street parking. Sufficient space for one lane of on‐street parking shall be provided on all
streets except for arterials outside of the SEQ‐VC and SEQ‐VR sub‐districts. This requirement
may be waived within the SEQ‐NRN sub‐district provided the DRB finds sufficient off‐street
parking has been provided to accommodate the parking needs of the uses adjacent to the
street.
The applicant has provided for on‐street parking. At preliminary plat the Board found this criterion
met.
(5) Intersection design. Intersections shall be designed to reduce pedestrian crossing
distances and to slow traffic.
At the pedestrian crossing located mid‐block within the development, the applicant has proposed
bump outs to reduce pedestrian crossing width. The pedestrian crossings at the entrances to the
neighborhood cross the full roadway width. At preliminary plat the Board found this criterion met
to the extent feasible.
Several public comments have been provided requesting the project be required to install a
crosswalk from Nicklaus Circle to the Project across Dorset Street. Staff considers such a request for
offsite improvements to be potentially reasonable and therefore asked the applicant to look into
this request. The applicant’s engineer did so, and determined that there is no safe location for a
crosswalk to land on the west side of Dorset Street in the vicinity of Nicklaus Circle, therefore such a
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crosswalk is not recommended. Staff, including the Public Works Director, concurs. Should the
applicant wish to work with the neighbors on a solution, Staff considers this application could
accommodate a related condition, but that it is not specifically required. Staff considers this
criterion met.
(6) Street and sidewalk lighting. Pedestrian‐scaled light fixtures (e.g., 12’ to 14’) shall be
provided sufficient to ensure pedestrian safety traveling to and from public spaces. Overall
illumination levels should be consistent with the lower‐intensity development patterns and
character of the SEQ, with lower, smoother levels of illumination (rather than hot‐spots) and light
trespass minimized to the lowest level consistent with public safety.
The applicant has provided 12 ft street lights at pedestrian crossings. At preliminary plat the Board
found this criterion met.
C. Residential Design
The applicant has provided elevations for the proposed buildings and provided a plan showing exact
buildings to be located in specific locations.
9. Staff recommends the Board confirm this is a correct interpretation of the “Design Narrative Layout
Key” plan. If this is not the case, Staff recommend the Board obtain a clear understanding of what is
proposed, and continue the hearing to allow review with the clarified proposal in mind.
The applicant has further provided a Narrative and Unit Design Guidelines document specifically
addressing each of the following criteria.
(1) Building Orientation. Residential buildings must be oriented to the street. Primary entries
for single family and multi‐family buildings must face the street. Secondary building entries may
open onto garages and/or parking areas. (Special design guidelines apply to arterial streets; see
Section 9.11).
The applicant has oriented entries to the street. The homes facing both Zoey Circle and Dorset
Street have front doors facing Zoey Circle and rear doors, clearly having the appearance of rear
doors, facing Dorset Street. Though current practice is to design homes facing onto two streets to
have the appearance of two fronts, there is significant landscaping required between the homes and
Dorset Street. Staff recommends the Board accept the orientation of the homes.
At preliminary plat, the Board required the applicant to provide additional details on the facades
facing Dorset Street at final plat, to potentially include deeper eaves, more variety in siding, and
balanced massing between the porches and windows. The Board also required the applicant to
provide additional architectural details on the facades of the buildings to be located at the corners
of Park Road.
The following pairs of images show first the elevation provided at preliminary plat, and second the
elevation provided at final plat.
Two Family Facade Facing Dorset Street (model “Bolton”):
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Single Family façade facing Park Road (model “Apple”):
The non‐principal façades of models “Grafton,” “Fir,” and “Stowe” should also be considered in this
way.
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10. While Staff considers the improvements to be modest at best, Staff also notes that the LDR requires a
dense vegetative buffer between the homes and the streets. Staff recommends the Board consider
whether to require the applicant to make more significant improvements to the street facing non
front facades.
A minimum of thirty‐five percent (35%) of translucent windows and surfaces should be oriented to
the south. In the SEQ‐NRN sub‐district, residential buildings should orient their rooflines to
maximize solar gain potential, to the extent possible within the context of the overall standards of
the regulating plan.
11. The applicant has requested a waiver to allow 30% of translucent surface oriented to the south for
the duplex units, but has proposed to meet this criterion for the single family homes. Staff
recommends the Board determine whether to accept the requested waiver.
(2) Building Façades. Building facades are encouraged to employ a theme and variation
approach. Buildings should include common elements to appear unified, but façades should be
varied from one building to the next to avoid monotony. Front porches, stoops, and balconies that
create semi‐private space and are oriented to the street are encouraged. In the SEQ‐NRN sub‐
district, residential buildings with rear facades that orient towards a public recreation path should
employ rear porches, balconies, or other features to enhance their architectural detail.
At preliminary plat, the Board found the applicant must provide elevations meeting this criterion for
these facades at final plat.
Of the eight single family homes, each is essentially the same as one other with the only difference
being siding or garage door types (see screenshot immediately below for high level comparison,
detailed elevations included in the packet). However, since this results in effectively four different
home types amongst 10 different homes, Staff considers there to be sufficient variation in the single
family homes.
Regarding the duplex homes, Staff considers the applicant has achieved a “theme” but has not
provided sufficient “variation” to avoid monotony. Two of the one‐story duplex home types are
proposed to be the same but for color, while the third differs only in the direction of the gable over
the garages. All three two‐story duplex home types are proposed to be the same but for color. The
applicant has provided an alternative two story duplex which they indicate can be used to replace
the 1‐story duplexes consisting of units 3 & 4 and 5 & 6. Staff considers this two story duplex to be
substantially similar in style to the other duplexes and not present a significant improvement to
compliance with this criterion.
12. Staff recommends the Board require the applicant to provide more variety between the proposed
facades, to include different housing styles and also to include more variation between homes of the
same style.
15
13. In conjunction with Building Design Criterion (1) above, Staff notes that the homes facing Dorset
Street also face towards a public recreation path, further supporting the case for additional
architectural detail on those facades.
(3) Front Building Setbacks. A close relationship between the building and the street is critical
to the ambiance of the street environment.
(a) Buildings should be set back a maximum of twenty‐five feet (25’) from the back of
sidewalk.
Buildings along the side of the street with a sidewalk are proposed to be set back approximately
20 ft from the front of the sidewalk. Buildings along the side of the street without a sidewalk
are proposed to be set back more than 30 ft from the edge of the road. Because of the homes
being located on a curve, the Board preliminarily accepted the configuration at preliminary plat.
If the homes were located nearer to the edge of the road on the non‐sidewalk side, the homes
would be closer together. Staff therefore recommends the Board approve the applicant’s
configuration.
(b) Porches, stoops, and balconies may project up to eight feet (8’) into the front setbacks.
Porches are proposed to encroach by one or two feet into the front setbacks. Staff considers
this criterion met.
(4) Placement of Garages and Parking. For garages with a vehicle entrance that faces a front
lot line, the facade of the garage that includes the vehicle entrance must be set back a minimum
of eight feet (8’) behind the building line of the single or two‐family dwelling.
(a) For the purposes of this subsection:
(i) The building width of a single or two‐family dwelling, not including the garage,
shall be no less than twelve feet (12’), except for a duplex with side‐by‐side primary
entries, in which case the building width of each dwelling unit in the duplex, not including
a garage, shall be no less than eight feet (8’)
(ii) The portion of the single or two‐family dwelling that is nearest the front lot line
may be a covered, usable porch, so long as the porch is no less than eight feet (8’) wide.
At preliminary plat, the Board found the applicant must confirm compliance with this criterion
at the time of zoning permit application for each individual building.
The applicant provided the following statement in their design narrative document in support of
the criterion of 9.08C.
It is our hope that by providing this level of detail at Final Plat, that the boards approval of
this plan as a whole, will act as an acknowledgement of compliance for the project as
submitted. If the board agrees with this approach, then the only determination required by
the Zoning Administrator would be in the even of a modification of design from what the
DRB has approved.
Given the applicant’s (assumed) request in their Design Narrative for full approval for the
buildings as proposed, Staff has reviewed the proposed homes against this criterion.
14. This criterion does not appear to be met for units 1 or 18, the single family units nearest Park
Road. Otherwise this criterion appears to be met. Staff recommends the Board to modify units 1
and 18 to meet this requirement.
16
15. If the applicant is seeking flexibility in the actually constructed homes, Staff considers they
should make a specific request to the Board as to what authority to modify they are asking be
delegated to the Zoning Administrator.
(b) The DRB may waive this provision for garages with vehicle entries facing a side lot
line, provided that (i) the garage is visually integrated into the single or two‐family dwelling;
and (ii) the façade of the garage that is oriented to the street is no more than eight feet (8’) in
front of the façade of the house that is oriented to the street.
(c) Rear alleys are encouraged for small lot single‐family houses, duplexes and
townhouses.
No side facing garages or rear alleys are proposed.
(d) Mix of Housing Styles. A mix of housing styles (i.e. ranch, cape cod, colonial, etc.),
sizes, and affordability is encouraged within neighborhoods and developments. These should
be mixed within blocks, along the street and within neighborhoods rather than
compartmentalized into sections of near‐identical units.
(i) Mix of Housing Styles, SEQ‐NRN sub‐district. A minimum of at least three (3)
housing styles (i.e. ranch, cape cod, colonial, etc.), sizes, and/or affordability is required
within neighborhoods and developments. These should be mixed within blocks, along the
street and within neighborhoods rather than compartmentalized into sections of near‐
identical housing styles. Where housing styles are repeated, different colors and/or
materials shall be employed to enhance variety.
Staff considers six housing styles are proposed: four single family and two duplex. As noted
above, there are only minor variations between the single story duplex homes and between the
two story duplex homes, and the duplex homes are necessarily clustered by number of stories
based on the restrictions in the LDR. Therefore as noted above, Staff recommends the Board
require further variation between the duplex homes.
D. Landscape and Fence Buffer Standards, SEQ‐NRN sub‐district
(1) Applicability and submission requirements. This section provides standards for the
landscaping of development within the SEQ‐NRN sub‐district. A landscape plan shall be included
as part of any preliminary and/or final plat application.
(2) Existing Vegetation
(a) Existing vegetation that can effectively serve as landscape buffer to potentially
incompatible uses and/or are significant, heathy trees shall be retained to the maximum
extent possible, while accommodating the permitted level of development.
The applicant has provided an updated existing tree inventory plan. The Board preliminarily
found that trees greater than 6‐inches in caliper within the required landscaping buffer should
be preserved, and that the grading plan must be revised to retain existing trees to the maximum
extent practical. Beyond the “limits of clearing area” cloud in the center of the site, the
applicant’s tree inventory plan does not appear to show any trees to be retained. There
appear to be several opportunities to retain existing beech, aspen, pine and butternut trees
located within the landscape buffer and throughout the common land.
16. Staff recommends first that the “limits of clearing area” be modified to exclude any areas within
the crown of the 32” oak tree and nearby shagbark hickory trees.
17
17. Staff further recommends the Board direct the applicant to evaluate which additional trees can
be retained with minor grading modifications, update the landscaping plan to clearly indicate
trees to be retained and removed, and indicate measures to protect retained trees.
As anticipated and mentioned above, the applicant’s plan to retain trees to the maximum extent
practical results in the proposed central recreation path being removed. 9.06E, addressed
above, includes in part the following requirement:
The project shall incorporate access, circulation and traffic management strategies… sufficient
to create connectivity for pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles, school transportation, and emergency
service vehicles between neighborhoods.
18. At preliminary plat, the Board noted that there are existing recreation paths that go around the
project and the proposed central recreation path would only shorten the route slightly. Staff
supports the removal of the central recreation path is acceptable and recommends the Board
approve the modified design. Staff considers the Board must, in making this determination,
weigh preservation of trees against additional connectivity.
(3) Landscape Buffer Types
(a) Type 0 – Low Height Vegetation. A Type 0 landscaping typically includes grass or
meadow area with foundation screening at the buildings. This type of buffer is intended to
provide separation between new buildings and the existing land uses.
(b) Type I ‐ Dense Plantings. A Type I landscaped buffer must be composed primarily of
continuous dense screening vegetation / hedge that will be at least five (5) feet in width and
grow to at least six (6) feet in height.
(c) Type II – Informal Plantings. A Type II landscaped buffer must be composed of a split
rail fence (or equivalent approved by the DRB), major trees, a partial understory of small
trees, and a berm with a mixture of shrub type plantings. The minimum amount of planting
per 100 horizontal feet of buffer shall be a full ground cover, two trees of at least 3” caliper,
three ornamental or understory trees of at least 2” caliper, and any combination of shrubbery
that occupies at least 50% of the area at the time of planting, all of which shall be distributed
throughout the minimum buffer width described in Table 9‐2A. With approval of the City
Council, up to 10 feet of the green space between a recreation path and a property line may
be used to enable the installation of the split rail fence and a portion of a berm.
The applicant has proposed Type I and Type II plantings where allowed in Table 9‐2A below.
At preliminary plat the Board found the open space management plan must include specific
language detailing the required upkeep of these landscape buffer areas. The applicant has
proposed the following.
Type I Landscape Buffer: Dense screening hedge to be maintained by the HOA with annual
mulching and shrub care maintenance.
Type II Landscape Buffer: Informal planting area comprised of major trees, a partial
understory of small trees, and a mixture of shrub type plantings. Area to be maintained by
the HOA, which shall include, necessary pruning plant health monitoring, weeding, and
mulching.
Staff considers this criterion met.
18
(4) Use of Berms. Earthen Berms. An earthen berm may be required to increase the
effectiveness of a landscaped buffer. The landscaping plan shall show the contours of the
proposed berm and one or more cross‐sections detailing its construction. The required buffer
width may be reduced by the height of the berm, up to a number of feet that shall not exceed 25%
of the required width, as provided in Table 9‐2A.
(a) Berms shall not exceed six feet (6’) in height.
(b) No berm shall have a slope greater than 3:1, except where a retaining wall is
used in accordance with these Regulations.
No berms are proposed.
(5) Delineation Fences. Any development proposed adjacent to a City park shall include a
fence delineating the separation of property lines, as depicted on Figure 9‐2A. Such fence shall be
of a split‐rail or similar variety.
A split rail fence is provided as discussed above.
(6) Permissible impervious surfaces in landscaped buffers.
(a) Crossings. Landscaped buffers may be crossed by driveways, roads, sidewalks, trails,
and utility lines, including necessary risers and boxes, serving the development. The width of
these crossings should be minimized.
(b) Light Standards. The bases of standards for approved outdoor lighting may be placed in
a landscaped buffer.
(c) Miscellaneous. Landscaped buffers may include retaining walls, planters, minor
impervious surfaces that are part of runoff and erosion control works; and sculptures or
other works of art.
A portion of the southern landscaped buffer contains a three‐foot deep stormwater conveyance
swale. At preliminary plat the Board found the applicant must modify the grading to the right
(north) of the low point to redirect stormwater runoff to enter the storm pond upstream of the
landscaping buffer. It appears the swale has been rerouted as required.
(7) Supplemental setback standards, SEQ‐NRN sub‐district. In addition to the standards set
forth in Table C‐2, Dimensional Standards and this section, the requirements of Table 9‐2A shall
apply.
19
Table 9‐2A Supplemental landscape buffer and setback requirements, SEQ‐NRN sub‐district
Adjoining Use Minimum Buffer Widths Minimum setback
(5)
Type 0 Type I (5) Type II
High Use Rec Path (1) n/a n/a 30' 50'
Lower Use Rec Path (2) 70' n/a 27' 30'
Resource Protection Area (3) 40' 5' 27' 35'
% Reduction for Use of Berm (4) 25% n/a 25% n/a'
(1) The section of recreation path running along the west side of the SEQ‐NRN sub‐
district, as shown on Figure 9‐2A.
(2) The section of recreation path running along the south and east sides of the SEQ‐NRN
sub‐district, as shown on Figure 9‐2A.
(3) The area located at the north boundary line of the SEQ‐NRN sub‐district, as shown on
Figure 9‐2A
(4) Plantings are to be placed on top of berm for added vertical screening effect.
Reduction not applicable to High Use Recreation Path.
(5) Setbacks apply to all principal structures.
At preliminary plat the Board required the applicant to modify their plan to explicitly show
compliance with the minimum setback requirements. The applicant has done so. Staff considers
this criterion met.
(8) Supplemental Height Standards, SEQ‐NRN sub‐district. In addition to the standards set
forth in Table C‐2, Dimensional Standards, residential structures shall be limited to a maximum of
one (1) total story within the areas marked as “1‐Story Building Area” on Figure 9‐2A.
Heights are discussed above.
C) SUBDIVISION STANDARDS
The general standards applicable to this subdivision are as follows.
(1) Sufficient water supply and wastewater disposal capacity is available to meet the needs of the
project in conformance with applicable State and City requirements, as evidenced by a City water
allocation, City wastewater allocation, and/or Vermont Water and Wastewater Permit from the
Department of Environmental Conservation.
This Criterion was found met at a master plan level. See discussion under 9.06D(1) above.
(2) Sufficient grading and erosion controls will be utilized during construction and after construction
to prevent soil erosion and runoff from creating unhealthy or dangerous conditions on the subject
property and adjacent properties. In making this finding, the DRB may rely on evidence that the
project will be covered under the General Permit for Construction issued by the Vermont
Department of Environmental Conservation.
This criterion was found at the master plan level to need further review under applications for
individual phases. See discussion under 9.06B(4) above.
20
(3) The project incorporates access, circulation and traffic management strategies sufficient to
prevent unreasonable congestion of adjacent roads. In making this finding the DRB may rely on
the findings of a traffic study submitted by the applicant, and the findings of any technical review
by City staff or consultants.
This criterion was found at the master plan level to need further review under applications for
individual phases. See discussion under 9.06E above.
(4) The project's design respects and will provide suitable protection to wetlands, streams, wildlife
habitat as identified in the Open Space Strategy, and any unique natural features on the site. In
making this finding the DRB shall utilize the provisions of Article 12 of these Regulations related to
wetlands and stream buffers, and may seek comment from the Natural Resources Committee with
respect to the project's impact on natural resources.
See discussion of open space management plan under 9.06B(3) above.
(5) The project is designed to be visually compatible with the planned development patterns in the
area, as specified in the Comprehensive Plan and the purpose of the zoning district(s) in which it is
located.
Staff considers the residential design criteria of 9.08C ensure compliance with this criterion.
(6) Open space areas on the site have been located in such a way as to maximize opportunities for
creating contiguous open spaces between adjoining parcels and/or stream buffer areas.
These criteria were found to be met at master plan level but additional review at preliminary plat
approval was also required. See 9.06B(1) above.
(7) The layout of a subdivision or PUD has been reviewed by the Fire Chief or his designee to insure
that adequate fire protection can be provided, with the standards for approval including, but not
be limited to, minimum distance between structures, street width, vehicular access from two
directions where possible, looping of water lines, water flow and pressure, and number and
location of hydrants. All aspects of fire protection systems shall be designed and installed in
accordance with applicable codes in all areas served by municipal water.
This criterion was found at the master plan level to need further review under applications for
individual phases. See discussion under 9.06D(4) above.
(8) Roads, recreation paths, stormwater facilities, sidewalks, landscaping, utility lines and lighting
have been designed in a manner that is compatible with the extension of such services and
infrastructure to adjacent properties.
(9) Roads, utilities, sidewalks, recreation paths, and lighting are designed in a manner that is
consistent with City utility and roadway plans and maintenance standards, absent a specific
agreement with the applicant related to maintenance that has been approved by the City Council.
These criteria were found at the master plan level to need further review under applications for
individual phases. See discussion under 9.06D(2) and (3) above.
(10) The project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan for the
affected district(s).
This criterion was found to be met at master plan level but additional review at preliminary plat
approval was also required. The Board finds this criterion met.
21
(11) The project’s deign incorporates strategies that minimize site disturbance and integrate
structures, landscaping, natural hydrologic functions, and other techniques to generate less runoff
from developed land and to infiltrate rainfall into underlying soils and groundwater as close as
possible to where it hits the ground.
The City Stormwater Section reviewed the plans and supporting documentation on 1/28/2021. The
applicant responded to those initial comments, and the Stormwater Section provided updated
responses on 2/19/2021. Those updated comments are included in the packet.
19. Staff recommends the Board continue the hearing to allow the applicant to address the remaining
comments of the City Stormwater Section.
D) SITE PLAN STANDARDS
14.06 General Site Plan Review Standards
A. Relationship of Proposed Development to the City of South Burlington Comprehensive Plan. Due
attention by the applicant should be given to the goals and objectives and the stated land use
policies for the City of South Burlington as set forth in the Comprehensive Plan.
The project is identified in the comprehensive plan as an area of very low intensity to lower intensity
land use. However, this zoning district was established to allow for development of this parcel
consistent with the settlement agreement. The Board found this criterion met at preliminary plat.
B. Relationship of Proposed Structures to the Site.
(1) The site shall be planned to accomplish a desirable transition from structure to site, from
structure to structure, and to provide for adequate planting, safe pedestrian movement, and
adequate parking areas.
The Board found this criterion met at preliminary plat.
(2) Parking shall be located to the rear or sides of buildings to the greatest extent practicable.
This criterion does not apply to single family and duplex homes.
(3) Without restricting the permissible limits of the applicable zoning district, the height and scale
of each building shall be compatible with its site and existing or anticipated adjoining
buildings.
The Board found at preliminary plat that the height and mix of housing types requirements of
the SEQ‐NRN to ensure compliance with this criterion.
(4) Newly installed utility services and service modifications necessitated by exterior alterations
or building expansion shall, to the extent feasible, be underground.
Utilities are proposed to be underground.
C. Relationship of Structures and Site to Adjoining Area.
(1) The Development Review Board shall encourage the use of a combination of common
materials and architectural characteristics (e.g., rhythm, color, texture, form or detailing),
landscaping, buffers, screens and visual interruptions to create attractive transitions between
buildings of different architectural styles.
(2) Proposed structures shall be related harmoniously to themselves, the terrain and to existing
buildings and roads in the vicinity that have a visual relationship to the proposed structures.
22
The Board found at preliminary plat that the SEQ standards, if met, will result in these criteria being
met.
14.07 Specific Site Plan Review Standards
(A) Access to Abutting Properties. The reservation of land may be required on any lot for provision of
access to abutting properties whenever such access is deemed necessary to reduce curb cuts onto
an arterial or collector street, to provide additional access for emergency or other purposes, or to
improve general access and circulation in the area.
At preliminary plat the Board found no such access is necessary for the subject property, as it is
bounded on all sides not facing a street by a public park.
(B) Utility Services. Electric, telephone and other wire‐served utility lines and service connections shall
be underground insofar as feasible and subject to state public utilities regulations. Any utility
installations remaining above ground shall be located so as to have a harmonious relation to
neighboring properties and to the site.
Aboveground elements of wire‐served utility services (ie pull boxes, transformers) are not shown at
this stage of review. These features are required to be screened, as discussed below.
(C) Disposal of Wastes. All dumpsters and other facilities to handle solid waste, including compliance
with any recycling or other requirements, shall be accessible, secure and properly screened with
opaque fencing to ensure that trash and debris do not escape the enclosure(s). Small receptacles
intended for use by households or the public (ie, non‐dumpster, non‐large drum) shall not be
required to be fenced or screened.
The Board found this criterion not applicable at preliminary plat.
(D) Landscaping and Screening Requirements. See Article 13, Section 13.06 Landscaping, Screening,
and Street Trees.
Section 13.06 standards do not apply to single and two family homes on their own lots. However,
since the applicant is proposing shared lots, these standards do apply, including minimum landscape
budget. The minimum required landscape value for the Project is based on an estimated building
construction cost of $7,039,0002.
Total Building Construction
Cost
% of total Construction Cost Required Value
$0 ‐ $250,000 3% $7,500
Next $250,000 2% $5,000
Additional Over $500,000 1% $65,390
Total $77,890
The applicant has proposed $51,000 in buffer plantings, $8,600 in foundation plantings, and $24,000
in greenspace area, for a total of $83,600 in plantings. All of these plantings are proposed to be
trees and shrubs. Street trees, which do not count towards the minimum required landscaping
2 The applicant has erroneously included the roadway cost in estimating their required minimum landscaping
budget. However they have provided enough information for Staff to recalculate the required minimum
landscaping budget.
23
budget, are proposed at $25,000, and utility cabinet screening is proposed at $1,800. Staff
considers the required minimum landscaping budget to be met.
Utility cabinets are required to be screened with evergreens and deciduous plantings, or a wall or
fence. The applicant is proposing screening on three sides with evergreens and deciduous plantings,
and the fourth side with grasses, consistent with what Green Mountain Power has indicated they
will accept. Staff recommends the Board accept the proposed utility screening.
Comments of the City Arborist are included above.
(E) Modification of Standards. Where the limitations of a site may cause unusual hardship in
complying with any of the standards above and waiver therefrom will not endanger the public
health, safety or welfare, the Development Review Board may modify such standards as long as
the general objectives of Article 14 and the City's Comprehensive Plan are met. However, with the
exception of side yard setbacks in the Central District 1, in no case shall the DRB permit the
location of a new structure less than five (5) feet from any property boundary and in no case shall
be the DRB allow land development creating a total site coverage exceeding the allowable limit
for the applicable zoning district in the case of new development, or increasing the coverage on
sites where the pre‐existing condition exceeds the applicable limit.
Requested waivers are discussed where applicable.
E) OTHER
Energy Standards
All new buildings are subject to the Stretch Energy Code pursuant to Section 3.15: Residential and
Commercial Building Energy Standards of the LDRs.
E9‐1‐1 Addressing
At preliminary plat, the Board required the applicant to provide an addressing plan and to submit a
street name request to the Planning Commission prior to final plat. The applicant has done both of
these things. The Planning Commission accepted the street name Zoey Circle. Staff considers that the
unit labeled 66 Zoey Circle should be 64, for consistency with addresses across the street, but otherwise
the numbers are appropriately assigned based on numbering according to the location of the front door.
Staff reminds the applicant that if the Board imposes conditions affecting location of doors, the
addresses should be reevaluated.
Ledge Removal
Appendix A provides performance standards for vibration and noise. The applicant has presented a ledge
removal plan which indicates where ledge is proposed to be removed. Staff recommends the Board require
the applicant to provide the following information in order to demonstrate that the performance standards
of A.2 and A.3 and the Public Nuisance Ordinance will be met.
Extent of ledge removal – The provided plan includes no legend or explanation, therefore Staff
cannot determine what it is intended to convey. Is the plan showing areas of ledge removal, or
just areas where proposed grade is lower than existing grade? Is each color change a
foot? Does this account for finish grade or include over‐excavation for appropriate subbase
preparation? What is the meaning of the 250 ft preblast survey radius line?
Methodology of removal. – No information has been provided.
24
Mitigation measures to minimize impacts and be consistent with the City’s performance
standards (LDR appendix A.2 and A.3) and noise ordinance (embedded within the City’s Public
Nuisance ordinance) – No information has been provided.
20. Staff considers this information should be provided and reviewed prior to closing the hearing.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Board work with the applicant to address the issues identified herein.
Respectfully submitted,
Marla Keene, Development Review Planner
Waiver List
Please refer to SH 2 and SH 3 of the plan set for the designated preconstruction
grade requested for each of the 2‐story units throughout the development. The
preconstruction grade was determined to be 2‐4 feet above the proposed roadway.
According to Article 9, Section C, (1) Building Orientation: at least 35% of translucent
windows and surfaces shall be oriented to the south. The Applicant is proposing to
meet the 35% standard for the single family units and 30% for the duplex units, on
the southern side of the units adjacent to Park Rd. Please refer to the building
elevations provided.
Lamoureux & Dickinson Page 1
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Wheeler Parcel Residential Development
Traffic Impact Assessment
Park Road
South Burlington, VT
November 13, 2020
Project Introduction
This Project consists of a proposed 32-unit residential development located in the southwest corner of the
Wheeler Parcel. The Project will be bounded on the west by Dorset Street and on the south by Park Road.
Access will be via a looped roadway accessing onto Park Road. The proposed residential units will include
10 single-family units and 22 duplex units. The Project also includes new sidewalks and shared use path
connections linking with existing nearby shared use paths.
For purposes of this traffic impact assessment (TIA), it is anticipated that construction of this Project will
commence in 2021. The following sections present the results of our analyses of traffic congestion and
safety conditions in the immediate vicinity of the Project.
Background Traffic Volumes
Background traffic volumes at the Dorset Street / Park Road intersection were obtained from a pm peak
period turning movement count performed by this office at the Dorset Street/Park Road intersection on
Thursday, November 5, 2020. A copy of the count results is attached in Appendix A.
The observed peak hour volumes from the above turning movement count require two adjustments.
The first is the usual DHV adjustment. For this, we used hourly data from VTrans Continuous Count Station
(CTC) D277 located on Shelburne Road just north of Shelburne village. Comparing the afternoon peak hour
volume on the first Thursday in November 2019 to the design hour volume (DHV) for 2019 yielded a DHV
adjustment factor of +14% (1.14).
The second adjustment is to account for the effect of the COVID pandemic on traffic volumes. As this
report is being written, the available data from CTC D277 extends to mid-October. Comparing the
afternoon peak hour volume on Thursday, October 15, 2020 to the same volume on Thursday, October 17,
2019 yielded a second adjustment factor of +7% (1.07).
Combining those two adjustment factors yields an overall DHV adjustment factor of +22% (1.22).
Background traffic growth rates were obtained from VTrans’ Red Book.1 VTrans’ most recent estimates of
traffic growth on Vermont’s highways predict a 1% growth rate from 2020 to 2021 and a 3% growth rate
from 2020 to 2026.
1 Continuous Traffic Counter Report Based on 2019 Traffic Data, Vermont Agency of Transportation, July 2020.
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With am peak hour volumes being less than pm peak hour volumes at both intersections, this traffic impact
assessment (TIA) only examines traffic congestion conditions during the latter time period.
Figure 1 presents the estimated 2021 and 2026 background (no-build) design hour turning movement
volumes in the vicinity of this Project.
Figure 1 - No-Build DHV’s
2021 2026
Dorset St Dorset St
437 39 446 40
30 Park
Rd
30 Park
Rd 2 3
293 4 299 4
Dorset St Dorset St
Project-Generated Traffic
Anticipated peak hour trips for this Project were calculated using published trip generation rates2 for single
family dwellings (ITE Land Use Category #210). Table 1 summarizes the resulting peak hour trip generation
estimates.
Table 1 - Weekday Trip Generation
Average
Weekday
(vte/day)
AM Peak Hour (vte/hr) PM Peak Hour (vte/hr)
Enter Exit Total Enter Exit Total
302 7 21 28 21 13 34
The directional distribution of the above pm peak hour project-generated trips is estimated to be 85%
to/from the north and 15% to/from the south. This is based on pm peak hour directional patterns observed
entering and exiting the east approach of Swift St at its intersection with Dorset St during a June 2016
turning movement count performed by VTrans. Figure 2 presents the estimated project trip pm peak hour
directional distributions.
2 Trip Generation, Institute of Transportation Engineers, 10th Edition
Lamoureux & Dickinson Page 3
Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Figure 2 - Estimated Project PM Peak Hour Trips
Dorset St
0 18
11 Park
Rd 2
0 3
Dorset St
Combining the project-generated trips with the no-build volumes provides the 2021 and 2026 Build DHV
turning movements shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 - Build DHV’s
2021 2026
Dorset St Dorset St
437 57 446 58
41 Park
Rd
41 Park
Rd 4 5
293 7 299 7
Dorset St Dorset St
Traffic Congestion
Levels of service (LOS) at intersections are determined by the average control delay; measured in seconds
per vehicle. The methodology for analyzing LOS is established by the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM)3.
Table 2 summarizes the LOS/delay criteria for unsignalized intersections.
Table 2 - Unsignalized Intersection Level of Service/Delay Criteria
LOS
Avg. Delay
(sec/veh) LOS
Avg. Delay
(sec/veh)
A
B
C
≤10
≤15
≤25
D
E
F
≤35
≤50
>50
In Vermont, LOS C represents the desired design standard for roadways and signalized intersections4. At
two-way stop controlled (unsignalized) intersections having greater than 100 vph approach volume on a
single-lane side street approach or greater than 150 vph approach volume on a two-lane side street
approach, the VTrans level of service policy establishes LOS D as the desired design standard on the minor
street approach(s). There is no level of service standard for unsignalized intersections not meeting the
3 Highway Capacity Manual, Transportation Research Board, 6th Edition
4 Vermont Agency of Transportation Highway Design “Level of Service” Policy, May 31, 2007
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above side street volume thresholds. Reduced levels of service are acceptable in densely settled areas
where volume/capacity ratios remain below 1.0 and/or the improvements required to achieve LOS C would
create adverse environmental and cultural impacts. Transportation demand management (TDM) strategies
can also be used to help mitigate levels of service not meeting the foregoing standards.
While the Dorset St/Park Rd intersection does not meet the above approach volume thresholds for
unsignalized intersections, intersection capacity analyses were nonetheless performed for the purpose of
this TIA. All analyses were performed using Highway Capacity Software v.2010. This Project’s impact on
future levels of service and average delays was analyzed by performing both no-build and build analyses,
and comparing the results of the two. All analyses were performed using existing geometric conditions.
The results are presented in Table 3. Detailed analysis worksheets are also attached in Appendix B.
Table 3 - Dorset St / Park Rd Levels of Service
Approach & Lane Group
No-Build Build
LOS Delay V/C LOS Delay V/C
2021 DHV
Park Rd WB LT-RT
Dorset St SB LT
B
A
10.4
7.9
0.05
0.03
B
A
10.8
8.0
0.07
0.04
2026 DHV
Park Rd WB LT-RT
Dorset St SB LT
B
A
10.7
7.9
0.05
0.03
B
A
11.0
8.0
0.07
0.05
The above results indicate that the Dorset St / Park Rd intersection will continue to experience low delays
and good levels of service with this Project.
Safety
The posted speed limits on Dorset St and Park Rd in the vicinity of the Project are 40 mph and 25 mph,
respectively. Both streets provide one travel lane in each direction and have parallel shared-use paths for
use by pedestrians and bicyclists.
Existing traffic patterns entering and exiting Park Rd are overwhelmingly directional to and from the north
due to Park Rd being a loop street also connecting with Dorset St to the south via Old Cross Rd. A
southbound left-turn lane presently exists on Dorset St serving the left-turn movement onto Park Rd. This
exclusive left-turn lane reduces conflicts between southbound left-turns and through movements, thereby
improving safety conditions for southbound traffic on Dorset St.
Both new intersections of the Project roadway onto Park Rd will have intersection sight distances exceeding
the recommended 280 ft for the 25 mph posted speed limit. This sight distance also provides the
recommended safe stopping sight distance for vehicles exceeding the speed limit by as much as 10 mph.5
5 The safe stopping sight distance for a vehicle traveling at 35 mph on a flat grade is 250 ft. That increases to 275 ft
on a 6% downgrade.
Lamoureux & Dickinson Page 5
Consulting Engineers, Inc.
VTrans identifies high crash intersections and high crash segments on major highways and urban streets
based on their five-year crash history. The most recent high crash report6 identifies the Dorset St/Kennedy
Dr/I-189 intersection, located 1 mile north of the Project, as a high crash location. This intersection
experienced 40 crashes over the 2012-2016 five-year period. Of those, 39 were property damage only
crashes. There was one injury resulting in the remaining crash. During the 2014-2018 five-year period, the
number of crashes dropped to 38; all of them being property damage only crashes.
The large majority of the above crashes are same direction rear-end and sideswipe crashes. There are not
any obvious geometric deficiencies at this intersection or on its approaches. It also operates under traffic
signal control using split (exclusive) signal phases for each of its approaches; thus minimizing vehicular
conflicts. Crosswalks, pedestrian signals and street lighting also exist.
Multi-Modal Facilities
This Project will be served by existing shared-use paths extending north and south on the east side of
Dorset St and to the east on the north side of Park Rd. A new sidewalk will be constructed paralleling the
new Project roadway. A new cross-country shared-use path connection will also be constructed from the
approximate northerly apex of that roadway to the existing shared-use path on the east side of Dorset St.
The closest local transit service is Green Mountain Transit’s Purple Line serving Dorset St from Kennedy
Drive north.
Transportation Impact Fees
This Project will be responsible for paying both local and state transportation impact fees.
At the City level, the Road Improvement Impact Fee is set at $924 per pm peak hour trip end for single
family dwellings constructed in 2021. Thus, the cost of this impact fee is estimated to be $31,416. The
Road Improvement Impact Fee is used to pay costs associated with the following City road improvement
projects:
C Hinesburg Road/Van Sicklen Road Intersection Improvements
C Williston Road Reconstruction
C Airport Drive Extension
C Airport Parkway/Ethan Allen Road Intersection Improvements
C Tilley to Community Drive Connector
C City Center Road Network
The City also assesses a Recreation Impact Fee of $1,665 per unit, the majority of which is designated for
constructing recreation paths and bicycle lanes.
At the State level, this Project will also be assessed an Act 145 Transportation Impact Fee. The only state
highway improvement project located within a 3-mile travel distance of the Project is the Champlain
Parkway in Burlington. That project has an impact fee of $2,069 per pm peak hour vehicle trip end. This
Project is eligible for a 15% adjustment in that impact fee due to its new sidewalk and shared-use path
connections; reducing the impact fee to $1,759 per pm peak hour vehicle trip end. It is estimated that this
6 2012-2016 High Crash Location Report, Vermont Agency of Transportation, August 2017
Lamoureux & Dickinson Page 6
Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Project will generate 2 new pm peak hour vehicle trip ends using the Champlain Parkway, resulting in an
Act 145 transportation impact fee of $3,518. Calculations of the Project-generated trips using the
Champlain Parkway are enclosed as Appendix C.
Conclusions
From the foregoing analyses, we have formed the following conclusions regarding the potential traffic
congestion and safety impacts of this Project:
C Intersection capacity analyses at the Dorset St/Park Rd intersection indicate that acceptable levels of
service will be maintained with this Project.
C The relatively small volume of additional traffic resulting from this Project will not create unsafe traffic
conditions.
C Payment of state and local transportation-related impact fees will mitigate this Project’s impact on
future traffic conditions on the adjacent highway network.
Lamoureux & Dickinson
Consulting Engineers, Inc.
APPENDIX A
Dorset Street / Park Road
Turning Movement Count
Lamoureux & Dickinson
Consulting Engineers, Inc.
APPENDIX B
Intersection Capacity
Analysis Reports
Lamoureux & Dickinson
Consulting Engineers, Inc.
APPENDIX C
Act 145 State
Transportation Impact Fee Calculations
Site Plan Review Comments
The Stormwater Section (City) has reviewed the “Wheeler Parcel‐ Overall Site Plan” prepared by O’Leary‐
Burke Civil Associates, PLC, dated February 26, 2020. On 2/19/2021, they provided the following revised
comments:
1. As the project proposes to create more than one‐half acre of impervious surface, the project is
subject to the requirements of section 12.03 of the South Burlington Land Development
Regulations (LDRs).
OK. As this project is subject to a settlement agreement between the City and the Landowner, the project
is being reviewed under the LDRs adopted January 25, 2016. Please let me know if there is a section of
the 2016 regulations that is not being met.
From reviewing the 2016 LDRs, it appears that most of the standards are unchanged. Our main
concern is the post‐construction peak runoff rate is not exceeding the existing. The model that you
provided demonstrates this.
On a similar note, did you already apply for a Wetland Permit?
2. The applicant is requested to provide modeling results that show the existing and post‐
development hydrographs for the WQv (1”) and the 1‐year, 24‐hour rain event.
Please see the attached HydroCAD results for the WQv and 1‐year events.
Thank you for the modeling. Could you also provide the drainage areas within the project? Specifically,
what flow is going to the Conveyance Swales?
3. Sheet 3, Site Plan East depicts a Stormwater Easement located next to the gravel wetland. Whose
easement is this? City GIS records do not show an existing easement.
The easement is located on City land. The easement was granted to the landowner as part of the
settlement agreement for stormwater treatment of a future development. Please refer to SH PL1 –
Subdivision plat for the project. The plat shows the existing easement and cites the book and page for
the recording of the easement in the South Burling land records.
Thanks!
4. The cover letter dated April 6, 2020, states that the neighborhood will be served by municipal
facilities including stormwater collection and treatment systems. It is recommended that the 6”
riser and solid PVC pipe that carries flow from Cell 1 to Cell 2 be increased to a minimum 15” for
ease of maintenance. Additionally, it is recommended to add a hydraulic inlet of 4‐6” rip rap to
Cell 1 as the primary routing into the system (in addition to the perforated riser as the secondary).
For further detail see the following link:
https://www.unh.edu/unhsc/sites/default/files/media/unhsc_gravel_wetland_spec_6‐2016.pdf
Correct. As the project has been designed to municipal standards, the roadway, pump station and the
stormwater facilities will be turned over to the City once the warranty period has lapsed on the
infrastructure.
Please refer to SH S2 – Stormwater Details, the gravel wetland detail has been revised to include 15”
PVC for the cleanout and the carrier pipe from cell 1 to cell2. Also, the gravel wetland detail has been
revised to provide rip rap on the backside of the cell berms.
We appreciate this revision for future maintenance purposes. In looking at the plans again
though‐ the Clean Crushed Drainage stone is labelled as 1.5”. I am assuming that this is in fact
1.5’ or 18”. With that assumption, the depth of the stone isn’t enough to accommodate the
larger 15” carrier pipe so the pipe would be exposed to the wetland muck. Is it possible to bring
the crushed stone to a full 2’ depth? This is what we customarily design ours to in the city. That
way the carrier pipe is still fully embedded in the crushed stone layer.
Additionally, my intent wasn’t to include rip rap on the backside of the berms. We have had
significant erosion on the front side of the berms‐ where flow would be occurring in larger
storms‐ so the entire berm should have protection.
The intent of my comment was to allow a hydraulic inlet through stone into the subsurface
gravel. The detail does show stone around the 24” perforated riser which would allow for this‐
but there is no note to show the dimensions being utilized. We have had a number of issues
with the perforations on the risers getting clogged and so prefer a larger stone pad (see below)
to act as an inlet.
5. It is recommended that the applicant revise the elevations given for the berms in the gravel
wetland and forebay. Rip rap should not be considered as an impermeable surface.
I do not understand how the elevations of the berms in the gravel wetland are related to rip rap being
considered an impermeable surface. Please re‐phase this comment and I will try my best to address it.
The berms need to be designed so that they are made of impermeable material to the full elevation
designed for retention. It is difficult to determine the intention from the detail as they are not scaled
or labeled. We often have designers model a system to the elevation at the top of the rip rap as the
elevation that water will be detained to‐ and that is what we want to avoid.
6. The Stormwater Details sheet includes a detail for a grass drainage swale. Where is this intended
for?
This is a typical detail for swales used for stormwater conveyance. For this project, there are swales
proposed along the perimeter of the project and on the backside of units 19‐22. Please refer to attached
SH 2 and SH 3.
I understand the intent of the swale but did not see them noted on the plans‐ thank you for
identifying them here. Were these actually modeled in HydroCAD to determine the necessary
sizing? In looking at the landscaping plan, it also appears that there will be plantings incorporated
in these areas which may impact conveyance. Additionally, there is mulch specified in the planting
beds which could easily be carried into the swale. Could you modify the note pertaining to Bon
Terra S2 to reflect a product that is either woven or interlinked and made from 100%
biodegradable materials? Many of these Bon Terra products use Polypropelene.
7. The outlet structure shows an 18” PE outlet pipe on an angle. This pipe should be installed
horizontally to achieve a better seal with the boot. Additionally, the orifice appears to be on
bottom of the angle section. It is recommended that the outlet pipe be lowered in the structure
so that the orifice can be located on a vertical face.
The purpose of the detail is to show the outlet structure penetrations and elevations. The slope shown
on the outlet pipe is just an illustration, not a specification as nothing is labeled. The slope of the outlet
pipe will be dictated by the elevation in the structure and the elevation at the discharge point.
This does not address my concern of the orifice being located on bottom of the angle section. It
is recommended that the outlet pipe be lowered in the structure so that the orifice can be located
on a vertical face. In order to properly maintain the orifice, it will need to be visible and accessible.
LOCATION MAPNOT TO SCALEACEHIGHLANDS DEVELOPMENTCO., LLCVERMONTNATIONALCOUNTRY CLUB1227 DORSET STREET SOUTH BURLINGTON,VERMONTSOUTH BURLINGTON,VERMONTRECEIVED FOR RECORDING IN THE LAND RECORDS OFTHE CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT, AT______________ O'CLOCK ON THE ______ DAY OF__________, 20_____.ATTEST: ____________________________, CITY CLERKAPPROVED BY RESOLUTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEWBOARD OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT,ON THE _____ DAY OF ________, 20____, SUBJECT TO THEREQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS OF SAID RESOLUTION.SIGNED THIS _____ DAY OF _________, 20______.BY ___________________________________, CHAIRPERSONORIGINAL INK on MYLAR - REDUCED for RECORDING
DESCRIPTIONDATEREV Park RoadSouth Burlington, VTPARK ROADPreblastSurveyDrawing250ft PREBLASTSURVEY RADIUS
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T.J. Boyle Associates | 301 College Street • Burlington VT 05401 | www.tjboyle.com
WHEELER PARCEL December 17, 2020 LANDSCAPE BUDGET & ESTIMATE Prepared by T.J. Boyle Associates, LLC
REQUIRED LANDSCAPING BUDGET
Total Building Construction or
Building Improvement Costs
Landscape Percent of Total
Construction / Improvement Cost
Cost of Proposed Project
$0 - $250,000 3% $7,500
Next $250,000 2% $5,000
Additional over $500,000 1% $71,000
Total Minimum Landscaping* $83,500
*Project cost used to calculate the landscape budget is $7,600,000, which includes construction of 8 duplex units,
14 townhome Units, 10 carriage home units and 1,020 L.F. of roadway ($550/L.F).
OPINION OF POTENTIAL LANDSCAPING COST
Planting Area Total Buildings Cost per Building Total Potential Cost
Typical Duplex Foundation 4 $1,150 $3,000
Typical Townhome Foundation 7 $750 $2,600
Typical Carriage Home Foundation 10 $605 $3,000
Landscape Buffer Areas - - $51,000
Open / Greenspace Areas - - $24,000
Total Landscaping Costs: $83,600
ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL LANDSCAPING COSTS
Street Trees (Total Site) $25,000
Utility Cabinet Screening (Total Site) $1,800
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First Floor0' -0"First Floor TP9' -1 1/8"Grade-1' -9 1/2"Second Floor10' -1 1/8"Second Floor TP18' -2 1/4"Top of Foundation-1' -1 1/2"8' - 1 1/8"1' - 0"9' - 1 1/8"1' - 1 1/2"First Floor0' -0"First Floor TP9' -1 1/8"Grade-1' -9 1/2"Second Floor10' -1 1/8"Second Floor TP18' -2 1/4"Top of Foundation-1' -1 1/2"8' - 1 1/8"1' - 0"9' - 1 1/8"1' - 1 1/2"SCALE:DATE:DRAWN BY:CHECKED BY:PROJECT:SHEET TITLE:THIS DRAWING IS THE PROPERTY OF G4 DESIGN STUDIOS, LLC AND IS NOT TO BE COPIED, REPRODUCED, OR THE CONTENT THEREOF USED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF STEVE GUILDFOR REVIEW ONLY NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION1/4" = 1'-0"4/10/2020 10:27:46 AMA-3.2EXTERIORELEVATIONSBLACKROCK CONSTRUCTIONDUPLEX #1SGWGI4/10/2020PARK RDPARK ROAD1/4" = 1'-0"1LEFT ELEVATION1/4" = 1'-0"2RIGHT ELEVATION
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Public Comments on SD‐21‐06
For 3/3/2021 Hearing
Arranged from Oldest to Newest
Note: Some public comments were received after the preliminary plat hearing was closed but before
the final plat application was submitted on 12/22/2020. These comments may contain certain elements
which are not reflective of the current application.
1
Marla Keene
From:John Bossange <johnbossange@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, June 3, 2020 9:15 AM
To:Marla Keene; Paul Conner
Subject:EXTERNAL: 550 Park Road Proposal
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Good morning to you both,
Thanks again for allowing me to participate in last evening's DRB meeting. It was very well run and informative. Thanks
to the DRB staff for all their comments and recommendations made to the BlackRock Co. I think BlackRock presenters
were receptive to your concerns, and I look forward to hearing the detail and specifics of their responses as the next
DRB meeting.
Because I had only three minutes (which I understandable!), I wanted to be sure that not only the questions from your
staff but also my questions and those from others citizens are also addressed by BlackRock at your next meeting. Will
that occur?
Here is a summary of my concerns which needs a response:
1. Density. This was mentioned by another citizen and it was also on my list but time prevented me from addressing the
issue. 32 units crammed in to 7 acres is a lot. I understand density to preserve open space, but this is way too many
dwellings for such a small area. Cars, people, storm water, sewerage, etc. from such a small area does not make
environment sense. I know what the zoning regulations permit, but in the wisdom given to us from Supreme Court
Justice Brandeis, "Just because you have the right to do it, does not mean it is right to do." Please reconsider decreasing
the number of approved buildings.
2. Building types and heights. It's not clear to me what variety of structures will be built and how they will be
arranged. I know there was a lot of discussion about redesign from the architect, which was helpful. What ever the
design, color, materials used, etc., I believe the homes along Dorset St. all need to be one story only, as do those which
border Park Rd. This will be very important for a development in such a prominent, visible piece of land, just as the
other homes are across the street single story only.
3. Traffic. Can the entry to the development be further down Dorset St. and not off Park Rd.? Park Rd. is a steep, curvy
hill in both directions and exiting and entering will be dangerous, especially in the winter when we routinely have cars
skidding off into the woods. It would seem to make more sense to have a Dorset St. entry area just before the
community gardens, and have the loop return to that area with no loss of potential development.
4. Trees and Buffers. How high will the berms be and how tall will the newly planted trees be?
Thanks again for listening. Be well and stay safe.
John Bossange
578‐7468
1
Marla Keene
From:Dalila Hall
Sent:Thursday, June 4, 2020 1:35 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:FW: EXTERNAL: Tree Inventory for upcoming Wheeler project
Hi Marla: I know you have a standard response for when the public sends comments to the Board, I just don’t recall it
exactly.
From: Tracy perrapato <thawke5@comcast.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 11:18 AM
To: Dalila Hall <dhall@sburl.com>
Subject: EXTERNAL: Tree Inventory for upcoming Wheeler project
Could you please forward this to the DRB members as I know you have an upcoming meeting.
Through Front Porch Forum I was made aware that the Tree Inventory for the Wheeler Parcel under
review was incorrect and had left out at 3 least 3 large trees. There was also a concern about
needing to regrade the property for another bike path. As the bike path already is close to the
property, I feel that another path which would require regrading and stripping of the property would be
not be needed. It is a shame that a lot of our natural areas are being exploited by developers without
any constraints these last several years without concern for the nature of our area. The population of
Vermont is not growing and with the recent Covid situation, many people are not able to afford new
and expensive housing. Please review the tree survey and take into account whether we really need
to be developing all our remaining natural spaces. Thank you. Tracy Perrapato
1
Marla Keene
From:John Bossange <johnbossange@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, July 8, 2020 9:43 AM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:Re: EXTERNAL: Re: SD-20-17 550 Park Road
Marla,
Thanks for getting back to me. I trust you have been safe and well.
I'm hopeful that the Board will not just let this proposal slide through the process because there are some serious
shortcomings in the overall proposal. Between you and me, I have very little trust with developers. Traditionally, they
submit sketchy plans waiting for staff comments to tell them what to do, when in fact, they already know what they
should do and could have submitted more thorough plans the first time. I've been through this process before in other
towns, and do not wish to appeal or wish to get lawyers involved.
But I fear we will have a cluster development similar to all the ugly and undignified development south of us along
Dorset St. Some of those homes and developments are truly eye‐sores and scar the landscape. Not everything needs to
look like where I live, but design and fitting into the landscape are essential. Some of the newer homes on Dorset and
Spear are just plopped into a field with no plantings, berms or landscape design. I assume the Board approved those
developments as they now stand. I fear the same look will occur at our entrance. 32 homes on seven acres is way too
much. Affordable carriage homes and duplexes are fine and needed. I understand that. But the need to push the
density limits as allowed should not be permitted.
So, I hope the Board gives my four concerns serious thought. They can be addressed. I'm sure the applicant will not!
Thanks again.
John
On Tue, Jul 7, 2020 at 10:34 AM Marla Keene <mkeene@sburl.com> wrote:
Hi John,
The Board is required to enforce the regulations, though they do take all public comment into consideration. The
applicant may or may not choose to address your comments at the next application. If the Board feels something
needs to be addressed, they will ask the applicant to do so. If you are not satisfied with the Board’s decision, the
appeal process is described on the final page. Note the 30 day timeline. The same appeal process will be available at
final plat.
Marla Keene, PE
Development Review Planner
City of South Burlington
(802) 846‐4106
2
From: John Bossange <johnbossange@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2020 8:08 AM
To: Marla Keene <mkeene@sburl.com>
Subject: Re: EXTERNAL: Re: SD‐20‐17 550 Park Road
Good morning, Marla.
I read through the hard copy, so much easier to read than the electronic copy on the screen! Thanks again for sending
it. I'm confused as to what occurs next. Will my issues be addressed and when? I think you said they have up to a year
to come back with their second, revised proposal., but is that in response only to the staff comments? If I am not in
agreement with their responses to any of the requests, staff or mine, what is the appeal process?
Thanks.
John
On Mon, Jun 22, 2020 at 3:53 PM Marla Keene <mkeene@sburl.com> wrote:
In the mail today, John!
Marla Keene, PE
Development Review Planner
City of South Burlington
(802) 846‐4106
From: John Bossange <johnbossange@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 4:35 PM
To: Marla Keene <mkeene@sburl.com>
Subject: EXTERNAL: Re: SD‐20‐17 550 Park Road
3
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Thank you, Marla.
Please mail me a copy.
John Bossange
579 Golf Course Rd.
So. Burlington, VT 05403
John
On Thu, Jun 18, 2020, 1:49 PM Marla Keene <mkeene@sburl.com> wrote:
As a potentially interested person, please find attached the findings of fact and decision for the above referenced
application. If you would like to request a hard copy please send me a message with your mailing address.
Sincerely,
Marla Keene, PE
Development Review Planner
City of South Burlington
575 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 846‐4106
www.southburlingtonvt.gov
4
Notice - Under Vermont’s Public Records Act, all e-mail, e-mail attachments as well as paper copies of documents received or prepared for use in matters
concerning City business, concerning a City official or staff, or containing information relating to City business are likely to be regarded as public records
which may be inspected by any person upon request, unless otherwise made confidential by law. If you have received this message in error, please notify us
immediately by return email. Thank you for your cooperation.
1
TO: South Burlington Development Review Board (DRB) (802) 846-4106 planning@sburl.com.
Matt Cota, Chair
Mark Behr
Elissa Portman
James Langan
Dawn Philibert
Brian Sullivan
John Wilking
CC: Paul Connor pconner@sburl.com Director, Planning and Zoning
Marla Keene mkeene@sburl.com Development Review Planner
Dalila Hall dhall@sburl.com Administrative Officer
Ashley Parker, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, aparker@sburl.com
Justin Rabidoux, Public Works Dept., jrabidoux@sblur.com
From: Karen LeFevre Golf Course Road KBLeFevre@gmail.com
John Bossange Golf Course Road johnbossange@gmail.com
Randee Bloomberg Park Road
Alan Luzzatto Nicklaus Circle
RE: Public Comment about #SD-20-17, 550 Park Road Development proposal by Blackrock
Construction for the 6.91-acre plot more commonly known as the “Wheeler Parcel” in the Southeast
Quadrant, North corner of Park Road/Dorset Street intersection. Establishing two lots and constructing
22 duplex dwelling units and 10 units in single family homes with an interior (public) road cutting into
Park Road at two points.
Date: October 5, 2020
2
I. Introduction: Public Comment about #SD-20-17, 550 Park Road Development 10.05.2020
As South Burlington residents, we appreciate the knowledge and work of our local governing bodies
and committees over the years, including the recent digitization of all DRB records made available as
resources for the public. Although we are not professional planners, we too have invested considerable
research and time in considering the proposed development, #SD-20-17, 550 Park Road . We hope to
bring to this proposed development our personal experience with the various stages from land -swap
proposal to now, ranging from 2-10 years. As Interested Persons, we have attended various public
hearings and meetings with City Council and/or DRB, in person or, recently, virtually. Some of us have
sent public comments and/or email questions to staff. We’ve studied digital minutes, applications, and
recordings of relevant proceedings.
Thousands of times we’ve observed, walked, hiked, and driven the streets, paths, intersections, and
nature areas; we care deeply about this peaceful rural area including Wheeler Park . In that spirit, we
make observations and suggestions regarding its development below, primarily about the likelihood of
increased residential density with its potential for congestion and/or accidents on roads, sidewalks, rec
paths, involving cars, motorcycles, bikers, walkers, strollers, dog walking, skateboarding, roller skating,
etc. and at all intersections.
II. Concerns over the Process
In view of the changes brought on by COVID-19, we find ourselves with Zoom DRB meetings, staff
working remotely, and no office to go to in person for face to face discussions and viewing visual
materials up close. This brings challenges to everyone. We’ve been trying to come up with some
suggestions that the DRB might consider, understanding that staff are likely pressed for time.
A. Might the DRB consider an added way for discussion back and forth between staff and public?
Perhaps a small, socially distanced group meeting of staff with public participants?
B. Can the developer provide some quality paper visuals (labeled) for public distribution, such as maps,
sketches, photographs? The online files do include visuals, but it is difficult to clearly see and
understand from the digitized records. Perhaps provide a packet for people to pick up at City Hall?
C. Especially with current limitations due to COVID with the lack of interpersonal discussions, is it
possible for the DRB to sponsor a (masked, socially distanced, guided) site visit/tour for board, staff,
and the public? We are aware that this has been done for some projects in the past. It might include
the following:
* the Dorset St/Park Road intersection; with vehicles, bikes, pedestrians;
* the proposed design space for residences, parking, landscaping, sight distances, etc. and
3
* the two proposed cut-ins creating a new road for the development itself (conceived of as a
Public Road) and the geography on Park Road with cars going up/down from intersection of
Park with Golf Course Road and with Dorset Street;
Consider especially sight distances, speed control, signage, lighting planned. Note the lack of
shoulders and the curving slopes (guardrails over a pond) which limit vision.
III. Immediate Concerns
A. Density
Thirty-two units crammed into 6.91 acres is just too many. By contrast, across Dorset Street from the
550 development, Nicklaus Circle contains a total of just 9 dwelling units on 10.35 acres. The more
spacious look of Nicklaus Circle is more desirable, we believe, in terms of fit into the natural
surroundings and aesthetic appeal.
We understand density as one way to preserve open space, but this is far too many dwellings for such
a small area. Cars, people, storm water, sewerage, etc. arising from such a tight area do not make
environmental sense. We know what the zoning regulations permit, but in the wisdom given to us
from Supreme Court Justice Brandeis, "Just because you have the right to do it, does not mean it is
right to do." Please decrease the number of approved buildings. There need to be far fewer total units
in the 6.91 acres.
B. Aesthetics of Building Types and Heights?
It's not clear to us what variety of structures will be built and how they will be arranged. We know
there has been a lot of discussion about redesign from the architect, which was helpful, but there was
no clarity as to how many carriages, duplexes, single family homes, etc. were planned and where.
Whatever the design, color, materials used, etc., we believe the homes along Dorset Street and Park
Road all need to be one story only, just as the other homes across Dorset on Nicklaus Circle are single
story only, which will also increase visibility. This will be very important for a development in such a
prominent, visible piece of land. Please make sure the building designs are clear to understand and
fit in with the open space environment on top of that hill.
4
C. Traffic Study Urged
Before the DRB and applicant move on to a final plat decision on this proposed development, we
request the DRB to implement a traffic study, perhaps by a consultant, with findings presented to the
board, developer, and public in time to be useful as input in the process. We don’t have knowledge of
the type(s) of studies that would be most appropriate. A TIA (traffic impact study)? A TIS (traffic
analysis study)? Evaluation of delay/level of service (LOS)? Other? Such a study’s findings should be
presented to the public in a timely matter, such as a well-warned DRB public hearing for discussion of
this matter.
Indeed, on this matter, at the Sketch Plan Application meeting of 1/2/2020 , the DRB staff raised the
following question for the board :
“Whether to require an evaluation of delay/level of service (LOS) at the adjacent Park Road/Dorset
Street intersection as part of the next application.”
Upon reviewing the televised recording of that meeting and its written minutes, however, it does not
seem clear to us that a decision was actually reached. (In fact, there typically are no final decisions
made at the DRB Sketch Plan discussion, which is more for discussion and providing Board feedback to
the developer). On this occasion, there was a somewhat discursive discussion. One board member who
often drives by the busy Dorset/Park intersection stated , according to the Sketch Plan Minutes (p. 6)
that . . . “ it is tricky to get out of the area, but [ he] wouldn’t say it is a problematic level of service.”
And he added that there are some “gaps” in traffic on Dorset Street now when vehicles from Park
Road and other nearby Dorset access points can enter Dorset. By contrast, however, a public comment
from a representative of Nicklaus Circle (right across Dorset—a one-minute drive from the 550 project)
--- said that it is difficult to cross Dorset anywhere near that intersection. There is no light or crosswalk,
so pedestrians must often “dart” to get across . The inevitable increase of additional cars along with
ancillary vehicles turning in and out of that intersection (and probably more walkers and bikes) is worth
concerning.
The minutes from this meeting state that “ The Board felt a detailed evaluation was not needed.” At
next stage, Preliminary Plat, Mr. Avery from Blackrock answers is recorded in minutes as saying that
“ . . . at Sketch plan it [traffic study] was deemed unnecessary. They (Blackrock) have provided ITE
information.” What is that? There was no comment by the DRB or staff about this viewpoint. What
does that silence signify? We strongly suggest that there must be an independent traffic study
including, as DRB staff brought up at the meeting, “an evaluation of delay/level of service (LOS) , ”
before this proposal is approved.
Despite the lack of clarity about whether a traffic study was/was not decided at this point in the
process, the matter can still be revisited anyway, according to general requirements for the
SOUTHEAST QUADRANT DISTRICT: Page 5, #(3): There is a requirement that:
5
The project incorporates access, circulation, and traffic management strategies
sufficient to prevent unreasonable congestion of adjacent roads. In making this
finding, the DRB may rely on the findings of a traffic study submitted by the
applicant, and the findings of any technical review by City staff or consultants. This
criterion was found at the master plan level to need further review under
applications for individual phases.
Further, the document states that this criterion may be revisited and re-evaluated at any stage of the
application process. A DRB staff member, when asked in email about conducting a traffic study ,
replied that such a study is “generally not done” for a project with fewer than 35 units; this project
proposes 32 units . Why is 35 the cut-off number? We’d like to know where that number comes from.
Are other factors considered?
As residents of the areas under consideration, we are aware that this 550 Park Proposal is not an
isolated matter; it is a part of a continuing trend in the Golf Course/Park Road area which will harm
the natural environment and exacerbate traffic concerns. We agree that at present there are some
gaps in the Dorset traffic for cars from Park to get through. But there will be fewer available. It is
urgent to look to the very near future when an increase in projected developments will change traffic
flow and may cause congestion, delays, and backed up traffic.
Already there is ongoing construction of 10 new homes on a newly built road in the area, Long Drive
(which cuts into Golf Course Road, then Park, then the busy Park/Dorset intersection). Of course,
residential developments such as Long Drive and the proposed 550 Park one also bring vehicle
increases, detours, and noise from the construction process itself, and then with the new residents and
other accompanying activities, such as vehicles for deliveries, trash, repairs, maintenance, visitors, and
so forth.
Looking “down the road,” an additional development may be in the offing directly across from the
proposed “550 Park” development on Park Road and near its intersection with Dorset. A proposal
previously submitted to the DRB (SD-15-45, 1170 Dorset Street, 3/1/2016) was to build up to 15
townhomes and creating 2 additional private roads cutting into Park Road not far from the 2 road cuts
currently proposed by “550 Park” on the other side of Park Road. These 4 new roads off Park Road
would all feed into its intersection with Dorset Street. While this proposed SD-15-45 development
appears to be inactive now, one could be introduced later because of what the Master Plan and land
swap allow.
So, there could be (if approved) four new roads dumping onto the narrow, winding Park Road (which
is already a conduit of traffic from Fairway Drive, Golf Course Road, from another section of Park Road,
and now from the new Long Drive) --- all headed to the same intersection with Dorset Street. This
trend is alarming to contemplate.
6
IV. Additional Existing Park Road Problems
• Road is narrow. Two cars that pass by each other going opposite ways just make it
• Has no safe stopping or turning places from top to bottom along its natural field area
• Has no streetlights or path lighting
• No shoulders. No sidewalk but has a walking/biking path alongside
• Has 2 curved slopes which make vision difficult and make for slippery winter conditions, cars
going off the road
• Runs over a stream, with rusty guide rails placed along the curve
• Has seasonal challenges when very rainy or snow covered. Snow and wind, especially from near
its entrance from Dorset and above from Golf Course/Park Road juncture . Braking or delaying
or back-upped traffic can be hazardous. Difficult to get moving again on slopes without
spinning.
• Snowplowing challenges: to keep up with it, find places to snow, sometimes making it
narrower; plow sometimes alarming drivers because road is so narrow, no center line
Has the currently proposed development considered these key points? Have they suggested any possible
mitigation? This is a city road and it must be safe.
V. Additional Traffic Safety Considerations to be addressed in Traffic Study
* How to control increased traffic and new road entrances, if they are allowed;
* How to handle back-ups and delays on Dorset and Park
* How to manage the construction process (This is mentioned by staff as a “good idea” in an email)
considering especially that construction could last to 2025, as stated in Blackrock’s application. (Is that
a currently a realistic estimate? With a timetable?). Construction plans should be detailed to include all
locations herein: Golf Course Road from the 550 Park development into Park Road; the busy
intersection of Park Road with Dorset Street.
*Possible traffic calming on Dorset and/or Park (there are many speeding cars/motorcycles on Park
Road now, even with ”Slow” and “ 25 mph” signs already posted);
*Examination of the safety of Park Road’s existing (rusted) guardrails placed over a brook, in relation to
increased traffic and residents walking up the road from the new housing;
*Consideration of its curves and slopes
*Consultation with the Bike/Pedestrian Committee, as suggested by the board for next phase of
application
*Possible lighting needs for Park Road and Dorset intersections, and the existing rec path?
*Traffic lights and/or directional arrows;
*Consider whether Park Road’s narrow width and complete lack of shoulders can safely handle the
increase in vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians;
*Adding a new pedestrian crosswalk (from Nicklaus Circle across Dorset to Park)
7
*Obtaining optimal sight distances at all points around the Park Rd/Dorset Street intersection and the
proposed 2-entrance/exit points from the 550 development onto Park Road. Note that Public Works
has at Preliminary Plat (June 2, 2020) questioned the safety of the ends of the street regarding sight
distances.
Currently these new road cuts are shown, we are told, where two staked road markers have been
placed on the side Park Road. Unfortunately, they are positioned at points which current residents
consider to be particularly troubling points on Park Road, with risks already:
A. One new road cut for the project would appear just after the intersection of Park and
Golf Course Road, running downward on a somewhat obscured bend in Park, just past where
rusted guard rails line the road as it crosses a stream. The new road cut would be near where
the existing Rec /Bike/ Pedestrian path and the existing Park Road closely co-exist.
B. One new road cut is also proposed at the opposite end, near the entrance intersection
between Dorset St. and the existing Park Road. Almost immediately after the turn from Dorset,
Park Road has a downward slope just past the new road cut. In winter, this slope becomes very
icy, with cars at times sliding off the slope into a field. This could be worse if drivers turning in
from Dorset must brake suddenly when cars come out of the new road into the development.
* We want to keep another safety challenge in mind, too: if cars are obstructed or delayed at either of
these slopes, the only way out might be to back up quite a distance ---- a harrowing task ---- while
being endangered by other cars which might be coming down the slopes. There are no road pull-offs,
no shoulders, no cut-ins. And the road is too narrow ( narrower still with winter snow piled on its
sides) and dangerous to attempt U-turns. Does the current proposal anticipate such issues, and are
there plans to mitigate them?
* importantly, is there an upfront budget of costs that may be required after considering the above
road and safety matters: Which are to be paid by the developer, which by the city? If some important
safety needs are left for later as the traffic from the development becomes more evident, are the city
taxpayers willing to pay for the improvements?
* If warranted by the traffic studies and other considerations, would the DRB explore an option for an
entrance from further on Dorset into the 550 development, thus avoiding the likely congestion/delay
issues with the Park Road/Dorset Street intersection. Recently, in reply to this question via email, a
staff member stated :
This [Dorset Street entrance idea] was brought up at the public hearing by a member of
the public and the board chose not to ask the applicant to pursue it further. The land swap
between the city and golf course specifically left out a segment along Dorset Street to
retain the tree line and recreation path. A portion of the Wheeler Nature Park sites
between the street and the property, so the applicant doesn’t have the authority to access
from that side without another consideration of modifications by the city council.
8
But why not, then, direct this applicant to apply for such a “consideration of modification” from the
City Council? That decision was many years ago. Meanwhile residential development on and off of
Dorset Street speeds on with increasing density and traffic in what have been quiet, rural
neighborhoods.
VII. Conclusion
Even though this land swap is nearly a decade old, the pace of recent developments in the proposal ,
combined with the increased distance between everyone due to the Covid-19 challenges, are creating
a feeling of mistrust in the process.
We expect Blackrock to address these issues and make common sense adjustments to ensure the
development is built in a dignified manner conducive to the landscape, the surrounding homes and
environments.
We look forward to being kept informed and remaining a part of this process. That will help the public
understand decisions and have trust in the process.
__________________________________________________________
End Notes
1. To see televised video recordings of two main DRB meetings on 550 Park Road proposed
development, #SD-2017 , go to https://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/series/south-burlington-development-
review-board . 550 Park Road was discussed on January 22, 2020 (sketch plan) and on June 2, 2020
(preliminary plat). Oral public comments in in those sessions as well as in writing elsewhere.
TO: South Burlington Development Review Board (DRB) (802) 846‐4106 planning@sburl.com.
Matt Cota, Chair
Mark Behr
Elissa Portman
James Langan
Dawn Philibert
Brian Sullivan
John Wilking
CC: Paul Connor pconner@sburl.com Director, Planning and Zoning
Marla Keene mkeene@sburl.com Development Review Planner
Dalila Hall dhall@sburl.com Administrative Officer
Ashley Parker, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, aparker@sburl.com
Justin Rabidoux, Public Works Dept., jrabidoux@sblur.com
From: Randee Bloomberg Park Road
RE: Public Comment about #SD‐20‐17, 550 Park Road Development proposal by Blackrock
Construction for the 6.91‐acre plot more commonly known as the “Wheeler Parcel” in the
Southeast Quadrant, North corner of Park Road/Dorset Street intersection. Establishing two lots
and constructing 22 duplex dwelling units and 10 units in single family homes with an interior
(public) road cutting into Park Road at two points.
Date: October 4, 2020
I am writing because I am very concerned about the traffic that will occur on Dorset and Park
Roads including the road cuts into the new development off of Park Road. I believe it is important
that a traffic study be done to decide whether or not a different path into the new development
should be considered as well as a traffic light placed on the intersection of Park Road and Dorset
Street.
In light of covid, should a traffic study take place, please note that the traffic pattern is substantially
less at this moment. Keep in mind that not everyone is commuting to work or school yet it is
difficult at times to get out onto Dorset Street from Park Road even at this time. What will it be like
when the new development is built? The only way to find out is to do a study.
Sincerely,
Randee Bloomberg
Cc: Karen LeFevre Golf Course Road KBLeFevre@gmail.com
John Bossange Golf Course Road johnbossange@gmail.com
1
Marla Keene
From:Martha Edwards <maril@gmavt.net>
Sent:Saturday, October 24, 2020 4:32 PM
To:Marla Keene
Cc:Alan Luzzatto
Subject:EXTERNAL: SD-20-17,550 Park Road
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Karla, We are writing as very concerned tax paying citizens of South Burlington in regards to the proposed development
that will be located directly across Dorset St from our residence on Nicklaus Circle.
Our primary concern is the proposed building of 32 units that in my opinion are being jammed into a less than 7 acre
space. When you look at Nicklaus circle we have 9 units in a 10 acre space. This density is absolutely ludicrous for many
reasons, safety being the primary concern. Those units will be so closely clustered I would think that they would also
present a fire safety concern. Not to talk about the impact those units will have on traffic safety for all concerned.
There are times during the day now that we have to wait for prolonged periods of time to be able to exit Nicklaus circle
in our cars not to even speak of just trying to walk across Dorset street to be able to access the walking path that is paid
for with our tax dollars, and that is before these new units are erected. How many additional cars are you estimating are
going to be using this area?
Then we are hearing that there are two more developments that are in process for this very same area. How can this
be? This is clearly going to present a dangerous cluster of activity in a very concentrated area and it does not need to
happen. Has the impact that these developments are going to have on this area been seriously studied?
Aesthetically I can’t help but think theses units will not be pleasant to look at from Dorset Street. Just how pleasant will
it be for passing traffic or the people that live on Nicklaus circle to be looking at a myriad of backyards. You know,
barbecues, swing sets, garbage cans and a plethora of children’s toys and general yard junk. I can’t help but think that
you must also be taking into account the impact this development will have on our property values, and I’m not talking
about their increase but in their reduced value. Surely when we go to sell our homes this backyard attraction we will see
from our homes will impact what we expect will be a reduced selling value in our homes.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Martha and Stephen Edwards
57 Nicklaus circle
Maril@gmavt.net
Sent from my iPad
1
Marla Keene
From:Thomas Drumheller <thomasdrumheller@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, October 24, 2020 2:57 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: Fwd: Public Comment on #SD-2017 Park Road
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Thomas Drumheller <thomasdrumheller@gmail.com>
Date: October 24, 2020 at 2:51:09 PM EDT
To: mkeen@sburl.com
Subject: Public Comment on #SD‐2017 Park Road
Dear Ms Dean,
My name is Thomas C. Drumheller, I reside at 263 Golf Course RD and wish you to present my
comments to the DRB before final approval of the BlackRock construction project.
My primary concerns are the loss of open land and increased traffic with subsequent loss of safety. This
is a beautiful spot of property in one of the highest portions of S Burlington with magnificent trees. It is
not appropriate for high density development.
Park Road already has a very high amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the rec path is right
next to it. The road is curvy and hilly, already prone to incidents that could be dangerous. Increasing
traffic here is just simply asking for trouble.
Please let the DRB know that profit for few should not be favored over the needs of many. Thank you,
Tom Drumheller.
1
Marla Keene
From:Patty Barry <pbnana@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, October 25, 2020 12:25 PM
To:Marla Keene
Cc:ALAN LUZZATTO
Subject:EXTERNAL: Public Comment on #SD-2017, 550 Park Road
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 am writing to express concern over certain aspects of the above development:
1. Density: there are too many buildings (32) proposed in such a small amount of space (6.91 acres). Way too many for
aesthetic and environmental reasons.
2. What types of structures will be built? Although we have some idea, there is no sense of the aesthetics of what this
will look like. Will it be similar to the existing designs in the VT National area?
3. Traffic: it goes without saying that this much new traffic on the existing neighborhood streets and merging onto
Dorset will create more problems. How many more is unknown until an objective traffic study is done.
Patricia Barry
59 Nicklaus Cir, South Burlington, VT 05403
1
Marla Keene
From:Alan Luzzatto <nesandal@comcast.net>
Sent:Sunday, October 25, 2020 2:40 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: PUBLIC COMMENT on #SD-2017, 550 park Road
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
PUBLIC COMMENT on #SD‐2017, 550 Park Road, South Burlington, VT
My wife and I live at 58 Nicklaus Circle which is directly across Dorset street from the proposed 32 unit development
on Park Road. I was in attendance at the second plat meeting and did raise some concerns then.
The proposed development is not proportional in either aesthetics or density of living units compared to other
completed developments in the area. The volume of the traffic that will be generated from these new homes as well as
the two other nearby developments has yet to be considered. A new traffic study must be ordered to determine what
must be done to maintain a reasonable and safe flow of traffic. Even now it is basically impossible for the residents of
my development to safely cross Dorset Street and connect with the City walking path! What will happen when the new
development is occupied?
To date I have yet to see the Development Review Board work proactively to protect the interests of the current
residents of South Burlington. I recognize that a new development will be built there but let’s do it right.
Sincerely,
Alan Luzzatto, President
Villas At Watertower Hill, HOA
802‐503‐2637
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
1
Marla Keene
From:Tom Fischer <tomfischerdmd@me.com>
Sent:Sunday, October 25, 2020 3:55 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: PUBLIC comment one SD-2017, 550 Park Road
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 Ms. Keene:
As residents of Nicklaus Circle, South Burlington, we wish to relay to you our serious concerns regarding the
proposed development identified as #SD‐20‐17, 550 Park Road. After reviewing the proposal we have significant
reservations concerning the scope, the esthetics, and most of all, the safety for the many South Burlington residents
who will be adversely impacted by this development.
The concentration of the project in terms of units per acre is drastically immoderate with regard to the
concentration all of the surrounding developments. Secondly, there has been no demonstration of the architectural
renderings of the proposed buildings as to their design with respect to the neighboring developments.
Thirdly, and most importantly for the citizens of South Burlington, the addition of so many housing units will increase the
automobile traffic to unsafe levels in such a small area of Dorset Street.
For example, as residents of Nicklaus Circle who utilize the wonderful South Burlington walking path located
across Dorset Street, we already have a difficult time crossing Dorset Street to utilize our community’s walking path. We
do not have a designated crosswalk and there is no easy, safe way for us to reach the path safely. There are times when
cars have stopped to let us cross Dorset with little to no notice of the cars behind them. It is a kind gesture, but a
dangerous one stopping all traffic on Dorset Street with little notice. The addition of so much additional traffic into such
a small area will, frankly, make it a significant safety hazard for us, as well all of our neighbors at Nicklaus Circle. A
traffic study to evaluate the impact of so many more vehicles is an absolute necessity.
Thank you for your attention to our concerns.
Sincerely,
Tom & Debbie Fischer
28 Nicklaus Circle
1
Marla Keene
From:Jonathan Bloom <jabloom@msn.com>
Sent:Sunday, October 25, 2020 5:20 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: Fwd: #SD-20-17550 Park Road. Draft
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 Ms. Keene,
>> I, Jonathan Bloom, a homeowner at 120 Nicklaus Circle, am writing you with concerns about the above noted
development. I have great difficulty in seeing why so many units are being planned for such a small site. I feel that the
current plan is definitely not in keeping with the density of the other areas developed around Vermont National Country
Club. Also, my major concern is the vehicular traffic this project, along with the two other projects to the south
(32units+15units+11units=58units X 2 vehicles per unit=116 more vehicles)will add to an already heavily travelled
portion of Dorset Street. As it is now, when I attempt to exit Nicklaus Circle and head north, I have a great deal of
difficulty negotiating the amount of traffic from both directions. Has the DRB conducted a recent traffic study. If so,
what data does it offer. If not, why don’t you mandate this be done before reviewing the final plat plan? Thanking you in
advance for you prompt and professional response, I remain......
>> Sincerely, Jonathan Bloom, DDS
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
1
Marla Keene
From:toby tobyknox.com <toby@tobyknox.com>
Sent:Monday, October 26, 2020 11:48 AM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: Public Comment on SD-2017 550 Park Rd
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, It is imperative that a traffic and safety study be done regarding the planned
development SD-2017. The proposed plan to have 2 traffic outlets on Park Rd.
considering the road’s design, grades, narrowness and curves is ridiculous, not taking
into account the increased traffic on the road. The development, while much too large
for the 6.91 acres, should have an outlet to Dorset Street, not Park Rd. The
Development Review Board members should drive on Park Rd in the winter when it is
often icy and snowy. Adding the expected number of cars to the road at any time of the
year, but especially winter, makes no sense at all.
I question the number of units being proposed considering that there currently is new
housing being built along Dorset Street along the 18th fairway and off Golf Course Rd.
How much density can this area handle and still remain conducive to being an open
area and attractive to differing fauna, which would be a crime to lose.
The welfare of current residents of the area should take precedence over the greed of
developers. South Burlington which seeks to have an attractive image will not have
one if every open parcel is allowed to be developed. “SoBu” will be just another parcel
of over-developed suburbia with no noteworthy identity (other than noise from F-35s)
and nothing to make it an appealing place to live if you want to think you are still in
Vermont and not living in suburban NJ or NY. It’s time to stand up to the developers
who don’t appear to care about anything other than finding an open plot of land and
digging into it.
Toby Knox
122 Fairway, S. Burlington
1
Marla Keene
From:Bronwyn Dunne <bronwyndunne@me.com>
Sent:Monday, October 26, 2020 3:32 PM
To:Marla Keene
Cc:John Bossange; Karen Lefevre
Subject:EXTERNAL: Public Comment on #SD-2017, 550 Park Road
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 Marla,
Neighbors, John Bossange, Karen LeFevre on Golf Course Road; Randee Bloomberg on Park Road and Alan Luzzatto on
Nicklaus Circle have made all of us in the Inverness and Gleneagles Associations know that the Final Plat Application for
the development south of Wheeler Park will be submitted next week.
I first heard about this development possibility almost ten years ago. It was a concern then for many of us. It has become
more so now that we are experiencing the development that is under construction on the Vermont National Golf Course
south and east of the new project.
Several aspects of the development plans to be submitted by the Black Rock Construction Co. are in question: the traffic
congestion that will be inevitable because of the two entrances from the developed area to bisect Park Road; the
number of units to be built on the 6.91 acres (32 buildings); the lack of information about the design, style, etc. of the
units; the lack of information about what landscaping, if any, that will be incorporated into the development plan.
Related to the congestion on Park Road, I’d like to ask if there’s been a traffic study of the impact that 32 new homes
will have on the intersection of Park Road and Dorset Street? It would also be of importance to know what if anything
has beed done to address the impact of so many new families to the existing community facilities that exist in the area,
including the invaluable Wheeler Park, a wonderful neighborhood woods and field area that has helped so many enjoy
nature in this time of Covid‐19.
Could you please let me know what information will be shared with the residents of condominiums and homes already a
part of the Vermont National Golf Course? I would like to attend any public meetings leading up to and including the
meeting that will decide the direction of the development known as #SD‐2017,550 Park Road. I believe it is important
that we whose lives will be disturbed and negatively affected should be allowed some say in what the South Burlington
Development Review Board decide is appropriate for the new development and construction.
With all thanks in advance for your attention to our community’s concerns,
Bronwyn Dunne
Park Road
South Burlington, VT
05403
802 860‐5022
2
1
Marla Keene
From:Ted Lenski <tedlenski@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 27, 2020 12:56 PM
To:Marla Keene
Cc:Kathryn Lenski; Karen LeFevre; johnbossange@gmail.com
Subject:EXTERNAL: Public Comment on #SD-2017, 550 Park Road
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Ted Lenski
601 Golf Course Road
South Burlington, VT 05403
tedlenski@yahoo.com
443-280-8002
October 27, 2020
Ms. Marla Keene
Development Review Planner
Development Review Board
575 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
mkeene@sburl.com
RE: Public Comment on #SD-2017, 550 Park Road
Dear Ms. Keene:
I am writing to express the concerns of my wife, myself, and our neighbors as to the proposed final plat
submission of BlackRock Construction for the project identified as #SD-2017, 550 Park Road.
We moved to our residence at 601 Golf Course Road in April of 2020. Since our arrival here, we have been
overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our neighbors. They welcomed us to Vermont and made us feel
a part of the community. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, our neighbors reached out to us to make sure we
2
had settled into our new home. The graciousness of our Inverness neighbors and of the other communities of
Gleneagles and Ironwood has been outstanding. The city of South Burlington has been a great place to live. I
have become involved in the community by volunteering as the Treasurer of the Library Board of Trustees. I
think it is critical to have a community continue to grow, but that growth needs to be respectful of the
communities that already exist. I am writing this letter to express the concerns of both my wife and myself
regarding the approval of the final plat submission by BlackRock Construction and how it affects our neighbors
and the Park Road communities as a whole.
The first concern we have is in regard to safety. I have 31 years of experience working in the chemical
manufacturing industry. Before any decision is made in my industry, safety must be evaluated thoroughly and
properly. Regarding this project, the proposed increase in traffic associated with 32 units with dual access to a
curvy and hilly Park Road is inherently unsafe. Traveling Park Road every day, I observe how the curves and
hills make visibility difficult, and the road design increases these risks in the winter. Having up to 100
additional cars entering and exiting Park Road at locations that have reduced visibility is dangerous.
Additionally, the beautiful bike and walking path that exists to support the entire South Burlington community
will have to cross these two access points. Putting bikers, pedestrians, and cars in close proximity to each other
creates unnecessary hazards. Creating unnecessary hazards is unacceptable in my industry and should be
unacceptable to you and the South Burlington Development Review Board as well. This design must be
changed. A traffic study with the appropriate safety considerations must be completed before final plat
approval.
The second concern is the unit density of the proposed development. The proposed unit density is significantly
more than the unit density of any of the existing subdivisions surrounding the Vermont National Golf Course.
Creating a high-density development in a limited access area does not align with the design criteria of the
existing parcels and subdivisions. I am concerned that the reason for increasing the number of units is to offset
the development costs and to make sure BlackRock Construction is achieving a profit. The profit-making goals
of a construction company should never be put as the highest priority. I am sure that the DRB would not
prioritize the creation of profit over the concerns of the South Burlington citizens. If the DRB supports this
increased density plan, I would suggest the priorities of the DRB are not in line with the community it is
designed to support.
Finally, it is clear that South Burlington is a desirable place to live. We continue to be impressed with the
services that the city has to offer and with the community development. However, this development must be
done in an orderly and systematic way. Shoehorning residential developments into smaller and smaller parcels
with increased density is not in line with what we see in the South Burlington community. This development is
clearly inconsistent with the other residential developments being constructed right now. The DRB is the last
line of defense to make sure South Burlington continues to grow, diversify AND support the vision that we all
witnessed when we moved here.
I respectfully request that the DRB not approve the final plat submission of BlackRock Construction until the
concerns I have listed are addressed and discussed with the community. We want South Burlington to remain
one of the great places to live and to reflect all the positive qualities that Vermont has to offer.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you should have any questions about our concerns.
Sincerely,
Ted Lenski
3
tedlenski@yahoo.com
443-280-8002
Kathryn Lenski
businesskat@gmail.com
330-620-3803
Phil and Sherri George
247 Fairway Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403
Email: SABCO1000@gmail.com
PUBLIC Comment of #SD‐2017
55 Park Road
Comments regarding above referenced development on Park Road
We have lived on Fairway Drive for over 18 years and have seen many close call accidents
between pedestrians, bicyclist and children at the intersection of Dorset Street and Park Road.
Park Road has a significant S curve resulting in several blind spots.
The proposed two‐point entry on to Park Road, across an existing bike path, creates additional
traffic flow on to an already busy road which is steep, prone to ice and snow build up.
The 32 buildings on this piece of property is far too many given the current overuse of Dorset
Street and Park Road. Not to mention the additional strain it will put on existing facilities
including on going issues with storm water runoff.
It is for these reasons, and many others, that we are opposed to the development as it stands. We fully
support our neighbors from Inverness Association, Gleneagles and Nicklaus Circle in their request for
fewer buildings to be built. For a clearer description of what is being built, color, height and design. And,
most importantly, and objective Traffic Study to be conducted right away. There are serious safety
concerns with the proposed curb cuts on to Park Road.
Thank you for your time and consideration to our concerns.
1
Marla Keene
From:Leslie Black Sullivan <lblack6000@yahoo.com>
Sent:Wednesday, October 28, 2020 11:27 AM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: PUBLIC COMMENT on #SD-2017, 550 Park Road
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 Ms. Keene,
We are writing to express great concern about the plans for the new residential
development (#SD-20-17) on Park Road. The developer plans to put 32 units on 6.9
acres. Unfortunately, there are a number of negative issues that this proposal will
create.
Thirty two new homes will mean a significant increase in cars, people, sewage, etc..
This is in addition to two other developments in progress right now. There are a number
of homes being built right now off Golf Course Road and there is a development going
in across the street from the Vermont National Country Club off Dorset Street.
From the plans as they now exist, it appears that this new development has not been
designed to fit in this area which would diminish this and surrounding neighborhoods.
Plans that create streets and homes that are similar in design would be much more
appropriate. We hope to have the opportunity to get a better understanding of how this
development will actually look.
Last, we are very concerned about the traffic this will create. Particularly on and around
Park Road. It seems that an entrance directly onto Dorset Street will be much
preferable. Will there be a Traffic Study that will determine the impact the development
will make?
We want to request that these issues are addressed by the developer and a more
appropriately sized and designed development is created and approved.
Thank you for your consideration.
With our best,
Leslie and Tom Sullivan
242 Fairway Drive
South Burlington, Vermont 05403
1
Marla Keene
From:John Carrigan <jcarriga781@hotmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, October 29, 2020 10:27 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: FW: PUBLIC COMMENTS on #SD-2017, 550 PARK ROAD
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
From: John Carrigan
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2020 9:50 PM
To: MCKEENE@SBURL.COM
Cc: jcarriga781@hotmail.com; johnbossange@gmail.com
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENTS on #SD‐2017, 550 PARK ROAD
Hi Maria I am writing you with regard Public Comment on the Subject Development mentioned above. I have reviewed
the development plan and I am having concerns to parts this proposal. I live on Golf Course Road so this is close to me
and I for see future impacts if the development is built as is.
#1. (REVIEW THE OVERALL SCOPE AND IMPACTS OF THIS DEVEOPMENT)
The density of these 32 buildings built in six acres seems inappropriate when compared to the existing developments on
Dorset St. Other units previously built on Dorset St. have larger lots. This plan looks like a shoulder to shoulder spacing
and will detract from developments already in place.
#2. (NEED A MORE DESCRIPTIVE VIEW OF DEVELOPMENT AND HEIGHT AND SPECIFICATIONS)
While the aerial view of the cramped lots are shown, I and others have not seen 3‐D displays of the units being
proposed. This seems like a gross oversight and a key point is at what height is this new construction. Presently the
associations Glen Eagles, Inverness, Dorset Farms, and others have larger lots and an appealing layout. To date Black
Rock has not provided this and a clearer description is needed. It would be nice to know our neighbors layouts prior to
building.
#3. Traffic and Safety: (NEED A TRAFFIC STURY)
Traffic density will be a handicap to all, with 2 cars/unit there can be 64 additional cars and possibly more. Are
the roads wide enough to accommodate parking on the road in BlackRock development.
Presently access to and from this dev will off of PARK street. Due to the steep drop off Park Rd many vehicles have slid
off the road just past Inverness.
It is sure to be an accident prone side street. I can visualize a car coming down Park on a snowy day and a car leaving
the Black Stone dev spinning wheels to go uphill, it is a perfect location for many accidents. Has any sort of a traffic study
been done on this? Also traffic is almost at a point where a light will have to be put in at Dorset and Park. With more
cars it will be a more dangerous intersection, myself I have to be very alert and careful as cars coming from South Dorset
are hidden by a rise at this intersection.
Thanks for attention to this,
2
Yours truly
John Carrigan
PUBLIC COMMENTATOR:
NAME: John Carrigan
ADDR: 580 Golf Course Road
CITY : South Burlington, VT 05403
Telephone: 802‐497‐6741
Email: jcarriga781@hotmail.com
1
Marla Keene
From:Karen Costello <cosmklc@comcast.net>
Sent:Friday, October 30, 2020 12:48 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: Public Comment on #SD-2017, 550 Park Rd.
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 Ms. Keene,
We are writing to you regarding the proposed development that is in the planning stages for 550 Park Rd.,
South Burlington. Like many of our neighbors, we have major concerns about the density of the proposed
site. 32 buildings in 6.91 acres are too many and we are concerned about the added traffic, sewerage and
storm water run‐off this development may create. We request that the Planning Commission lessen the
amount of buildings to be constructed.
We also would like a better understanding of what type of buildings are being proposed for this site, i.e.
design, height, color, style.
Our biggest concern is the proposed entrances/exits from this development. Park Rd is a very winding road
and there are often near miss accidents due to limited vision around the bends. Adding 2 more entrances into
this road will create even more potential hazard and risk and as well as congestion at the exit of Park Rd. We
would like to see an objective Traffic Study done before any approval of this development is given, taking into
consideration an entrance off Dorset St into this new development rather than Park Rd.
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns.
Sincerely,
Karen & Martin Costello
260 Park Rd.
South Burlington, VT 05403
cosmklc@comcast.net
1
Marla Keene
From:linda wright <liwright802@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, October 30, 2020 1:55 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: PUBLIC Comment on #SD-2017, 550 Park Road
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
From: Linda Wright
236 Park Rd
South Burlington, VT 05403
liwright802@gmail.com
I am writing to request an objective Traffic Study be done before any further decisions are made. I have lived here for
more than 18 years and can attest to the danger associated with Park Road. During the winter, the daily ice melt from
the hill slickens the base area of Park Road. It takes all of the area to get stopped and not head into oncoming traffic on
Dorset Street. If there are additional cars entering Park Road in that area, accidents are inevitable. There have been
countless slideoffs even with current traffic loads. I witnessed a South Burlington snow plow side off after making the
turn onto Park from Dorset. My family experienced a slideoff coming down the hill on Park Road heading to Dorset.
Park Road does not get the plowing regularity it needs and is plowed far less than the plow schedule for Dorset Street
where there is also more traffic to help keep the street clear after plowing.You would be endangering South Burlington
lives by not putting access to the development on Dorset rather than the treacherous Park Road.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Sincerely,
Linda Wright
1
Marla Keene
From:MKW Comcast <mkwoods12@comcast.net>
Sent:Monday, November 2, 2020 12:29 PM
To:Marla Keene
Cc:Bob; johnbossange@gmail.com; KBLeFevre@gmail.com
Subject:EXTERNAL: PUBLIC Comment on #SD-2017, 550 Park Road
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 Ms. Keene,
We are writing in response to the proposed development at 550 Park Road. Our concerns are as follows:
1. Density: We feel that 32 buildings packed into 6.91 acres is too much and inconsistent with developments
surrounding the proposed development and not in keeping with preferred environmental goals. We
respectfully request fewer units become part of the final plan.
2. Storm Water and Pump Station Capacity: We are especially concerned about: a. storm water capacity (is
the development under the decades old JAM permit?) and b. pump station capacity (it's already hitting capacity
and the fact that somehow Shelburne has access to it needs review). We respectfully request that an objective
study be undertaken immediately prior to final plat approval so that any common sense
cures/remediations/additional capacity be incorporated in any approvals and work completed as a prerequisite
to development and that the cost be undertaken by the developer/future owners (not the full South Burlington
taxpayer base).
3. Traffic and Safety: The developer’s proposal states that a new road (semi-circular) would be cut into Park
Road at two points which we believe will create an unacceptable level of risk for those turning off Dorset Road
onto Park Road and then onto its winding, narrow and icy slopes through the rest of this neighborhood's
roads. In addition, the traffic at the already busy intersection of Park and Dorset will become worse. It may be
necessary to move the entrance to the development directly from Dorset and a traffic light may be
necessary. We respectfully request that an objective study be undertaken immediately before final plat
approval.
4. Aesthetics, Building Types, Heights: It is unclear from the information presented to date as to what types of
structures will be built, impact on current trees and other vegetation, as well as what trees/vegetation will
ultimately be included. We feel it important to have some resemblance to the current surrounding
neighborhoods. We respectfully request a clearer description of what is being envisioned with respect to
structure, color, height and design.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us using this email or at the
address/telephone number noted below.
Thank you in advance for your attention and consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
2
Mary Kay Woods and Robert C. Wolcott
(256 Golf Course Road, SB; (802) 652-1876)
cc: johnbossange@gmail.com
KBLeFevre@gmail.com
1
Marla Keene
From:Kylie McLane <kmclane7987@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, November 12, 2020 7:24 AM
To:Marla Keene; Nan McLane
Subject:EXTERNAL: Public Comment on #SD-207, 550 Park Road
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Good Morning Marla Keene & The South Burlington Development Review Board –
We are contacting you in opposition of, and concern over the new residential development identified as #SD‐20‐17, 550
Park Road. As long‐term residents of South Burlington and 21‐year residents of Inverness Owners Association we have
several concerns with the proposal that we feel must be addressed immediately before any further development moves
forward.
Some of our primary concerns are as follows:
1. The 6.91 acres is far too small for 32 units to be constructed. We are concerned about how densely
populated this development would be.
2. We have not received significant and adequate information regarding the description of the proposed
development. We need additional information with regards to the color, height, and design of the 32 proposed
structures.
3. For safety reasons it is essential that an official and objective traffic study is done of the area. The “S” curve
on Park Street is already a major safety hazard each winter, with 4‐5 cars going off the road. Several years ago
we even witnessed a plow truck going off the road on this dangerous curve. It’s our belief that it would make
more sense and increase public safety to have the entrance to this development be on Dorset Street rather than
Park Road.
Thank‐you for your time and immediate consideration of our concerns,
Jim & Mary McLane
577 Golf Course Road, South Burlington VT 05403
jim.mary59@yahoo.com
1
Marla Keene
From:Randee Bloomberg <randeeb30@comcast.net>
Sent:Tuesday, December 1, 2020 6:13 PM
To:Marla Keene
Cc:Karen LeFevre; ben@blackrockus.com
Subject:EXTERNAL: PUBLIC COMMENT. SD-20-17, 550 Park Road Proposed 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.
I want to thank Blackrock for doing a traffic study. I noticed, however, that it did not
include the impact on Park Road. At this time the plan is to enter the development through
Park Road. Park Road has a slight incline and a dangerous turn. During normal times the
road can be a problem but during winter it is treacherous. In order to get up the incline
heading east you have to gather speed. In order to head west going down Park Road you
end up with too much speed. Cars coming in and out of the development will make it even
more dangerous. It would make much more sense to have the entrance to the
development off of Dorset Street. Please don’t wait until there are serious accidents to
make that determination. I am asking you to review the plans and use logic.
Thank you.
Randee Bloomberg
146 Park Road
1
Marla Keene
From:John Bossange <johnbossange@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 11, 2021 1:24 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: Fwd: Park Rd. Photos for Packet
Attachments:IMG_20210209_104945065.jpg; IMG_20210209_105013670_HDR.jpg; IMG_20210209_105037525
_HDR.jpg; IMG_20210209_105117520.jpg; IMG_20210209_105209133.jpg
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,
Thanks for your communication today. These photos should be in the packet.
John
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: John Bossange <johnbossange@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Feb 11, 2021 at 9:23 AM
Subject: Park Rd. Photos for Packet
To: Paul Conner <pconner@sburl.com>
Cc: Matt Cota <mcota@sburl.com>, Karen LeFevre <kblefevre@gmail.com>, Alan Luzzatto <nesandal@comcast.net>,
Charles F. Siegel <cfsiegel@reprovt.com>, Phil Moll <phil.e.moll@gmail.com>
Here are photos for the packet. They show the steep slope and curves, and jpg 520 show where a car, once again, has
skidded off the road into the guard rail.
Please be sure to have copies of these images in the hands of the DRB before the 3rd.
Thanks, Paul.
Johns
1
Marla Keene
From:John Bossange <johnbossange@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 11, 2021 1:24 PM
To:Marla Keene
Subject:EXTERNAL: Fwd: Park Rd. Photos for Packet
Attachments:IMG_20210209_104945065.jpg; IMG_20210209_105013670_HDR.jpg; IMG_20210209_105037525
_HDR.jpg; IMG_20210209_105117520.jpg; IMG_20210209_105209133.jpg
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,
Thanks for your communication today. These photos should be in the packet.
John
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: John Bossange <johnbossange@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Feb 11, 2021 at 9:23 AM
Subject: Park Rd. Photos for Packet
To: Paul Conner <pconner@sburl.com>
Cc: Matt Cota <mcota@sburl.com>, Karen LeFevre <kblefevre@gmail.com>, Alan Luzzatto <nesandal@comcast.net>,
Charles F. Siegel <cfsiegel@reprovt.com>, Phil Moll <phil.e.moll@gmail.com>
Here are photos for the packet. They show the steep slope and curves, and jpg 520 show where a car, once again, has
skidded off the road into the guard rail.
Please be sure to have copies of these images in the hands of the DRB before the 3rd.
Thanks, Paul.
Johns
275 COLLEGE STREET, PO BOX 4485 | BURLINGTON, VT 05406-4485 | PHONE 802 861-7000 | FAX 861-7007 | MSKVT.COM
February 22, 2021
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL AND
USPS CERTIFIED MAIL –
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Matt Cota, Chair
South Burlington Development Review Board
City of South Burlington
575 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
Email: mcota@sburl.com
Re: 550 Park Road, Final Plat Application No. SD-21-06
Dear Chairperson Cota and members of the South Burlington DRB:
I represent the Gleneagles Homeowners Association (“Gleneagles HOA”) and the
Inverness Homeowners Association (“Inverness HOA”), collectively, the “HOA’s.” The
Gleneagles HOA is made up of 54 member homes and the Inverness HOA is made up of 32
member homes, all in South Burlington. The HOA’s asked me to contact the DRB concerning
the above-referenced Final Plat Application.
The HOA’s have serious traffic safety concerns regarding the current PUD design, and in
particular the two curb cuts along Park Road. Park Road is a steep winding slope from the PUD
site to Dorset Street. Inverness resident John Bossange expressed his concerns in a March 31,
2020 e-mail message to Department of Planning and Zoning Director Paul Conner. Mr.
Bossange wrote in part as follows (with non-substantive typographical edits by me for added
clarity):
Is there a reason why this proposal does not show an entrance
further down Dorset Street? Why use Park Road? Here’s my
concern. The top entrance intersection is a windblown sheet of
black ice most of the winter, or covered with windblown snow. It
is very slick because that stretch of Park Roads is exposed to the
blowing snow. To imagine vehicles stopping and turning into the
new road and out onto Park Road without skidding is hard to see.
That’s a dangerous first 100 yards of Park Road, just where there
does not need to be intersection.
Further, the lower entrance is at the bottom of an “S” curve hill,
much steeper than shown on the sketch plan. Everyone gains
speed each way and negotiates the curves carefully. Again, to
have an intersection at that point could be dangerous, as well. This
Letter to DRB Chairperson Matt Cota
February 22, 2021
Page 2 of 5
275 College Street, PO Box 4485 | Burlington, VT 05406-4485 | phone 802 861-7000 | Fax 861-7007 | mskvt.com
winter, as in all winters, cars have ended up off the road there
because they were going too fast down the hill, either way, and
skidded into the shoulder of grass or into the woods.
On October 5, 2020, four area residents – Randee Bloomberg (Park Road), John
Bossange (Golf Course Road), Karen LeFevre (Golf Course Road) and Alan Luzzatto (Nicklaus
Circle) – sent the DRB a memorandum that included the following bullet points at page six (with
non-substantive typographical edits by me for added clarity):
• Road is narrow. Two cars that pass by each other going opposite
ways just make it;
• Has no safe stopping or turning places from top to bottom along
its natural field area;
• Has no streetlights or path lighting;
• No shoulders. No sidewalk but has a walking/biking path
alongside;
• Has 2 curved slopes which make vision difficult and make for
slippery winter conditions, cars going off the road;
• Runs over a stream, with rusty guide rails placed along the curve;
• Has seasonal challenges when very rainy or snow covered. Snow
and wind, especially from near its entrance from Dorset and above
from Golf Course/Park Road juncture. Braking or delaying or
back-upped traffic can be hazardous. Difficult to get moving again
on slopes without spinning; and
• Snowplowing challenges: to keep up with it, find places to park
the snow, sometimes making it narrower; plow sometimes
alarming drivers because road is so narrow, no center line.
The neighbors’ October 5, 2020 memorandum raised other traffic safety concerns as
follows (with non-substantive typographical edits by me for added clarity):
Currently these new road cuts are shown, we are told, where two
staked road markers have been placed on the side Park Road.
Unfortunately, they are positioned at points which current residents
consider to be particularly troubling points on Park Road, with
risks already:
Letter to DRB Chairperson Matt Cota
February 22, 2021
Page 3 of 5
275 College Street, PO Box 4485 | Burlington, VT 05406-4485 | phone 802 861-7000 | Fax 861-7007 | mskvt.com
A. One new road cut for the project would appear just after the
intersection of Park and Golf Course Road, running
downward on a somewhat obscured bend in Park Road, just
past where rusted guard rails line Park Road as it crosses a
stream. The new road cut would be near where the existing
Rec /Bike/ Pedestrian path and the existing Park Road
closely co-exist.
B. One new road cut is also proposed at the opposite end, near
the entrance intersection between Dorset Street and the
existing Park Road. Almost immediately after the turn
from Dorset Street, Park Road has a downward slope just
past the new road cut. In winter, this slope becomes very
icy, with cars at times sliding off the slope into a field.
This could be worse if drivers turning in from Dorset Street
must brake suddenly when cars come out of the new road
into the development.
We want to keep another safety challenge in mind, too: if cars are
obstructed or delayed at either of these slopes, the only way out
might be to back up quite a distance – a harrowing task – while
being endangered by other cars which might be coming down the
slopes. There are no road pull-offs, no shoulders, no cut-ins. And
the road is too narrow (narrower still with winter snow piled on its
sides) and dangerous to attempt U-turns. Does the current
proposal anticipate such issues, and are there plans to mitigate
them?
In addition to the above, I understand that numerous letters were submitted to the DRB in
the past two months or so from area residents detailing traffic access/safety concerns (among
other issues).
In November 2020, the Applicant submitted a traffic study to the DRB entitled, “Wheeler
Parcel Residential Development Traffic Impact Assessment” (Nov. 13, 2020) (“L&D Traffic
Study”). The L&D Traffic Study focuses on the number of new trips the proposed PUD would
generate. But there is no discussion about the neighbors’ traffic access/safety concerns. Indeed,
the 26-page L&D Traffic Study does not contain any of the following words (or their variants):
“slope,” “steep,” “narrow,” “curve,” “shoulder,” “snow,” “ice,” “danger,” or “hazard.”
Also troubling is the L&D Traffic Study’s apparent failure to take Park Road’s steep
grade into account. The “Two-Way Stop Control Summary” near the end of the L&D Traffic
Study states several times that the “Percent Grade” of the “Eastbound”/“Westbound” street in
question – which apparently refers to Park Road – is Zero. See, for example (my emphasis):
Letter to DRB Chairperson Matt Cota
February 22, 2021
Page 4 of 5
275 College Street, PO Box 4485 | Burlington, VT 05406-4485 | phone 802 861-7000 | Fax 861-7007 | mskvt.com
The HOA’s maintain that there is a solution to the numerous dangerous traffic safety
issues which would be created by having curb cuts along Park Road, namely to abandon them
and replace them with a single access on Dorset Street. A single Dorset Street access would
cross the bike path paralleling Dorset Street only once, whereas the current proposal crosses the
bike path paralleling Park Road twice.
Numerous South Burlington developments have Dorset Street accesses. Driving south
from Park Road, the following developments are on the west side of Dorset Street:
Willowbrook Lane (9 homes);
Weeping Willow (2 homes);
Minor Farms (6 homes); and
Sutton Farms (2 homes).
Driving north from Cheese Factory Road/Barstow Road, the following developments are on the
east side of Dorset Street:
Johnson Way (2 homes);
Sadie Lane (8 homes);
Link Road (9 homes); and
Foulsham Hollow (5 homes).
The HOA’s and their members are spending time, energy and money to alert the DRB to
the serious traffic safety hazards which would result if the project is built as proposed currently.
The DRB need not need simply take the neighbors’ word for it, though. The DRB can require an
independent technical review of the Applicant’s proposal. Section 14.05(J) of the applicable
Land Development Regulations states as follows:
Letter to DRB Chairperson Matt Cota
February 22, 2021
Page 5 of 5
275 College Street, PO Box 4485 | Burlington, VT 05406-4485 | phone 802 861-7000 | Fax 861-7007 | mskvt.com
Technical or Consultant Review of Site Plans. The
Development Review Board may require a site plan review
applicant to pay for reasonable costs of an independent technical
review of the application. The Development Review Board may
table review of the application pending receipt of an independent
technical review.
SBLDR § 14.05(J) (Jan. 25, 2016).
The Land Development Regulations require the “location and design of [PUD] project
access” to take “traffic safety” into account, including “provisions for safe access. . . .” SBLDR
§ 15.12(F)(4)(e) (Jan. 25, 2016). The HOA’s submit that the project’s proposed Park Road
accesses would be severe traffic safety hazards. To avoid creating the conditions for tragic
consequences to occur, the HOA’s urge the DRB to table its review of the Final Plat Application
and require the Applicant to pay for an independent technical review.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Respectfully submitted,
MSK ATTORNEYS
By: /s/ Daniel A. Seff
Daniel A. Seff, Esq.
P.O. Box 4485
275 College Street
Burlington, VT 05406-4485
Phone: (802) 861-7000
Fax: (802) 861-7007
Email: dseff@mskvt.com
Attorneys for the Gleneagles Homeowners
Association and the Inverness Homeowners
Association
cc: Mr. Paul Conner, Planning and Zoning Director (via e-mail)
Ms. Marla Keene, Development Review Planner (via e-mail)
Mr. Ben Avery, BlackRock Construction, LLC (via e-mail)