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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 04/26/1972JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING COMMISSION, ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND DOCTOR HOLLISTER KENT APRIL 26, 1972 Dr. Hollister Kent of Planners Collaborative told the joint meeting that response to the questionnaire is running about 30%, with returns still coming in, and a possible final return of 40% being achieved. Dr. Kent said this is quite remarkable since they would normally expect only a 10% return. He said the type of survey used had two values: 1. Since people did not have to identify themselves they would think without pressure and be more honest. 2. It will give the people a feeling of participation in the planning process. The survey, he explained, would hope to determine the goals of the people of South Burlington. For example: how the people feel about developments; should South Burlington get bigger; should money be spent to attract industry? However, these goals would not be set "just" by the survey. Dr. Kent reviewed the six principal phases of the project and the kind of analysis he intends to pursue. Some of Dr. Kent's comments during the meeting were as follows: The survey asked questions which pertained to South Burlington as much as possible. What concerns South Burlington people a great deal is housing, since South Burlington is basically a bedroom community. Therefore, many questions on the survey pertain to housing. It is too ephemeral a question to ask people whether they thought South Burlington needed a "city center". He does not disagree with the concept of mixed uses and pointed out that the concept has mostly been used in urban areas. The survey asked questions to which he felt he would get valid answers. He felt the questionnaire will provide an answer to whether or not the people of South Burlington are willing to pay higher residential taxes in order to do without industry. After final analysis of the survey, Dr. Kent said he would be willing to interpret it for the people of South Burlington at a public meeting. The Planning Commission should try to get the support of the people for whatever it will ultimately propose. The question was raised and discussion followed on whether or not planning should be done with the present system of taxation in mind or with the knowledge that changes in the tax structure due to court decisions regarding the use of local taxes to fund education might come about in the near future. There was discussion of planning on a regional basis and the bringing in of new industry to create jobs and sustain a labor force. Dr. Kent spoke of how cities compete with each other and he said if we had more of a regional approach different regions might be used for what they are best suited. "Nobody has ever figured out a formula for a happy balanced community; each community tries to arrive at a beautiful golden median". In discussing the possibility of projecting and planning for future population goals, Dr. Kent said that the population would be determined by what kind of pattern is set by the City. He pointed out that the Southeast Quadrant could easily support a population the same size as we presently have if it were to be developed on the existing pattern. Feelings were expressed that we should first plan the community and then decide what the community can support in numbers of people and that we must define what the pattern of life should be in South Burlington. Discussion then centered on the relationship between Dr. Kent's planning and the Planning Commission's work on the proposed zoning ordinance. It was agreed that since decisions on the Southeast Quadrant will affect the entire city, we will gradually merge the two proposals to reflect the thinking of the planner and the Commission. Regarding the end of the moratorium on zone changes and the probability that developers will be returning, it was hoped that by June 1st we will have progressed sufficiently to make judgments on whether or not the requests for zone changes are compatible with the proposed zoning ordinance. Dr. Kent said that he will have his proposed work schedule available for all at the next joint meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 4, at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room. Respectfully submitted, Mary Barbara Maher Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.