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Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/28/2015
SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 28 APRIL 2015 The South Burlington Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 28 April 2015, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Louisos, Chair; T. Harrington, T. Riehle, B. Benton, B. Gagnon, ALSO PRESENT: P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; C. LaRose, City Planner; T. Chittenden, R. Greco 1. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items: No changes were made to the Agenda. 2. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda: Ms. Greco noted that the UVM student project on solar-readiness is complete. The Commission will get a copy of the final report. 3. Planning Commissioner announcements and staff reports: Mr. Gagnon: The Airport’s contractor has begun work on the demolition of the houses on Picard Circle. They will be there for 2 weeks, then move on to Dumont. Ms. Harrington: Attended the first Chamberlin/Airport neighborhood meeting. The task force is planning some community outreach meetings. Ms. LaRose said the first one has been set for 27 May. Mr. Conner: He and Ms. LaRose just returned for a well done planning conference in Seattle. 6400 planners attended. Seattle is planning for 100,000 more residents in the next decade. AARP has put out a “livable communities” tool which takes into account such things as affordability, access to health services, crime, etc. Ms. LaRose noted that in their assessment of communities, South Burlington scored 64 out of 100 (high on “health,” low on affordability) and Burlington scored 67. Saturday is Green Up Day. There will be a collection site at City Hall from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The Chamberlin/Airport task force felt they need more time to work as a committee. The new City Hall sign is up and lights up at night. Commission members are invited to attend VLCT’s spring workshop on Wednesday, 10 June. The city will cover members’ costs. Ms. Louisos: Was in Portland, Maine last week and noted that their downtown is similar to what South Burlington is looking at doing. 4. Review Draft Comprehensive Plan: Ms. LaRose showed members a red-line version of the Plan which updates the last draft. She noted that each of the IZ committees had recommendations for goals, strategies and objectives and that there were some conflicts between the report which the Commission can discuss. Beyond that, staff has tried to reduce the bulk and eliminate duplications. Goals that said “continue to…” will be grouped together, not scattered throughout the document. Those will be available with the next draft. Things that are not yet included in the document include: the Energy Committee comments and some State requirements (e.g., flood resiliency, State designations such as “New Town Center” which are required to be discussed and mapped in the Plan). Mr. Conner noted that the existing Plan and any version of the new Plan will have very little in common. The new Plan identifies every section of the city by a geographic designation (e.g. Southeast Quadrant, Northwest Quadrant, etc.). The hope is to make the Plan an enjoyable document and to include pictures as well. Ms. Louisos noted that the Commission hadn’t yet gotten to the strategies. Ms. LaRose said there had been 270 strategies which have now been whittled down to 223. She recalled that Ms. Quest had felt the Sustainable Agriculture strategies could be consolidated, but this hasn’t been done yet. Mr. Conner said there is a suggestion for a statement of “themes” that will continue throughout the Plan. Ms. LaRose noted that the Open Space Committee had suggested that wastewater be used as a way to control growth. She asked the Commission to consider whether it wants to go that way. She showed members the following staff recommendation for language in place of the language in the Open Space Committee report: Maintain a wastewater system that reflects land use goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Members liked that language. Ms. LaRose noted that Open Space Committee related to agriculture will not be included because they are more clearly stated in the Sustainable Agriculture Committee report. Another area of conflict involves the siting of renewable energy facilities. The Energy Committee prioritized energy facility siting over other city priorities. Mr. Riehle asked if the city has any control over this if the state can do what it wants. Ms. LaRose said the state is getting better at reading community plans and may give deference to what a community wants. Mr. Riehle said he would be very supportive of wording the city’s priorities. Ms. LaRose read the proposed language from the Open Space report. Ms. Benton noted the possibility of a dual use with trackers and agriculture on the same site. Mr. Riehle noted that if the solar installation is considered “commercial,” it could be in commercial areas. Members then considered whether solar should be in “primary” conservation areas as well as “secondary” conservation areas. Mr. Conner noted that at the end of the life span of the trackers, they can be pulled out of the ground with no detriment to potential farming. He also stressed the need to be very clear about the amount of land involved. Ms. LaRose read from the Energy Committee report regarding siting of solar installations. Mr. Conner noted that “secondary” conservation areas include most of South Burlington. Mr. Gagnon said that is why he is struggling. He felt trackers, etc., shouldn’t be in primary conservation areas. Secondary areas would be OK as long as there are criteria for mitigation. He did not want them in areas that would involve the removal of trees or the blocking of scenic views. Ms. Greco noted there is so little prime ag soil left in the city, if solar installations are allowed in these areas, there will be a loss of a lot of farming potential. Members agreed not to allow solar installations in primary conservation areas. Secondary areas were OK with mitigation, but not if they involve prime ag soils, uncommon species, the 500 year flood plain, and natural communities. Mr. Conner stressed that these regulations deal with industrial solar, not one or two units. Members then considered forest areas. Ms. LaRose noted that building home in forested areas is not restricted. It would seem strange to restrict solar installations. She indicated the O’Brien property the Commission saw at the last meeting and was OK about development there. Mr. Conner said staff will have to deal with how deeply to go into this in the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. LaRose noted the Sustainable Agriculture report uses the word “conserve” in relation to prime ag soils. She felt that word doesn’t give good guidance. Mr. Chittenden suggested “steward” instead. Ms. LaRose felt “conserve” can have many interpretations. Mr. Gagnon cited the difference between a “requirement” and an “aspiration.” He felt they are discussing “aspirations.” Ms. Benton suggested more specific language could be in the strategies. Ms. Greco said balance is important, and she felt the city is going too much in the residential direction. Mr. Conner asked members what they need from staff to be comfortable with the draft. Mr. Gagnon asked if there are other major changes to consider, an policy changes, major additions or deletions. Other members agreed. 5. Possible Review of Draft Amendments to the Land Development Regulations, including draft City Center form Based Code, and review possible draft City Center Official Map: Mr. Conner said staff is still working on a few “loose ends,” such as the possibility of an interesting that doesn’t meet all of the standards. He noted that staff is meeting with some architects to come up with some kind of flexibility option. 6. Other Business: a. Upcoming Meeting Schedule: The Commission will meet on Monday, 4 May, at 5:30 p.m., and then meet with the City Council at 7 p.m. b. Branding Mr. Conner noted the city is involved in a branding process. There will be a meeting on this Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. 7. Minutes: Minutes were not available for action. 8. 8. Adjourn As there was no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned by common consent at 9:45 p.m. , Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works. 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com MEMORANDUM TO: South Burlington Planning Commission FROM: Cathyann LaRose, City Planner SUBJECT: Draft Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map – April 28, 2015 Enclosed please find the most recent draft of the Comprehensive Plan. This draft reflects the direction given by the Planning Commission at previous meetings to incorporate the recommendations of the reports that were drafted by the Sustainable Agriculture, Open Space, and Affordable Housing, where in line with the Goals of the Plan. Most amendments were incorporated, excluded where they were redundant and sometimes relocated to more appropriate sub-categories. There were several recommendations from the reports that did not reflect stated goals or policies of the Planning Commission. Those have been flagged for discussion and will be available at the meeting on Tuesday evening. There were also several recommendations from committees that may have conflicted with other stated goals, largely pertaining to the prioritization of certain lands. These have also been flagged for discussion at the meeting. The Planning Commission also directed Staff to try to reduce the bulk of the plan to be more readable, without losing important themes or unique content. Staff has removed, relocated, or consolidated a portion of the goals, objectives, and especially strategies in line with this goal, and marked them as either being redundant, vague, mis-categorized, already in progress, or conflicting. Elements that reflect work underway or ongoing has been pulled to highlight within the plan. This is ongoing and the first of these are available in a word document at this time but not yet incorporated into the layout of the graphical version of the Plan. This Draft does not yet include review by city departments or committees. The next step will be to engage a renewed review by City department heads and then committees. Furthermore, at least one member of the Planning Commission has submitted recommendations for strategic consolidation of objectives in certain areas of the draft plan. These have not yet been reflected in the document but are noted herein as a next step that will be completed before a second draft is ready for review. This Draft does not yet contain some elements that have been directed by the Planning Commission or are necessary under State legislation. The next draft will include a Flood Resiliency Plan, additional changes to maps, and language relating to the financing districts and neighborhood designations in City Center. It does not yet reflect the recommendations of the Energy Committee, who submitted extensive edits and comments on an earlier draft of the Plan. Staff will work towards incorporating these in the next draft, though some discussion of policy implications may occur at this meeting. Lastly, Staff will encourage the Planning Commission to return to the Vision Statement and goals of the plan as part of a second review, to ensure that these reflect the objectives and strategies as refined. comprehensive plan 2012 to 2016 DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan i 1: CONTENTS 1: introduction 1-1 1.1. THE VISION 1-1 Vision Statement 1-1 Goals of the Community 1-1 1.2. THE CITY 1-3 A. General Description 1-3 Before Becoming a City 1-3 1.3. THE PLAN 1-5 Overview 1-5 Authority and Purpose 1-5 Planning Process 1-6 Planning History 1-6 2: statement of policy 2-1 2.1. OBJECTIVES 2-1 A. Social Infrastructure 2-1 Population and Growth Management 2-1 Housing 2-1 Economy 2-1 Community Facilities and Services 2-2 B. Gray Infrastructure 2-2 Transportation 2-2 Energy 2-2 C. Blue Infrastructure 2-3 Water Resources and Stormwater Management 2-3 Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment 2-3 D. Green Infrastructure 2-3 Ecological Resources 2-3 Historic and Cultural Resources 2-3 Recreation Resources 2-3 Agricultural Resources 2-3 2.2. STRATEGIES 2-4 A. Social Infrastructure 2-4 Population and Growth Management 2-4 Housing 2-4 Economy 2-5 Community Facilities and Services 2-6DRAFT ii city of south burlington comprehensive plan B. Gray Infrastructure 2-7 Transportation 2-7 Energy 2-9 C. Blue Infrastructure 2-10 Water Resources and Stormwater Management 2-10 Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment 2-11 D. Green Infrastructure 2-11 Ecological Resources 2-11 Historic and Cultural Resources 2-12 Recreation Resources 2-13 Agricultural Resources 2-13 2.3. IMPLEMENTATION 2-14 Land Development (Zoning & Subdivision) Regulations 2-14 Offi cial Map 2-14 Municipal Ordinances 2-14 Land Acquisition 2-15 Capital Budget and Program 2-15 Impact Fees 2-15 Tax Increment Financing 2-15 Special Assessment Districts 2-15 Regional, State and Federal Coordination 2-16 Ongoing Planning and Studies 2-16 3: land use plan 3-1 3.1. CURRENT LAND USE 3-1 Development Patterns 3-1 Land Use Statistics and Distribution 3-2 3.2. FUTURE LAND USE 3-3 A. Overview of the City’s Land Use 3-3 Land Use Planning Background 3-3 B. Future Land Use Plan 3-4 Future Land Use Map 3-5 C. Land Use Planning Areas 3-5 Central District 3-5 Northwest Quadrant 3-9 Northeast Quadrant 3-13 Southwest Quadrant 3-16 Southeast Quadrant 3-19 D. Special Multi-District Issues 3-30 Core Area and Key Corridors Through Districts 3-30 Open Spaces and Wildlife Corridors 3-30DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan iii 3.3. OBJECTIVES 3-32 A. General 3-32 B. Central District 3-32 C. Northwest Quadrant 3-33 D. Northeast Quadrant 3-33 E. Southwest Quadrant 3-34 F. Southeast Quadrant 3-35 3.4. STRATEGIES 3-36 A. General 3-36 B. Central District 3-36 C. Northwest Quadrant 3-37 D. Northeast Quadrant 3-38 E. Southwest Quadrant 3-38 F. Southeast Quadrant 3-39 3.5. COMPATIBILITY 3-42 4: community assessment 4-1 4.1. SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE 4-1 A. Population 4-1 Overview 4-1 Inventory 4-1 Analysis and Challenges 4-3 Future Trends and Needs 4-3 B. Housing 4-5 Overview 4-5 Inventory 4-5 Analysis and Challenges 4-7 Future Needs and Trends 4-8 C. Economy 4-9 Overview 4-9 Inventory 4-9 Analysis and Challenges 4-11 Future Needs and Trends 4-12 D. Community Facilities and Services 4-13 Overview 4-13 Inventory 4-13DRAFT iv city of south burlington comprehensive plan Analysis and Challenges 4-20 Future Needs and Trends 4-23 E. Quality of Life 4-25 Overview 4-25 Design of the Built Environment 4-25 Public and Community Services 4-27 Community Engagement 4-27 4.2. GRAY INFRASTRUCTURE 4-31 A. Transportation 4-31 Overview 4-31 Inventory 4-31 Analysis and Challenges 4-37 Future Needs and Trends 4-40 B. Summary of Proposed Improvements 4-42 Transportation Improvements Included on the Offi cial Map 4-42 Non-Transportation Improvements Included on the Offi cial Map 4-48 C. Public Utilities 4-50 Overview 4-50 Inventory 4-50 Analysis and Challenges 4-51 Future Needs and Trends 4-52 D. Energy 4-53 Overview 4-53 Inventory 4-53 Analysis and Challenges 4-55 Future Needs and Trends 4-56 4.3. BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE 4-57 A. Surface and Ground Water Resources 4-57 Overview 4-57 Inventory 4-57 Analysis and Challenges 4-60 Future Needs and Trends 4-61 B. Stormwater 4-62 Overview 4-62 Inventory 4-62 Analysis and Challenges 4-63 Future Needs and Trends 4-64 C. Potable Water 4-65 Overview 4-65 Inventory 4-65 Analysis and Challenges 4-66 Future Needs and Trends 4-67DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan v D. Wastewater Treatment 4-68 Overview 4-68 Inventory 4-68 Analysis and Challenges 4-69 Future Needs and Trends 4-69 4.4. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 4-71 A. Ecological Resources 4-71 Overview 4-72 Inventory 4-72 Analysis and Challenges 4-77 Future Needs and Trends 4-79 B. Historic and Cultural Resources 4-80 Overview 4-80 Inventory 4-80 Analysis and Challenges 4-81 Future Needs and Trends 4-82 C. Recreation Resources 4-83 Overview 4-83 Inventory 4-83 Analysis and Challenges 4-86 Future Trends and Needs 4-87 D. Agricultural Resources 4-88 Overview and Inventory 4-88 Analysis and Challenges 4-89 Future Trends and Needs 4-90 5. references and resources 5-1 5.1. MAPS 5-1 5.2. PLANS AND STUDIES 5-1 5.3. DATA TABLES 5-1 5.4. RESOURCE LIST 5-1 5.5. END NOTES 5-1 5.6. STRATEGY TABLE 5-2 A. Social Infrastructure 5-2 Population and Growth Management 5-2 Housing 5-2 Economy 5-4 Community Facilities and Services 5-6DRAFT vi city of south burlington comprehensive plan B. Gray Infrastructure 5-8 Transportation 5-8 Energy 5-12 C. Blue Infrastructure 5-14 Water Resources and Stormwater Management 5-14 Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment 5-16 D. Green Infrastructure 5-16 Ecological Resources 5-16 Historic and Cultural Resources 5-18 Recreation Resources 5-20 Agricultural Resources 5-22 E. Land Use 5-22 General 5-22 Central District 5-24 Northwest Quadrant 5-26 Northeast Quadrant 5-26 Southwest Quadrant 5-28 Southeast Quadrant 5-30 DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 1-1 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1. Th e Vision VISION STATEMENT South Burlington shall strive to have a sustainable quality of life and a vibrant sense of community. GOALS OF THE COMMUNITY South Burlington will achieve its vision by continually challenging itself to balance the following community-wide goals. Th e city will: Goal 1. Be aff ordable, with energy effi cient housing for people of all incomes, lifestyles, and stages of life; Goal 2. Establish a city center, with pedestrian-oriented design, mixed uses, public buildings and civic spaces, that acts as a focal point to the community; Goal 3. Conserve the City’s important natural, cultural and open space resources, including air, surface and ground water quality; wetlands and riparian areas; natural communities and wildlife habitat; agricultural land and primary agricultural soils; grasslands and woodlands’ scenic views, vistas, and landscape features; recreational assets; and historic sites and structures; Goal 4. Develop a safe and effi cient transportation system that supports pedestrian, bicycle, and transit options while accommodating the automobile; Goal 5. Provide eff ective education, public safety, infrastructure, health, wellness, and recreation services alongside transparent and accessible government operations; Goal 6. Reduce energy consumption and increase renewable energy production city-wide; Goal 7. Support a diverse and vibrant economy built on quality jobs, employment centers and a supportive educational and research system; Goal 8. Encourage a wide diversity of large and small scale agriculture and food production in suitable locations throughout the city, and support markets for local agricultural and food products. Goal 9. Prioritize development that occurs within the community into areas served by existing infrastructure, generally consisting of the Shelburne and Williston Road corridors, City Center, and others identifi ed within this Plan; Goal 10. Be a supportive and engaged member of the larger regional and statewide DRAFT 1-2 city of south burlington comprehensive planDRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 1-3 community; and, Goal 11. Create a strong sense of place; highlight unique features and maintain the quality of life of existing neighborhoods.DRAFT 1-4 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 1.2. Th e City A. General Description Th e City of South Burlington covers approximately 10,600 acres in the western part of Chittenden County. It is bounded to the northwest by Burlington, the largest city in Vermont. Th e Winooski River is the northern boundary between South Burling- ton, Colchester and Essex. To the east, Muddy Brook runs the entire length of South Burlington and separates the city from Williston. Shelburne bounds the city on the south. Th e southwest section of the city lies on Lake Champlain with 12,000 feet of shoreline. South Burlington is a regional employment, trade, housing, and transportation center. It is also home to substantial natural resources and recreational facilities and program- ming, a high quality elementary, secondary, and higher education school system, and vibrant neighborhoods. Two major elements contributing to South Burlington’s regional and state promi- nence are its retail and commercial areas and its arterial transportation network. Th is network includes Vermont’s largest airport and direct access to Interstates 89 (I-89) and 189 (I-189). It is traversed by two arterial highways, one railway, and has nearby destination points for large ferry routes. A combination of newer and long-established neighborhoods serving a population that is increasingly diverse in its socioeconomic and ethnic composition exist through- out the city and are connected through both roadways and a growing recreational path system. Th e city’s quality public school system is supplemented by the proximity to the Uni- versity of Vermont, three private colleges and the Community College of Vermont. A major healthcare institution, Fletcher Allen, along with a contingent of family doctors and specialists in the area, provide excellent healthcare services. In addition to these amenities, South Burlington’s spectacular scenic and recreational setting adjacent to Burlington’s downtown amenities and urban core add to a strong quality of life for South Burlington as well as the entire region. BEFORE BECOMING A CITY South Burlington’s geographic location, natural resources, and natural features have made it a desirable place for settlement since prehistoric times. South Burlington lies between Lake Champlain, the Winooski River, and the Shelburne Pond watershed. South Burlington’s location between these major drainage areas and bodies of water, as well as its natural resources, made the area naturally suited to occupation throughout prehistoric times. Th ere is archaeological evidence that suggests human populations occupied the area as early as 8000 BC. With the arrival of European settlers at the close of the 18th century, South Burlington was transformed into a farming community. Th e area is well suited to agriculture due to its gently rolling, fertile soils. Industrial activity also arose around Winooski Falls and the natural lime rock was extracted and refi ned through kilns. Monkton quartzite DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 1-5 was quarried from the eastern edge of the town and utilized in many Burlington foundations. Th e introduction of the Winooski Turnpike (now Williston Road) and a stagecoach route along what is now Hinesburg Road made South Burlington a central location in the early years of the 19th century. Some taverns and other commercial structures sprang up sporadically along these transportation routes. Initially development was hampered by shared services and utilities with Burlington, which grew to be the fi nancial and service center of the area. In 1865, South Burl- ington separated from Burlington to form a new town. For many years, Burlington continued to be South Burlington’s business district. Farmers brought their goods to Burlington and exchanged for manufactured goods. Th e introduction of the railroad along the shores of Lake Champlain brought tourists to the area. Queen City Park became a popular religious summer camp and eventually developed a railroad stop of its own and the Burlington Trolley line was extended to service the area in the closing years of the 19th century. Growth continued slowly for South Burlington through the fi rst years of the 20th cen- tury. With the introduction of the automobile, development shifted to major roads such as Williston Road. In 1919, work was begun on the airport which would become the Burlington International Airport. South Burlington began to become a transpor- tation hub for Chittenden County. With the post World War II economic expansion, development took off in both the commercial/industrial and residential sectors. Ma- jor residential developments close to the airport, begun prior to World War II, were quickly constructed after the war during the 1940s and 1950s. Th e community adopted zoning in 1947 in an eff ort to provide order to the exploding growth. Between 1940 and 1950, the city’s population more than doubled. Pre-war eff orts to extend municipal water services from Burlington came to fruition along Williston Road. Between 1950 and 1960, the population doubled again. Many ser- vice-oriented businesses sprang up along Williston Road and Shelburne Road. Diners, motels, restaurants, as well as retail shops and offi ces began to line these popular strips. Many roadside businesses developed distinctive designs and signs to stand out to the motorist. Farmland was quickly converted to dense development. Conversely, areas such as Southeast Quadrant and the lakeshore saw little development during this time period. South Burlington formally was granted city status in 1971. Since that time, as the Social Infrastructure Chapter will illustrate, the population of the city has grown to 17,904 (2010 Census), as has the employment base, amount of conserved natural areas, parkland, recreational paths, and community services available. Th e remainder of this plan will address the contemporary opportunities and chal- lenges of balancing continued growth, new development, re-development, and chang- ing demographics within the city.DRAFT 1-6 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 1.3. Th e Plan OVERVIEW Th e Comprehensive Plan is a framework and guide for accomplishing community aspirations and intentions. It states goals and objectives and recommends courses of action for future growth, development, and conservation of land, public facilities and services, and environmental protection. Th is plan presents a vision of how the city desires to evolve in the coming 20 years. It is based upon inventories, studies, analyses of current and projected trends, and most importantly, the desires of the community. Th e plan is implemented through various city ordinances and regulations, involve- ment with state and federal agencies, fi scal practices, and through the actions and lives of city residents and business owners. Th is plan recommends a number of actions and practices that should be undertaken by the city and community to help achieve the goals and objectives of the plan. It is important to note that these recommendations are not mandates, but are suggestions to help guide the operations of the city and its citizens. Th is plan and its recommen- dations are intended to aid the city as it prepares and adopts regulations, prepares capital budgets and annual work programs, and forms citizen committees to study a particular concern. Th ese recommendations shall be implemented only after consider- able thought, discussion and analysis. Th is plan is organized into four sections: ✦Introduction. Th is section provides a brief overview of the city, this plan and South Burlington’s planning history. ✦Statement of Policy. Th is section contains the vision statement, goals, objec- tives and strategies, as well as the city’s land use plan. ✦Community Assessment. Th is section includes a description of the city’s cur- rent condition, resources and character, identifi cation of needs and concerns, and analyses of critical issues facing the city. ✦Attachments. Th is includes maps, data and additional resources developed as part of the plan update. AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE Th e authority to prepare and implement the comprehensive plan is granted to the city through the Vermont Planning and Development Act, Title 24 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, Chapter 117. It is the purpose of the Act to “... encourage the appropriate development of all lands in this state... in a manner which will promote the public health, safety against fi re, fl oods, explosions and other dangers ... and to provide means and methods for the municipalities and regions of this state to plan for the prevention, minimization and future elimination of such land development problems as may presently exist or which may be foreseen and to implement those plans when and where appropriate.”DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 1-7 Th e Vermont statutes also specifi cally detail a series of elements that are required to be included in any local plan, and include a series of statewide planning objectives which local plans are encouraged to be consistent with. PLANNING PROCESS Th e development of this plan involved extensive participation between the citizens of South Burlington, city offi cials, regional entities and the business community. It has evolved into its present form based largely on committee work, special studies, policy formulation, discussion and debate conducted over the last 40 years in the develop- ment and adoption of previous comprehensive plans. In addition to citizen participation forums, the Planning Commission has held nu- merous public meetings to review, discuss and debate the various sections of the plan. Th e drafting of these sections has involved considerable input by city offi cials and the School District; various committees such as the Natural Resources Committee, Rec- reation Path Committee, Energy Committee, Recreation-Leisure Arts Committee, Library Board; regional entities such as the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, Champlain Water District, and Chittenden County Transit Authority; and private organizations such as local builders, the South Burlington Land Trust, and others. Public input has been gathered in all forms, from formal public meetings and hearings before the Planning Commission, to meetings of special project-focused committees, to individual direct and indirect citizen input. Th e extensive public input involved in developing the plan has been and will be con- tinued in its implementation. In addition, the Vermont Planning and Development Act requires the comprehensive plan to be updated and readopted every fi ve years. Th is is important to address change that is so prevalent in our lives. Even before the fi ve-year limit, the city will continue to reevaluate this plan and implementation pro- cess in order to best assure a quality living environment and future for the residents and visitors of South Burlington. PLANNING HISTORY In the face of urban pressures, changing land uses and expanding needs, South Burl- ington has attempted to plan and control development and the use of land and water. Th e fi rst zoning ordinance was adopted in 1947. It zoned the town into residential, business and industrial districts. Th e Offi cial Municipal Plan adopted in 1953 was the fi rst such plan in the State of Vermont. It delineated new streets with services, schoolhouses, playgrounds and public buildings. Th e 1947 Zoning Ordinance was amended to implement the plan. In 1962, a Comprehensive Plan was drawn up by the fi rm of Sargent-Webster-Cren- shaw and Foley, of Syracuse, New York and approved by the voters. Suggested in this plan were several capital improvement guidelines for development. A new Zoning Ordinance was approved in 1964 based on the 1962 plan. It separated the town into two types of residential districts, two types of business districts, an industrial district DRAFT 1-8 city of south burlington comprehensive plan and a planned district. Th e Comprehensive Plan was amended in 1962 with the as- sistance of Larry Moore, Technical Planning Associates of New Haven, Connecticut. Th e plan incorporated a Conservation and Recreational Plan - the fi rst in Vermont - that was produced by the Chittenden County Natural Resources Committee. Th at study is the basis of South Burlington’s recent eff orts to preserve a quality environment in the community. During the 1960s South Burlington was the fastest growing municipality in the State of Vermont and this rapid growth intensifi ed the problem of providing sewage dis- posal, streets, traffi c control, fi re and police protection, schools, sanitary landfi ll and other municipal services. A new Comprehensive Plan in 1974 responded to this rapid growth rate with a growth policy that called for an increase in residential units and in population of two percent, or the rate of growth in the county, whichever was greater. During the 1970s, South Burlington’s population increase slowed considerably. Resi- dential construction, consisting almost entirely of multi-family units, increased rap- idly during the late 1970s. Also, commercial activity had been substantial and several major industries (Digital, New England Telephone and Semicon) located in the city. During the period between the 1981 Comprehensive Plan and the 1985 plan, the plan itself remained essentially the same in an environment of physical, social, and economic change. Th e 1985 plan refl ected a continuing commitment to the basic philosophy and goals of the previous plan. Th e changes in the 1985 plan were based on more current planning data and the experience gained by the various city boards and commissions in encountering planning issues. Th e magnitude of the change dur- ing this period within and around South Burlington strongly suggests the need for a continuing comprehensive planning eff ort. In 1987, this plan was amended to include a discussion on a proposed city center for the Dorset Street area. Th e 1991 Comprehensive Plan continued to promote the general philosophy of those goals and recommendations contained in the 1985 plan. However, greater emphasis and fi ne-tuning was placed on certain important issues facing the community. Th ese included strengthening the city’s desire for a City Center, preserving the special char- acter of the Southeast Quadrant, and encouraging the transformation of the city’s Williston Road and Shelburne Road corridors into a more attractive, mixed-use, traf- fi c safe environment. In 1996, the Comprehensive Plan was refi ned to respond to continuing growth in the city which required renewed planning eff orts to maintain the adequacy of municipal services, to direct residential, commercial, and industrial growth to appropriate areas, and to respond to traffi c and other problems that have resulted from development patterns of previous years. Th e 2001 Comprehensive Plan was formulated to address the continued planning eff orts of the city and also to address the new initiatives undertaken. Th e process of developing this 2001 update to the comprehensive plan began with a unique city wide planning process involving hundreds of citizens. Studies and planning work com- pleted by the Planning Commission from 2000 through 2006 directly carried out DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 2-1 many these recommendations. An Open Space Strategy was completed in 2001 and was followed by three Southeast Quadrant studies: Th e Ecological Assessment and Bird Habitat Study (2004), and a new master land use plan for the SEQ (2005). Th e 2006 Plan included a revised and expanded chapter on the Southeast Quadrant, refl ecting the results of the studies and input and complementing the zoning regula- tions amendments passed that same year encouraging preservation of the areas of greatest ecological signifi cance, creating a new village center on Dorset Street around the Chittenden Cider Mill, and making public investments in a series of connected parks and paths woven around new, walkable and connected residential neighbor- hoods through use of a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program; continued implementation is strongly supported by this plan as well. During the past fi ve years, the city has initiated studies and actions to further sup- port quality mixed use environments along its traditional corridors, including the US Route 2 Corridor Study and the Cars to People project. Th e city has also pushed forward with the development of City Center, gaining a state “New Town Center” designation for the area in 2010 and pursuing permitting for the reconstruction of Market Street. At the same time, the Chamberlin neighborhood adjacent to the Burlington Interna- tional Airport has seen some of its housing stock removed due to noise impacts from the airport. Establishing a new integrated transition between these two land uses will be a focus during the next several years. Th is 2011 Plan seeks to further build upon these core attributes, focusing on strength- ening policies in support of the community-wide goals listed on page 1-1 of this plan. DRAFT 2-2 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 2: STATEMENT OF POLICY 2.1. Objectives In order to progress towards the community-wide goals listed on page 1-1 of this plan, the city should: A. Social Infrastructure POPULATION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT Objective 1. Anticipate and prepare for an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.0 percent. Objective 2. The City will manage growth consistent with the vision of the Comprehensive Plan. HOUSING Objective 3. Foster the creation and retention of a housing stock that is balanced in size and target income level, is representative of the needs of households of central Chittenden County, and maintains an effi cient use of land for use by future generations. Objective 4. Support the retention of existing and construction of new aff ordable and moderate-income housing, emphasizing both smaller single family homes and apartments, to meet demand within the regional housing market. Objective 5. Build and reinforce diverse, walkable neighborhoods that off er a good quality of life by designing and locating new and renovated housing in a context-sensitive manner that will facilitate development of a high-density City Center, mixed use transit corridors and compact residential neighborhoods. ECONOMY Objective 6. Continue to be an economic hub for the region consistent with the land use goals of the City. COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Objective 7. Provide quality public and quasi-public facilities and services, identifi ed through collaborative strategic planning, that meet present-day needs and are programmed to anticipate needs at least 20 years into the future. Objective 8. Provide a K-12 educational system allows students to meet or exceed state and national targets for attainment.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 2-3 Objective 9. Provide opportunities and space for city residents of all ages and abilities to participate in life-long educational,recreational, and community service for both personal enrichment and to strengthen neighborhood and community commections. Objective 10. Provide ease of access to city governance and raise rates of public participation in decision-making. Objective 11. Foster a strong quality of life for residents and visitors that includes opportunities for physical activity, outdoor recreation and social interaction. B. Gray Infrastructure TRANSPORTATION Objective 12. Maintain the city’s existing transportation system through ongoing, strategic investment. Objective 13. Provide a transportation network that maximizes effi ciency and safety for all types of users (pedestrians, cyclists, automobiles, trucks, transit, rail, and air). Objective 14. Provide an integrated transportation network that connects neighborhoods with one another and with commercial areas for local, slow speed circulation. Objective 15. Provide a transportation network that is supportive of and integrated into the adjacent land uses and that is designed and constructed to minimize fragmentation of and adverse impacts to identifi ed natural, cultural, scenic and other open space resources.. Objective 16. Plan for any new roads built within the City to accommodate all users, and for existing roads that are refurbished to seek to accommodate all users Objective 17. Continue to plan for, program and develop the city’s interconnected network of sidewalks, pedestrian trails and recreation paths. Strive to develop and maintain one mile of public recreation path per one thousand population. Objective 18. Reduce the proportion of trips taken by single-occupancy vehicles in the City. Objective 19. Support creation of a new or upgraded I-89 interchange serving the Kennedy Drive part of the city and review zoning for the area around this connection.DRAFT 2-4 city of south burlington comprehensive plan ENERGY Objective 20. Achieve a reduction of 20% in carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions from 2009 levels by 2020 through an increase renewable energy production and reductions in energy use in the following sectors: transportation, commercial/industrial, residential, municipal/school. C. Blue Infrastructure WATER RESOURCES AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Objective 21. Reduce the number and forms of impairments of waterways in South Burlington by 2025. Objective 22. Provide ongoing maintenance of the city’s stormwater infrastructure and increase capacity to regain and maintain natural runoff patterns. Objective 23. Protect and improve watershed, stream, and wetland system natural processes, specifi cally for stormwater treatment, riparian and aquatic habitat, and fl oodplain and river corridor protection. Objective 24. Incorporate natural drainage and multi-functional open space areas in site planning and subdivision design that accommodate on-site storage, infi ltration and treatment of stormwater. Objective 25. Include mapped river corridors (fl uvial erosion hazard and riparian areas) within designated open space areas intended for hazard mitigation, resource conservation and compatible forms of passive outdoor recreation. WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT Objective 26. Maintain a water supply and wastewater distribution system of measurable quality. Objective 27. Maintain a wastewater system that refl ects the land use goals of the Comprehensive Plan. D. Green InfrastructureDRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 2-5 Objective 28. Proactively plan for a network of interconnected open spaces to conserve and accomidate ecological resources, active and passive recreation land, civic spaces, scenic views and vistas, forests and productive farmland and primary agricultural soils. ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES Objective 29. Conserve restore and enhance biological diversity within the city, through careful site planning and development that is designed to avoid adverse impacts to critical wildlife resources, and that incorporates signifi cant natural areas, communities and wildlife habitats as conserved open space. Objective 30. Conserve reestablish and maintain contiguous open space areas, including adjoining habitat blocks, riparian and other wildlife corridors, in a manner that promotes and reinforces habitat connectivity. Objective 31. Restrict and limit [prohibit] new subdivision and development within primary resource conservation areas, to include hazardous and environmentally sensitive areas identifi ed, mapped and regulated by the city. Minimize the adverse impacts of new subdivision and development, including resource fragmentation and encroachment, within secondary resource conservation areas, to include those resources of state or local signifi cance as indicated on available resource maps, identifi ed in available inventories and studies, and confi rmed through site investigation. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Objective 32. Minimize solid waste disposal through proactively managing the solid waste stream. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Objective 33. Protect important vistas and viewsheds, as viewed from public vantage points (public roads, paths, land); and designated landscapes, sites and structures of historic and cultural signifi cance. RECREATION RESOURCES Objective 34. Provide for the varied recreational needs and interests of its citizens by providing areas and facilities for passive recreation, active sports, cultural and educational programs, and civic gatherings. DRAFT 2-6 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Objective 35. Provide public access to natural areas within the city’s more urban and suburban neighborhoods, for passive outdoor recreation and education. Objective 36. Strive to maintain 20-25 acres per thousand of the population of both passive and active recreational open space, to include 7.5 acres of developed park and recreational facilities per thousand population. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES Objective 37. Conserve productive farmland and primary agricultural soils within the city. Objective 38. Support new farmers and entrepreneurs within the City who prodice food for local consumption. Objective 39. Increase the presence of dispersed, community-based agricultural resources in South Burlington Objective 40. Enable, encourage, and incentivize urban agriculture and local food production in the city’s downtown, neighborhoods and commercial/industrial areas..DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 2-7 2.2. Strategies In order to achieve the objectives set forth on pages 2-1 to 2-3 of this plan, the city should:* A. Social Infrastructure POPULATION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT Strategy 1. Monitor the rate of population growth and land use development on an annual basis, as measured over 10-year averages. Strategy 2. Determine and maintain the appropriate ratio between the residential and non-residential sectors of the grand list in order to provide necessary municipal services at the lowest property tax rate. Strategy 3. Use growth management techniques, such as development phasing and sewer allocations, to ensure that the rate of development does not outstrip the city’s ability to provide services in a cost-eff ective manner. HOUSING Strategy 4. Provide a range of residential zoning densities throughout the city in accordance with the Land Use chapter of this plan to allow for continued construction of new housing to meet the needs of the region’s changing demographics, including at least some districts that foster high- density housing and some that foster aff ordably moderately-priced single-family housing. Strategy 5. Implement a variety of tools and programs to foster innovative approaches to increasing the city’s supply of aff ordable and moderate income housing, including but not limited to: a housing trust fund, form-based coding which would allow a variety of residential and mixed use building types, expanded accessory dwelling unit provisions, transferable development rights, inclusionary zoning, bonuses and incentives, waivers and expedited review processes, and/or a housing retention ordinance. Strategy 6. Continue to have an Aff ordable Housing Committee charged with increasing the availability of safe and aff ordable housing in the city, that would work with a variety of related professsionals, city stafaf and offi cials, and residents to facilitate aff ordable housing and off er recommendations on housing-related issues to the Planning Commission, and City Council. Strategy 7. Increase the suppply of safe and aff ordable rental housing by allowing higher-density, mixed- use and mixed-income development within City Center and transit coffi dors, allowing multi- unit housing within transitional zonesbetween residential neighborhoods and commercial/ industrial land uses. Strategy 8. Support aff ordable, elderly and/or higher-density housing to be located near schools, parks, shopping centers, employment centers, day care facilities, transportation corridors, emergency services, and public transportation. Strategy 9. Investigate tools to promote the conservation of the housing stock in existing residential neighborhoods, particularly the supply of aff ordable and moderately-priced homes. * See Chapter 5.6 of this plan for a detailed description of the relationship between the community-wide goals, objectives and the strategies below.DRAFT 2-8 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 10. Explore the establishment of form-based standards or revise existing district standards, including consideration of appropriate building heights and densities based on neighborhood context and location, for residential buildings throughout the city to accommodate compatible infi ll and additions to homes in existing neighborhoods, particularly those that are centrally located near services, transit and workplaces, and development of new compact, walkable neighborhoods. Strategy 11. Encourage more mixed-use and mixed-income residential and commercial development, particularly within City Center and transit corridors where there is ready access to public transportation and services. Strategy 12. Encourage a variety of housing options to meet the needs of a diverse population through innovative land development regulations that allow for a range of residential buiding and neighborhood types, including but not limited to cottage housing, clustered housing and infi ll residential development. Strategy 13. Use the Burlington-South Burlington MSA median income and rent fi gures published by HUD as the baseline for determining aff ordable housing prices and rents. Strategy 14. Continue to partner with regional housing providers to develop new aff ordable housing and continue to expand the range of housing options available at all price and rent levels in South Burlington. Strategy 15. Streamline administrative policy for aff ordable housing and consider reducing or eliminating permit and impact fees for aff ordable housing. Strategy 16. Create transitional zones between residential neighborhoods and higher-density or -intensity areas with density, performance and design standards intended to maintain quality of life within neighborhoods, including mitigating impacts such as traffi c, noice and light. Strategy 17. Encourage multiple street and pedestrian connections to and between residential neighborhoods in order to provide adequate emergency access and traffi c distribution, while designing such connections in a manner that discourages additional through, truck, or high- speed traffi c. Strategy 18. Ensure that adequate emergency access is available to all development and devise ways to prevent emergency accesses from being obstructed to protect public safety. Strategy 19. Provide prompt, equitable enforcement of the land development regulations to maintain the character of residential neighborhoods. Strategy 20. Monitor the need for the City to adopt and enforce local building, plumbing, electrical,fi re, and energy codes; monitor the need for a rental registry program, and continue to enforce the state rental housing code to protect residentsa’ health and safety and quality of life in the city’s neighborhoods. Strategy 21. Promote the construction of new homes- particularly aff ordable and moderate-income units- that are highly energy-effi cient, and upgrades to existing homes to make them more energy-effi cient, which will reduce residents’ overall cost of living and contribute to housing aff ordability. ECONOMY Strategy 22. Take an active role in strengthening the city’s economy by maintaining quality jobs through the establishment of a community development corporation, continued involvement with regional partners, and pursuing grants and low interest loans for economic development. Strategy 23. Work to ensure that adequate infrastructure and municipal services (e.g., highways, water supply, sewage disposal, etc.) are consistent with other goals and strategies of this plan. Strategy 24. Maintain a balanced housing stock that will allow those employed in the city to live in the city, and seek to maintain existing and create new jobs that pay wages that allow workers to live in the city.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 2-9 Strategy 25. Work with adjoining municipalities and regional entities to resolve potential spillover eff ects resulting from economic growth and development. Strategy 26. Foster and encourage small and local business development through innovative zoning techniques. COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Strategy 27. Develop and annually maintain a capital budget and program for future public facility and utility needs; link to Impact Fee Ordinance. Strategy 28. Improve and expand public facilities and services in a manner that supports, complements and reinforces the land use and development recommendations of this plan, which includes a preference for infi ll over expansion of existing service areas. Strategy 29. Plan for people-oriented public facilities - including a city hall and/or community library and environmental infrastructure- in the City Center area. Strategy 30. Provide ease-of-access to public information and feedback through tools such as CCTV, the city website, social media, and traditional media, and continue a policy of open governance. Strategy 31. Collaborate with the South Burlington School District in master planning eff orts and work together to regularly assess community facility needs. Strategy 32. Encourage the provision of open space and dedicated park land that accentuates the school district’s educational goals by providing for experiential and applied learning experiences. Strategy 33. Continue to work collaboratively with the University of Vermont in master planning eff orts. Strategy 34. Regularly evaluate the City’s policies regarding use of city infrastructure. B. Gray Infrastructure TRANSPORTATION Strategy 35. Strive for safe pedestrian and bike access to all schools and support eff orts to encourage more children to walk or bike to school. Strategy 36. Use the city’s land use regulations to continue to support and encourage mixed-use development, and direct growth to the City Center area, to promote pedestrian movement and reduce reliance on the automobile for local circulation. Strategy 37. Adopt a complete streets policy that incorporates sidewalks, crosswalks, crossing signals, bicycle paths, and bicycle lanes as appropriate in funding applications for new roads and roadway improvements. Strategy 38. Strive to connect all city neighborhoods and all civic and business districts in a safe manner with a recreation path and road system that both are fully accessible to all non-motorized uses to the greatest extent possible. Strategy 39. Work with the private sector to implement transportation demand management techniques such as ride sharing programs, bus vouchers, and fl exible work hours; such techniques should be explored as possible mitigation to potential negative traffi c impacts resulting from new development. Strategy 40. Seek transportation improvements that provide equal access for all income levels and abilities, reasonable costs, orderly and continued economic growth, existing and proposed land use, the fi xed supply of land, the increasing cost of energy, and other goals of this plan.DRAFT 2-10 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 41. Implement the proposed street and intersection improvements included on the city’s Offi cial Map and/or Capital Budget and Program either as a public project or by private developers as warranted by the scope of new development, and continue to require developers to make any necessary improvements to intersection geometry and signalization as a condition of approval. Strategy 42. Implement access management techniques when planning new roads, improving existing roads and reviewing new development, and continue to require the provision of access management techniques (e.g. limit curb cuts, service roads, etc.) along high volume arterial and collector roadways as a condition of approval for new development. Strategy 43. Support construction of arterial roads which improve inter- and intra-city traffi c. Strategy 44. Continue to work with and press the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization to carry out the funded Environmental Impact Statement work for full interstate interchange at Hinesburg Road and I-89, and to program funds for subsequent years and work into the Transportation Improvement Program. Strategy 45. Work with neighboring communities on cooperative strategies for managing the impacts of travel to and from South Burlington. Strategy 46. Develop a city-wide sidewalk and recreation path plan that identifi es and prioritizes gaps, to link various neighborhood and community focal points. Strategy 47. Continue the city’s membership in CCTA to provide continued bus service in and through South Burlington, and ensure that timely routes and related infrastructure are available to meet the needs of changing populations. Service should be concentrated in and link areas of densest development, while still serving populations with highest needs. Strategy 48. Support enhanced rail service on the Vermont Railway and Central Vermont Railway tracks and amend the city’s Land Development Regulations to provide opportunities and mitigate against impacts of rail connections in the community. Strategy 49. Prioritize transportation planning eff orts to provide safe and effi cient access to the Burlington International Airport in a manner that does not adversely aff ect adjacent neighborhoods. ENERGY Strategy 50. Establish park-and-rides and increase carpooling and public transit to and from them (for commuting to, through and from the city). Strategy 51. Work to develop the infrastructure (largely communications) to allow more people to work from home. Strategy 52. Begin to establish the electric transmission, distribution, and connection infrastructure to support increased use of electric vehicles at home, work, park-and-ride locations, and downtown parking. Strategy 53. Improve traffi c fl ow through the city by synchronizing traffi c lights and adjusting traffi c light timing based on time of day and traffi c volume while retaining balance with pedestrian needs. Strategy 54. Develop incentives for existing and new buildings to meet or exceed state energy building code, Energy Star, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Strategy 55. Explore the creation of a clean energy assessment district to facilitate residential and commercial fi nancing of clean energy improvements. Strategy 56. Promote energy effi ciency through well-designed buildings, siting and landscaping, and encourage increased demand side management programs and the use of site-specifi c renewable energy resources. Strategy 57. Consider a policy that capital investments by the city include any and all effi ciency investments that are projected to pay back or break even over the lifetime of said investment.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 2-11 Strategy 58. Continue energy upgrades (weatherization and mechanical systems) of school and city buildings for all items that will payback within 10 years; new buildings should be built to at least LEED Silver standards. Strategy 59. Consider energy effi ciency when making upgrades to city utilities such as water and sewage treatment, street and parking area lighting, and traffi c signals so that the more effi cient solution is chosen if they will pay back the higher costs within 10 years . Strategy 60. Maintain the minimum levels of street lighting needed for pedestrian and vehicular safety and security. Strategy 61. Consider fuel effi ciency when upgrading fl eet vehicles for the city and school system and maintain vehicles at peak fuel effi ciency. Strategy 62. Encourage owners and developers to explore the possibility, and feasibility, of cogeneration and/or district energy in higher-density areas, notably City Center. Strategy 63. Pursue a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhoods (LEED-ND) level of effi ciency for City Center. Strategy 64. Encourage installations of photovoltaic electric and solar hot water heating for residential and commercial buildings. Strategy 65. Encourage the development of medium-scale photovoltaic electric generating facilities within the city. Strategy 66. Seek grant opportunities to develop photovoltaic electric production on city and school grounds and building rooftops. Strategy 67. Work to improve the overall sustainability of the community through encouragement of local food production and distribution (e.g. farmers markets and stands). C. Blue Infrastructure WATER RESOURCES AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Strategy 68. Complete geomorphic assessments for all year-round streams in South Burlington as fi nances and time allow; develop revised stream buff er requirements based upon completed assessments. Strategy 69. Pursue opportunities for acquisition and restoration of open space along year-round streams in South Burlington and actively enforce encroachments to protect these resources. Strategy 70. Pursue reduction of non-native invasive plant species in the city land by: actively removing such vegetation on city-owned land, providing educational materials to the general public, and prohibiting the planting of non-native invasives associated with new development. Strategy 71. Identify locations of aquifer recharge areas and include in future blue infrastructure mapping. Strategy 72. Complete an assessment of the Low Impact Development (LID) standards incorporated into the city’s Stormwater Overlay District; adjust and extend the district and standards to a broader scale as appropriate. Strategy 73. Partner with private property owners to construct and maintain stormwater treatment facilities for existing impervious area.DRAFT 2-12 city of south burlington comprehensive plan WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT Strategy 74. Continue water system design and improvement planning that would result in improved fi re protection fl ows and circulation. Strategy 75. Continue to require construction and inspect new water lines at standards that will ensure low long-term maintenance costs and the reduction of non-revenue water loss. Strategy 76. Work with landowners through the development review process to implement the infrastructure plan for the city’s water supply and wastewater system. Strategy 77. Strive for long-term infrastructure plans to limit disturbance within identifi ed primary and secondary natural areas throughout the city. Strategy 78. Work with private-sector developers to resolve wastewater line capacity issues in the vicinity of Hinesburg Road south of I-89. D. Green Infrastructure Strategy 79. Continue to make use of the city’s Open Space Fund to purchase lands or related rights, for purposes of conservation of ecological and wildlife habitat and productive farmland; for purchase of recreational lands in line with the goals of this Plan. Strategy 80. Re-defi ne open space in new developments such that useable, quality open space shall be required. Qualifying open space should include civic spaces, recreation, wildlife habitat, and useable agricultural lands. ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES Strategy 81. Use techniques available to the city to conserve important and connected natural areas identifi ed in the city’s Open Space Strategy, Southeast Quadrant Open Space Plan, and other research. Strategy 82. Retain existing trees and vegetation, and/or supplement with new plantings along drainageways and property lines, and around building clusters as land is subdivided and developed. Strategy 83. Encourage and require diverse tree planting in areas of new development as well as in established areas. Strategy 84. Retain the city’s existing inventory of street trees and increase both the variety and number of street trees through regular maintenance and continued development of the Wheeler Nature Park. Strategy 85. Encourage public education about tree functions and tree disease inspection in urban areas through cooperation with the UVM Horticultural Farm and Vermont Department of Forest Parks, and Recreation, Urban and Community Forestry Program. Strategy 86. Retain publicly-owned natural areas and woodlands identifi ed in this plan and develop long- range management plans for each to foster their continued health and use. Strategy 87. Make eff orts to maintain the city’s wildlife diversity, including making full use of available planning and legal tools such as buff ers, transfers of development rights, overlay zoning districts, conservation easements and other tools as appropriate. Strategy 88. Allow for development that is well planned and protects the city’s important natural resources, open spaces, wildlife habitat, scenic views, air and water resources. Strategy 89. Enact zoning provisions to provide an adequate buff er at Red Rocks Park to protect it from contiguous development on adjoining land, and ordinances to prevent littering, destruction and other abuses should be enacted and enforced.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 2-13 Strategy 90. Use the city’s land use regulations to encourage development patterns that conserve connected open space areas of suffi cient size in order to maintain important wildlife populations. Strategy 91. Work with adjoining municipalities and regional entities to enact complementary land use policies where wildlife habitat areas cross city boundaries. Strategy 92. Review the city’s Land Development Regulations to ensure legal defensibility of wildlife and natural resource conservation standards. Strategy 93. Update and adopt the city’s Open Space Strategy as a supporting plan to this Comprehensive Plan. Strategy 94. Foster passive recreational use of natural areas and identify areas that may be appropriate for an “off -limits” designation due to their fragile nature. Strategy 95. Work with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission to monitor air quality at critical locations. Strategy 96. Continue ongoing partnerships in education related to natural areas within the city. Strategy 97. Develop Management Plans for each of the City’s Open Space/Natural Resource lands. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Strategy 98. Protect the city’s important scenic vistas and viewsheds, and preserve the ability of the public to enjoy views, such as the Green Mountains and Adirondacks, from public lands and public roads. Strategy 99. Consider establishing view protection overlay districts in other areas of the city and encourage designs that are visually harmonious with the natural landscape in view protection districts. Strategy 100. Recognize and preserve important and signifi cant historic resources, and associated landscape features, that represent the city’s past as South Burlington continues to develop. Strategy 101. Use the state Register of Historic Places listing for the city to help assess the signifi cance of historic buildings, structures and landscapes. Strategy 102. Update and expand upon the state register listing of historic properties within South Burlington, and consider listing road side architecture and post World War II construction as historic properties. Strategy 103. Consider a regulation that would require complete documentation of signifi cant historic or archeological resources before permitting their destruction. Strategy 104. Pursue an inventory of the city’s historic resources. Strategy 105. Preserve farmland and agricultural heritage landscapes as signifi cant cultural resources by protecting their scenic and historic character through the use of techniques such as conservation restrictions, transfer of development rights and protective easements. Strategy 106. Participate in appropriate reviews such as Act 250 or highway corridor hearings to protect important historical and cultural resources which may be threatened. RECREATION RESOURCES Strategy 107. Consider and implement acquisition criteria and evaluation of land for the highest community need. Strategy 108. Work with private developers to integrate additional public parks into the recreation system. Strategy 109. Strive to make recreation areas accessible to all residents regardless of age, interest, and physical ability consistent with the proposed use of a recreation parcel and activity. Regularly evaluate and modify programming based on changing demographics. DRAFT 2-14 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 110. Consider off ering credit against recreation impact fees for development of public parks providing that the size and type of facility meets city approval. Strategy 111. Strive to provide access to a park or open space area within a one-mile safe walk from each neighborhood in the city, and provide each neighborhood with a small park, mini-park, neighborhood park, community green or meeting area. Strategy 112. Explore alternate uses of the waterfront area at Red Rocks or other property that would facilitate the community’s enjoyment of Lake Champlain. Strategy 113. Explore the possibility of having the Recreation -Leisure Arts Committee serve as an advisory board to the Development Review Board on potential credits of the recreational impact fees and/or dedication of public parks to the city as a part of development review. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES Strategy 114. Continue to support urban agriculture and local food production in South Burlington and facilitate local farmers’ ability to sell and process their products within the city. Strategy 115. Use the Land Development Regulations to to foster urban agriculture and local food production in the city. Strategy 116. Where appropriate, actively use city-owned land for agricultural education, and for urban agriculture and local food production including community gardens and leasing of land to commercial farmers. Strategy 117. Encourage new development, particularly residential or mixed-use projects that include homes without private yards, to create community garden space. Strategy 118. Establish a city-run program to create and managecommunity gardens and orchards. Strategy 119. Distribute community gardens throughout the city so that gardens are within walking or biking distance for all city residents. Strategy 120. Review the City’s Backyard Chicken Ordinance and explore state law related to the regulation of small livestock and bees, with the goal of increasing participation and expanding to other small livestock and bees. Strategy 121. Revise the city’s Land Development Regulations to permit urban agriculture and local food production throughout the city. Strategy 122. Set a goal for city schools to source an appropriate percentage of food from local sources.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 2-15 2.3. Implementation There are many tools and techniques available to the city which can be used to implement the Comprehensive Plan. This section describes the general mechanisms which are in place or could be developed to implement the goals, objectives and strategies of the city. Other more specifi c mechanisms for implementation are identifi ed throughout the other sections of this plan. The timing and funding of the following tasks will be determined by the annual work program. LAND DEVELOPMENT (ZONING & SUBDIVISION) REGULATIONS Th e most commonly used bylaw for controlling development at the local level are zoning and subdivision regulations. Zoning and subdivision regulations control the use of land and structures, and the density, height and bulk of development. 24 VSA Chapter 117 spells out specifi c requirements and limitation of any municipal land development regulations. Th e statutes also provide multiple optional tools that com- munities enact under zoning and subdivision, including, but not limited to: ✦Establishment of zoning and overlay districts ✦Site plan and conditional use standards ✦Performance standards ✦Inclusionary zoning ✦Waivers ✦Planned unit development ✦Transfer of development rights Many of these tools are presently used with the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, including specifi c overlay districts dedicated to fl ood hazard protection, scenic views, interstates, design review, watershed protection, traffi c, and airport ap- proaches, and may include additional types in the future in order to implement this Plan. OFFICIAL MAP Th e offi cial map is a bylaw which reserves land for streets, recreation paths, drainage, parks, schools and other public facilities. Th e city’s offi cial map should be completely reviewed and revised where appropriate in the context of this Comprehensive Plan. MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES Multiple municipal ordinances are used to implement the Comprehensive Plan. Among those most closely related to land use: ✦Sign ordinance DRAFT 2-16 city of south burlington comprehensive plan ✦Ordinance regulating the use of public and private sanitary sewerage ✦Peddlers ordinance ✦Backyard chicken ordinance ✦Control and prevention of fi re ordinance ✦Public nuisance ordinance ✦Tree ordinance LAND ACQUISITION Th e acquisition of land will be required in order to implement several goals and rec- ommendations contained in the plan such as for the construction of public facilities including parkland, schools, sewer and water facilities, roads and recreation paths. Land may be acquired through fee simple acquisition, conditions of subdivision ap- proval, or donations. Among the tools implemented by the voters is a $0.01 conservation tax that is levied on an annual basis following a public vote to establish the fund. Th ese use of those funds is restricted to those provided by the voters. CAPITAL BUDGET AND PROGRAM Th e city has adopted a capital budget and program in accordance with 24 VSA Sec- tion 4426. Th e capital budget, the principal guide for public spending, describes the capital projects to be undertaken during the coming fi scal year, including the esti- mated costs and method of fi nancing. Th e capital program is a similar plan of capital projects to be undertaken during each of the following fi ve years. IMPACT FEES Th e city has adopted an impact fee program in accordance with 24 VSA Chapter 131. Impact fees are a means by which developments are required to pay for their “fair share” of public capital expenditures needed as a result of their development. Impact fees may be levied for all improvements meeting this criteria, upon adoption by the municipality. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING Th e city can designate certain areas of the city, such as City Center, as a tax increment fi nancing (TIF) district. In TIFs, the cost of infrastructure improvements are funded through the tax revenue generated by development which utilizes such improvements. It is envisioned that TIFs will be an important developmental tool in the City Center. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS Special assessment districts are designated areas in which property owners are charged to cover the costs of installing capital improvements from which the property owners DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-1 will benefi t. Typical improvements funded by special assessment include water and sewer service, sidewalk construction and street improvements. Special assessment dis- tricts should appear in the capital budget program. REGIONAL, STATE AND FEDERAL COORDINATION Th e city should continue to cooperate with regional, state and federal agencies as nec- essary to further the goals and policies of this plan. Regional partners include, but are note limited to the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), Chittenden Metropolitan Planning Organization, Chittenden Solid Waste District, Champlain Water District, Lake Champlain Housing Development Corporation, and Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce. ONGOING PLANNING AND STUDIES Th e city shall continue to update the Comprehensive Plan as required by 24 VSA Sec- tion 4387. Th is plan includes within it recommendation for future action and studies to be undertaken to help implement its overall goals.DRAFT 3-2 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3: LAND USE PLAN DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-3 The quality of life, character, livability and viability of a community depends, to a very large extent, on its land use pattern. Decisions made over time on how to use the land greatly infl uence the quality and livability of our residential neighborhoods, economic viability of our businesses, transportation effi ciency and safety, accessibility to work, shopping, and school, quality of air and water, and the overall character or image of a community. The land use plan is the fundamental element of the overall comprehensive plan. It provides strong guidance for all future development and redevelopment in the community and directly aff ects all other elements contained in the plan. 3.1. Current Land Use DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS From its rural agricultural beginnings in 1865, South Burlington has grown and changed to a growing city with an exceptionally large range and diversity of land uses. Th e city’s growth, and the diversity of its land use changes, is largely due to its loca- tion. South Burlington is “Vermont’s transportation crossroads.” It is the site of Burl- ington International Airport and the busiest exit on Interstate 89. It is home to many growing, high employment industries such as IDX/GE Healthcare and Ben & Jerry’s, and very close to the state’s other major employment centers of Burlington, Williston and Essex Junction. Th e University of Vermont, which straddles the Burlington-South Burlington city line, and Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington further drive the city’s land use change environment and the mix of uses. South Burlington’s land use environment is completely unique in Vermont. Th e city has everything from the state’s major airport to working dairy farms within its borders, but none of the “…historic settlement pattern of compact village and urban centers separated by rural countryside” that is the historic “ideal” of Vermont. As a result, South Burlington’s land use cannot be understood or managed in terms of the “tradi- tional Vermont landscape;” it is its own community, and it will continue to be shaped uniquely through the decisions made by its leaders, landowners and citizens. Vermont history through World War II did little to aff ect and shape South Burlington; from 1865 to 1945, the community consisted of a number of large farms. Th ere has never been an historic center to give the community an economic or visual focal point. But the post-war suburbanization trends common in the rest of the nation strongly aff ected South Burlington, long before Vermont’s statewide land use statutes were in place. Single-family neighborhoods such as Mayfair Park, the Orchards and the Air- port Parkway area sprouted along Williston Road and Shelburne Road at the advent of the Fannie Mae-driven post-war housing boom. Strip commercial development along the same roads came when greater prosperity and access to vehicles allowed Vermonters to change their shopping, employment and living patterns. Eventually, as the region’s economy grew and modernized, demand for single-family housing spilled DRAFT 3-4 city of south burlington comprehensive plan over into the Southeast Quadrant and led to the subdivisions that began to appear there in the late 1980s and 1990s. Since the 1990s, the city has sought to redirect land use into planned districts and cor- ridors. Balancing residential and commercial/employment growth at roughly a 50/50 mix has been a goal since the early 1990s; more recently, this goal has been expanded to incorporate additional goals such as infi ll and redevelopment in developed cor- ridors, and creating a greenspace network throughout the city. Th us, the land use plan in this Comprehensive Plan builds on work done over many years to expand and refi ne these concepts. LAND USE STATISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION Despite the amount and intensity of development in South Burlington, farmland and open space (including undeveloped land, forest land and recreation land) continue to be the primary land use accounting for * percent of the city’s total acreage in 2010. Figure * illustrates how South Burlington’s current land use has evolved since *. More detailed land use data is presented in Attachment * and a current land use map is included in Attachment * to this plan.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-5 3.2. Future Land Use A. Overview of the City’s Land Use LAND USE PLANNING BACKGROUND Future Use of Land. Th e city’s 1985 Comprehensive Plan set in place a number of policies that attempted to redirect the city’s development pattern into a planned pattern that would, over time, support greater transit use, create a variety of residen- tial options, and develop concentrated economic and social activity in local service centers. Th e plan called for directing development to the city’s existing urban core via higher densities and infrastructure investment, creating a mixed-use, high density city center, and encouraging more pedestrian and transit friendly development along the city’s major arterials. Since then, the city has set out to continue and strengthen the land use policies contained in the 1985 plan. Th e 1991 Plan reinforced these goals added another: to increase eff orts to protect important natural areas and open spaces, namely in the Southeast Quadrant. Th is became the main land use theme of the 2001 Comprehensive Plan, which also rec- ommended preparation of an open space plan, and recommended a complete re- evaluation of the land use plan for the Southeast Quadrant. Th ese goals were carried through the 1996 and 2001 plans. Studies and planning work completed by the Planning Commission from 2000 through 2006 directly carried out many these recommendations. An Open Space Strategy was completed in 2001 and was followed by three Southeast Quadrant studies: Th e Ecological Assessment and Bird Habitat Study (2004), and a new master land use plan for the SEQ (2005). Th e 2006 Plan included a revised and expanded chapter on the Southeast Quadrant, refl ecting the results of the studies and input and complementing the zoning regula- tions amendments passed that same year encouraging preservation of the areas of greatest ecological signifi cance, creating a new village center on Dorset Street around the Chittenden Cider Mill, and making public investments in a series of connected parks and paths woven around new, walkable and connected residential neighbor- hoods through use of a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program; continued implementation is strongly supported by this plan as well. Th e focus on infi ll has also seen great progress in the past decade. Th e Farrell Street/ O’Dell Parkway development, with over 400 new housing units as well as redevelop- ment of the old Mall 189 complex, is a model new neighborhood that has received notice throughout New England. Many smaller infi ll projects were proposed and built after the Planning Commission completed zoning amendments that reduced or elimi- nated minimum lot sizes, frontage requirements and large setbacks, and that increased the base density in the City’s core and corridors from seven to 12 or 15 units per acre.DRAFT 3-6 city of south burlington comprehensive plan In the past fi ve years, the city has initiated studies and actions to further support quality mixed use environments along its primary corridors, including the US Route 2 Corridor Study and the Cars to People project. Th e city has also pushed forward with the development of City Center, gaining a state “New Town Center” designation for the area in 2010 and pursuing permitting for the reconstruction of Market Street. At the same time, the Chamberlin neighborhood adjacent to the Burlington Interna- tional Airport has seen some of its housing stock removed due to noise impacts from the airport. Establishing a new integrated transition between these two land uses will be a focus on the next several years. Th is 2011 Plan seeks to further build upon these core attributes, focusing on strength- ening policies in support of the Goals of the Community listed in this Plan. B. Future Land Use Plan Overview. It is the intent of this Plan to maintain an eff ective balance between green space, natural areas, residential, commercial and industrial development. Th e future land use plan strives to refl ect the overall goals of the city and to balance the various objectives and strategies of this document. Planning Areas. Th is plan is designates a series of four quadrants and one district that share common geography, land use, and transportation patterns, and where the goals, objectives, and strategies of this plan will require careful consideration. For each quadrant or district, this chapter provides an overview of existing land use, projected future land use, key planning issues, and transition areas. Th e quadrants / district discussed in this plan include the: ✦Central District, including City Center and surrounding areas; ✦Northwest Quadrant, including areas west of the Airport and north of I-89, exclusive of the Central District; ✦Northeast Quadrant, including the Burlington International Airport and areas north of I-89; ✦Southwest Quadrant, including the Shelburne Road corridor; ✦Southeast Quadrant, including areas south of 1-89 and east of Spear Street. Context and Connections. Th ese sections are intended complement the more thor- ough inventories and analyses of the Green, Grey, Blue, and Social Infrastructure chapters by highlighting some of the notable opportunities and challenges within the quadrant or district. Plans and concepts for future use of land in each quadrant or district is tied closely to the analysis, objectives, and strategies enumerated within the other chapters of this Plan. Each of the chapters are intended to be read together, guided by the community-wide goals set forth on page 1-1 of this plan.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-7 FUTURE LAND USE MAP Th e future land use plan is accompanied by a map of the same name. Th is map depicts the fi ve quadrants/district described above, and provides for a series of broad categories of planned land use and intensity. Th e features on this map are purposefully blended, so as not to focus on a specifi c parcel or delineation between land use features. Th at level of specifi city is left to the Offi cial Zoning Map. Th ose broad categories include: ✦Very low intensity, principally conservation ✦Lower intensity, principally residential ✦Medium intensity, principally residential ✦Medium to higher intensity, principally non-residential ✦Medium to higher intensity, mixed use Together, these broad categories are intended to encompass key issues and areas ad- dressed in this Comprehensive Plan and provide an overall framework for implemen- tation of the plan. Land use policies for these areas are refl ected under the objectives and strategies of the Plan and enacted through the various tools described in the implementation section of the Plan and elsewhere. Categories purposefully blend into one another and in some cases blend into a white background. Th ese blended areas include transitional areas within the city, where the land development regulations and other policy documents of the city may specify tools for eff ectively managing changes in intensity, land use patterns, resources, or transportation patterns. Finally, a series of themes that cross through multiple neighborhoods, such as mixed use corridors, transition areas, and natural resource corridors discussed in the text are depicted on the map. C. Land Use Planning Areas CENTRAL DISTRICT Area Included. Th e Central District includes a diverse mix of commercial corridors, transportation systems, single and multi-family residential areas, schools, undevel- oped land, and designated parks. It includes the Williston Road corridor from I-89 to Hinesburg Road, the Dorset Street corridor north of Kennedy Drive, and the Hines- burg Road corridor north of Kennedy Drive. Current Land Use. Th e Central District includes an eclectic diversity of land uses that partially interact with one another. Developed as separate residential neighbor- hoods, commercial areas, and public facilities beginning in the 1940s, this area slowly evolved into a loose “core” of South Burlington. Today, this includes three schools DRAFT 3-8 city of south burlington comprehensive plan and related grounds, the city’s offi ces, retail establishments along Williston Road and Dorset Street, the University Mall and Blue Mall, several mid-sized single-family resi- dential neighborhoods, and a grouping of multi-family residential homes. Th ese distinct uses are connected together via the three principal arteries in the area and a pair of natural areas, but no secondary streets. Th ese principal arteries serve both local and regional traffi c. Th e result is a “core” to the community that is both closely linked via geography and transportation and also separated from itself in terms of pedestrian activity or shared sense of community. Th is Central District is also home to a uniquely positioned, undeveloped piece of land at its very heart. Th is land, comprising approximately 40 acres north of the munici- pally-owned Dumont Park between Hinesburg Road and Dorset Street, has been used for multiple purposes over the years, including a small quarry and a race track. In the mid 1980s, citizens saw an opportunity to work with private land owners in this area to develop a mixed-use downtown for South Burlington, to be known as City Center. Future Land Use. Th e vision for the Central District is to eff ectively blend exist- ing neighborhoods, commercial areas, natural areas, underdeveloped properties, and undeveloped lands into the true “downtown” of South Burlington. Th is “downtown” will provide increased connectivity through new cross-streets; support an integrated mix of housing, retail, and employment; and be a primary focal point for new mixed use development within the city. At the heart of this District lies the City Center plan, a long-standing area of eff ort and energy for the community (see pull-out box). Th is area, planned to accommodate up to 1,200,000 square feet of development and over 15 acres of conserved land, in intended to not only create a focal point for the city that unifi es the entire district, but also to support a signifi cant portion of the local demand for commercial development and multi-family housing in a compact, sustainable manner. City Center would support this objective by establishing a series of streets that would connect to the principal arteries in the area, providing opportunities for housing and employment in an area well-served by public transit and existing public utilities, and creating smooth transitions to existing neighborhoods and commercial areas. Th e Williston Road and San Remo Drive sections of the Central District contain signifi cant opportunities for redevelopment. Initially built as low-density, strip-type commercial development (and light industrial development along San Remo Drive), these areas have witnessed a slow transformation toward more compact uses. Zoning in the areas was adjusted in 2003 to allow for a mix of commercial and residential uses. Additional amendments will likely be needed to support the types of multi- modal, walkable environments that the community has begun to envision for this area. Eventually, historically strip-development will be replaced or fi lled in with addi- tional development, making effi cient use of this core area and supporting walkability from surrounding areas.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-9 Much of the remainder of this District is built out. Residential neighborhoods along Dorset Street and Hinesburg Road include a handful of vacant lots available for infi ll development, but for the most part the focus of this Plan is to support the continued use of these areas for residential use, understanding that as the community’s demo- graphics change, so do the needs of its citizens. Similarly, the intent of this Plan is to support the ongoing use of the three schools in the area, the Rick Marcotte Central School, the Fred Tuttle Middle School, and the High School, and to promote interconnectivity and integration of these schools with surrounding areas. Th e conceptual plans for City Center do envision the development of a portion of the Central School, or potentially a future closure and redevelopment of the site as a whole. Th is concept, of closing the school, would be the subject of substantial discourse prior to any action being taken. Key Planning Issues. Important planning considerations in the Central District re- late to its auto-dependent, strip-development physical layout. ✦Traffi c, Parking, Pedestrian Accessibility. Traffi c along Williston Road and Dorset Street is generally heavy and can exceed the system’s capacity at peak hours. Th is is due to a number of factors, including the presence of I-89’s Exit 14 at the north end of Dorset Street, the arterial design of the roadway network that does not allow for any distribution of vehicles, and the heavy demands put forward by the University Mall and other retailers in the area at peak hours, all in a predominantly auto-dependent environment. Th ese chal- lenges are exacerbated by a built environment that has favored surface park- ing in front of buildings, improving convenience for drivers but discouraging all other modes of transport. Th ese challenges are being addressed incrementally by various partners and parties. In 2009, the Chittenden County Transportation Authority rede- signed its bus service in the area, creating a new route that stays on Williston Road all of the way from Burlington to Williston (with the exception of the UMall) and off ers 15-minute headways at peak hours. Zoning in the area, meanwhile, is transitioning to encourage more pedestrian-friendly site design. Finally, planning for City Center includes eff orts to establish a Tax Increment Finance District in the area to support needed infrastructure im- provements, such as the redevelopment of Market Street and the construction of a parking garage. ✦Public Amenities and Open Space. Th e community vision for City Center calls for the establishments of one or more public amenities to serve as a focal point for the community. Th e lack of any such amenities – aside from walking trails through Dumont Park – is a missing link in the core of the city. Recreational facilities are available at the schools in the area, but there is no formal public gathering area save for the bandshell at Dorset Park, located nearly 1.5 miles south of the Dorset Street / Williston Road intersection. Conceptual plans for City Center include a public square that would serve as a gathering place and public events locale, as well open space in the vicinity DRAFT 3-10 city of south burlington comprehensive plan of Potash Brook and walking trails that would lead across the Brook to Du- mont Park. In addition to these, gateway artwork and gathering point are envisioned for the area. Further to the south, a signifi cant open space area exists to the east of the high school. Maintenance of this natural area and walking trail system should be continued ✦Stormwater Treatment. Among the most signifi cant challenges faced by the Central District is the lack of suffi cient stormwater treatment. Much of the area was developed prior to the advent of suffi cient treatment systems, and includes signifi cant paved areas. Two watersheds – Centennial Brook and Potash Brook – cross through the area. Both are listed on the State’s Impaired Waters list for stormwater. Th e state, city, and individual property owners have begun to work on these issues collectively. Th e city received a $1.1 million grant from the Army Corps of Engineers to work with private property owners in the development of a stormwater system to treat run-off from the Williston Road area east of Hinesburg Road. In addition, individual property owners have begun re- designs of existing facilities to comply with rules established by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. ✦Housing Aff ordability. Th e Central District provides the community with the opportunity to meet a signifi cant portion of the anticipated demand for housing in the coming years. The challenge with this will be in foster- ing the development of housing that is both aff ordable to a mix of house- holds and also meets their needs as families. Th e compact nature of the area, combined with high land costs due to its location, indicates that multi- family housing is the most viable form of residential development for the area. Multi-family housing can be friendly to households of various types, but relies on the availability of public amenities such as safe and accessible parks and services nearby. Th e city will likely need to continue to make use of incentives and regulatory tools to foster aff ordability in this area. ✦Focusing Development. Th e original vision for City Center included a goal of fostering development in this area in order to conserve open spaces, natural areas, and farmlands elsewhere in the city and the region. To some extent, the establishment of a mixed-use area will serve to meet this goal by creating conditions for development to take place in a compact, pedestrian-friendly environment. It is a greater challenge, however, to couple this with initiatives to conserve land elsewhere in the community. Th e pattern of development in the city over the past 25 years or more has been a mix of some compact, “infi ll-style” development – such as at Farrell Street – together with substantial continued development on the fringes of the city, such as along Allen Road, Lime Kiln Road, and in the Southeast Quadrant. DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-11 Th e community will need to continue to explore tools to focus development in the core areas of the city, while continuing to meet objectives of aff ord- ability and family-friendliness NORTHWEST QUADRANT Area Included. Th e Northwest Quadrant is a geographically mixed area of the city that consists of multiple separate and distinct residential neighborhoods linked to- gether – and separated by – arterial roadways and natural features. It is bounded by Burlington to the west, I-89 to the south, the Burlington International Airport to the northeast, and industrial-open space areas to the east. Th e Central District is contained within this larger Northwest Quadrant. Current Land Use. Th e Northwest Quadrant consists predominantly of residential neighborhoods interspersed with a handful of large parcels of open land and dissected by several major transportation facilities. It is home to an array of distinct neighbor- hoods, including Mayfair Park, Pine Tree Terrace, Chamberlin, O’Brien Farm, Spear Street, East Terrace, Valley Ridge, Tree Tops, Twin Oaks, Winding Brook, and others. Th e majority of the neighborhoods north of the Potash Brook, which parallels Ken- nedy Drive, consist of single and two-family homes. Th e majority of these homes were built between 1945 and 1970, with a small number of infi ll sites, and one full neighborhood, Quarry Ridge, built since that time. Neighborhoods along Kennedy Drive were built beginning in the 1970s and include primarily multi-family homes of varying types, with a small handful of exceptions. Th e Northwest Quadrant is home to a handful of largely undeveloped properties. Th ese include, notably, land between Williston Road and Patchen Road, adjacent to I-89 that includes two ravines; land on both sides of Old Farm Road; a signifi cant wetland complex that houses the main branch of the Potash Brook north of Kennedy Drive; and lands belonging to the University of Vermont along Spear Street that are used for both agricultural and conservation purposes. Finally, the Quadrant is somewhat characterized by the transportation network and associated commercial strips that divide it. Key among these are Williston Road, which links the Chamberlin and Mayfair Park neighborhoods, Kennedy Drive, which link several distinct neighborhoods, and I-89, which separates the East Terrace and Spear Street neighborhoods from the rest of the city and bears a certain relationship with neighborhoods in Burlington. Future Land Use. Several of the oldest neighborhoods in South Burlington are located in the Northwest Quadrant. It is the intent of this Plan to maintain these neighborhoods and their housing stock and protect them from commercial encroach- ment, while at the same time supporting the evolving needs of its residents, improving pedestrian connectivity and access to services, and allowing for infi ll development that is in keeping with the existing built environment.DRAFT 3-12 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Th is Quadrant will always be both tied together and split by transportation arteries that serve local and regional purposes. It is the intent of this plan to allow for the continued use regional use of these arteries, in a manner that is also conducive to safe access and use by residents and visitors on foot, on bicycle, and via public transporta- tion. A key interface of the residential neighborhoods and transportation arteries exists along Williston Road. Th is corridor serves multiple purposes and is proposed to con- tinue to do so. Th e section of Williston Road west of Hinesburg Road is located with- in the Central District. Th e section immediately east of Hinesburg Road is primarily residential and should continue to be used in this manner. East of Victory Drive, land uses are planned to include a mix of residential (on the north side) and non-residential (on the south side). East of Mills Avenue, non-residential uses are programmed for both sides of the road. In all of these areas, development should create inviting spaces for residents in nearby neighborhoods to walk to services along Williston Road. Neighborhoods along Kennedy Drive have traditionally kept a heavily landscaped face to the street. Th is should remain as future neighborhoods are established in the area. Remaining undeveloped areas provide an opportunity for multiple uses, including housing at a density and design that is transit-supportive, recreational lands, and natural areas. Limited neighborhood commercial areas are envisioned. Finally, it is the intent of this quadrant to integrate with surrounding planning areas, notably the Central District and Northeast Quadrant. Key Planning Issues. While for the most part the Northwest Quadrant’s built en- vironment is stable, its extremities have seen substantial changes and area likely to continue to evolve, as will the demographics of its residents and their associated needs. Among the key planning issues facing this area: ✦Maintenance of Existing Housing and Neighborhoods. As the fi rst of the neighborhoods in this Quadrant approach 60 years of age, the demands placed upon both the housing stock and the neighborhoods as a whole are changing. Household composition has evolved, with greater demands for space within buildings and for pedestrian access to nearby services. New housing been added in both new neighborhoods and as infi ll within existing neighborhoods. In many cases, this new housing has been well integrated into existing areas, but not universally. As demand remains strong for housing in the core of Chittenden County, these neighborhoods will likely continue to see interest in infi ll development. Th is can be a positive force, providing new families with the opportunity to make use of schools in the area and strengthening neighborhood connections, but should be done in a manner that eff ectively integrates new with old. ✦Aff ordability. Much of the more moderately-priced housing in South Bur- lington is located in the Northwest Quadrant, within the multi-family and single-family neighborhoods. Th is housing is generally relatively small in scale and compact with its neighbors. Th ese attributes are among the chief reasons for their relative aff ordability. Th e challenges of aff ordability persist, however, DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-13 with some households struggling to retain their homes while other homes are removed due to their proximity to Burlington International Airport. Th e community will need to continue to work towards creative solutions to these challenges, allowing for new, similarly aff ordable housing to take the place of what is being lost, and giving households opportunities to stay in their neighborhoods through multiple stages of life. ✦Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure. Th e principal streets that bisect the Northwest Quadrant carry some of heaviest traffi c loads in the State. Th ese include Williston Road and Kennedy Drive, and to a lesser extent Airport Parkway, Spear Street, and Patchen Road. Of these, only Kennedy Drive con- tains full amenities for pedestrian and cyclists needs. Th e remainder can be diffi cult to cross at times and do not always contain sidewalks. Local roads serving these neighborhoods contain relatively low volumes of traffi c but are in some cases perceived as being unsafe because of a lack of sidewalks, road- way designs that encourage high-speed vehicular traffi c, a lack of additional alternatives, or all of the above. Th e neighborhoods within the Northwest Quadrant are undergoing an incre- mental transition in terms of amenities and safety. New sidewalks are being planned for areas serving schools. A handful of new streets are planned to provide both residents and visitors with alternatives for accessing commercial areas. Ongoing public education is needed to remind drivers of the need to be attentive and respectful within residential areas. ✦Neighborhood Connectivity. Th e historic development of each of the dis- tinct neighborhoods within the Northwest Quadrant have been just that: distinct and separate. Connections – in terms of streets, walking paths, recre- ation paths, etc. - are limited in both number and function. Th is has led, on a positive note, to a strong sense of community in these areas, but also to isola- tion from both other neighbors and from services and stores. While several of these neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly within their own confi nes, they face signifi cant obstacles in reaching nearby amenities. A policy of establishing street and recreation path connections in conjunction with new development has been followed for several years throughout the City. In this area, the handful of newer roads have been connected, but the overall problem remains in place. Th e plan’s future transportation map does include a series of future potential connections in the community, notably an east-west street parallel to Williston Road on its north side from Patchen Road towards Dorset Street, and a street connecting Eldridge Street to Old Farm Road. Th e map also illustrates additional recreation path connections in the northern part of the city, notably in the Airport Parkway area, connecting to the Country Club Estates neighborhood on the north side of the airport. ✦Public Amenities and Open Space. Th e presence of neighborhood parks and open space is spotty throughout the Northwest Quadrant. Only one DRAFT 3-14 city of south burlington comprehensive plan formal developed park, Jaycee, exists, though three additional school sites are either within or adjacent to the Quadrant. Th e lack of public parks is espe- cially apparent amongst multi-family neighborhoods, where private facilities were constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, serving their immediate needs but off ering no opportunities for wider use or interaction. Larger tracts of open space exist in certain instances, notably along the Potash Brook. Other areas, such as the headwaters of the Centennial Brook, have not been conserved in the same manner. Future development – especially of new neighborhoods – should incorporate public amenities such as parks Transition Areas. Northwest Quadrant transition areas include: ✦Burlington International Airport. Among the most challenging issues fac- ing the Northwest Quadrant – and the City as a whole – is the interface between the Burlington International Airport and the adjacent Chamberlin neighborhood. Th is issue is discussed in great detail in the transportation chapter of the Plan, but it a topics that crosses multiple subject areas. Over the course of several years – from the late 1990s projected through towards 2020, the Airport is carrying out a plan to purchase noise-impacted homes from homeowners who approach them with a request to sell. Th ese homes, approximately 180 in total, are located within a noise contour line of 65 deci- bels (average day-night). Th ese homes, once sold to the Airport, are required to be removed or relocated. Th e result is a loss of a portion of one of the city’s historic neighborhoods, the loss of housing stock within the city, and a chal- lenge of determining how best to make use of the land in the future. Th e Airport has been developing an update to its master plan that includes a vision of the future use of its land. Several community meetings have been held in which the Airport and community have discussed a combination of green space to buff er the neighborhood from the Airport, and additional space for future Airport facilities and access. Th e issue of how to best use this land in the future, and whether street connections should be preserved or cur- tailed in the future remains an ongoing discussion amongst all those involved. Th e repercussions of the growth in use at the airport extent beyond the im- mediate properties, however. Several city streets – Airport Parkway, White Street, Patchen Road, and Kirby Road among them – serve to both provide access to the Airport and to connect adjacent municipalities with Williston Road. Th e result is increased traffi c on these traditionally residential streets. As the city considers how to meet transportation and land use needs of the airport and city, care should be given to minimizing through-traffi c on purely residential roads. ✦Campus Interface. Th e Northwest Quadrant includes the University of Ver- mont in two areas – along Spear Street and along Patchen Road. In both cases, residential neighborhoods abut University lands. DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-15 Th e Spear Street, East Terrace, and Quarry Hill neighborhoods in particu- lar are tied to the University, in that they are physically close to its athletic facilities and student housing, and include a fair amount of homes used by students and faculty within the neighborhood itself. In 2010, a building on Quarry Hill Road was leased by Champlain College for freshman housing on a temporary basis while new facilities are built adjacent to the campus. Th e interface in this area is direct and should be assessed to foster ongoing mutual benefi t. South of these neighborhoods the University owns land on the east side of Spear street that has been used for agricultural research. Th e city and University should work together to develop long range plans for this area. Along Patchen Road, the University has held discussions with both Burling- ton and South Burlington regarding potential faculty housing being con- structed in the area. Accessibility is among the most signifi cant challenges in this area in both communities. Th e presence of the University and College in these areas presents both op- portunities and challenges for the community. It is important that the neigh- borhoods adjacent to the properties continue to thrive and to meet the needs of both full-time residents and students. NORTHEAST QUADRANT Areas Included. Th e Northeast Quadrant includes a substantial portion of the city, stretching from the Ethan Allen Industrial Park east of Lime Kiln Road to I-89. It includes the Burlington International Airport, the eastern portion of Williston Road, Technology Park, Tilley Drive, and bears a close relationship to land uses on the south side of I-89 along Meadowland Drive and Hinesburg Road. Current Land Use. Present use of land in the Northeast Quadrant is predominately employment-based, with an emphasis on light industry north of the Airport, business- supply retail along Williston Road, offi ces along Kimball Avenue and Community Drive, medical facilities along Tilley Drive, and a range of uses along Meadowland Drive and Hinesburg Road. Southern sections of this Quadrant include a mix of open land and businesses. In the center of the Quadrant is the Burlington International Airport, which includes commercial and private aviation facilities, Federal Military facilities, and airport-related businesses. With the exception of the Airport, which serves as a transportation hub, much of the remainder of the quadrant is automobile dependent. Recent upgrades in bus service from the Chittenden County Transit Authority have enhanced alternatives along Wil- liston Road and provided limited service to Community Drive, but in general the land use pattern and transportation infrastructure relies on the vehicular transportation. Recreation paths have supplemented this network in the Community Drive and Tilley Drive areas.DRAFT 3-16 city of south burlington comprehensive plan As noted above, the southern portion of the Quadrant includes a handful of relatively large properties that remain as open land but which are zoned as Industrial-Open Space and Mixed Industrial and Commercial in the vicinity of Hinesburg Road and Kimball Ave, respectively. Th e Industrial-Open Space zoning district was designed to provide land for high-quality, large-lot industries and offi ces whose buildings and operations are consistent with a location in an environmentally healthy and visually sensitive area adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Th e Lane Press, Dynapower, Ve- rizon, CBA and several other businesses all operate within the IO district. Th e Quadrant also includes a handful of residential areas, notably the Country Club Estates neighborhood north of the airport, two small neighborhoods along Shunpike Road and Millham Court, and the historically rural stretch of homes along Old Farm Road. Agricultural and open space activities also continue to play a role in the Quadrant, notably at the northern end of the city, along the Winooski River fl oodplain, along the Muddy Brook, and on both sides of Old Farm Road. Future Land Use. Th e pattern of land use and development in the Northeast Quad- rant has focused on businesses which require larger properties, can be compatible with the operations of an airport, and/or which may not be easily compatible with residential areas. Future use of land in developed areas should continue to focus on employers and development that is compatible with operations of the nearby airport. It should also continue to emphasize uses that are less compatible with the core of the city. In addition, future re-development should make use of improved transit services where available. Areas within the 100- and 500-year fl oodplain should continue to be kept free from development. Agricultural and recreational activities in these areas should be encour- aged. Residential areas within the Quadrant – such as Country Club Estates, Shunpike Road, and Millham Court, should be reinforced and supported. Th e area immediately adjacent to I-89 is presently partially developed and partially undeveloped. Th is area should continue to balance the conservation of natural re- sources and open space – including the Muddy Brook and tributaries to the Potash Brook and – with employment opportunities. An important consideration for the future land use within this area is the potential for a new Interstate interchange in the vicinity of Hinesburg Road. With an interchange, properties would gain substantially improved access; with no interchange, the overall capacity of the area would be limited. Th e city should consider the appropriate land development regulations in this area in consideration of its decisions related to any future interstate interchanges. More generally, transportation infrastructure is an important element to the future use of land in this area. Present infrastructure consists primarily of Hinesburg Road, DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-17 Kimball Avenue, Airport Parkway, and Williston Road. Map **** includes a series of projected improvements related to transportation in the area, designed to improve connectivity and safety and to meet future anticipated traffi c needs. Key Planning Issues. Key planning issues in the Northeast Quadrant include: ✦Warehousing. Recently, there have been signifi cant concerns about the suit- ability of this quadrant for warehousing, particularly in areas adjacent to existing residential neighborhoods. While this area is close to the Airport and the planned highway interchange at Route 116 and I-89, the noise and visual impacts associated with truck traffi c are potentially very disruptive to residential neighborhoods. Th is issue has been discussed during the SEQ Concept Plan; among the ideas evaluated were the creation of a warehousing sub-district adjacent to the Interstate. In any case, there was strong consensus that the zoning regulations for the IO district regarding warehousing should be re-evaluated. Th e area off Williston Road has experienced signifi cant growth over the last 20 years in corporate headquarters, general offi ce and industrial use. A sleeve under I-89 has allowed the extension of public sewer facilities to industrial lots south of the interstate including Verizon, Lane Press and Dynapower. Areas adjacent to the 535 acre Burlington International Airport in the north- east section of the city contain airport-related and other industrial uses and may continue to be developed for those purposes. Several industrial parks contained in this area include the Muddy Brook Industrial Park, Gregory and Daughters Park, Greentree Park, Technology Park and the Ethan Allen Farm Industrial Park. ✦Transportation Network and Traffi c. Th e transportation network serving the Northeast Quadrant is somewhat underdeveloped. Access to the area is available chiefl y along Williston Road from Burlington and Williston, along Kennedy Drive, and for the northern portion of the Quadrant, along Lime Kiln Road. Th e result has been limited truck access to the area. In addition, internal connections are limited. Th e Airport master plan, revised in 2011, projects a doubling of passengers in the next twenty years. Th is will place additional pressure on the existing road network, much of which is abutted by single and two family homes. Map *** identifi es potential improvements which can relieve some of this pressure. A more detailed planning eff ort will need to be completed in order to develop a comprehensive solution to the transportation and other impacts of the Airport on adjacent areas. ✦Balance of Industry and Open Space. Current zoning at the south end of this Quadrant seeks to meet both open space and industrial objectives. Th e area is home to both the Muddy Brook and one of the principal tributaries to the Potash Brook, and has high visibility from I-89 and Old Farm Road. It is also highly visible from the Interstate.DRAFT 3-18 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Th e regulations in force for this area should be evaluated in more detail to assess how best to meet the overall objectives of this Plan. ✦Support Services to Existing Business. Following the establishment of sev- eral employment centers within this Quadrant – particularly at its southern extremities – there has been increased demand for support services such as restaurants and child care facilities in the area. Th e Planning Commission should evaluate how best to allow for support services to area employment centers while retaining the focus of retail and restaurant services in the Central District and Southwest Quadrant. ✦Types of Development / Balance with Central District. Th e intent of the Northeast Quadrant is to provide opportunities for employers in need of larger amounts of space and which are compatible with the operation of the airport. It is important, however, for this quadrant not to compete with the Central District and City Center. Transition Areas. Northeast Quadrant transition areas include: ✦Southeast Quadrant. Th e interface of the Southeast and Northeast Quad- rants forms an important bridge between areas of higher and lower intensity. Th ese areas converge south of I-89 and along Hinesburg Road. Th e city’s land development regulations should be evaluated to assess the transition between these areas. ✦Adjacent Residential Areas. Th e Northeast Quadrant comes into contact with residential neighborhoods in a handful of key places, notably to the west and northeast of the Burlington International Airport, and with the handful of residential pockets within the Quadrant itself. Suffi cient transitions tools – in the form of lower intensity uses, buff ering, or screening – should be provided to foster the continued compatibility of these areas. Th e same holds for undeveloped areas to the east of Old Farm Road. SOUTHWEST QUADRANT Areas Included. Th e Southwest Quadrant includes the entire Shelburne Road corri- dor as well as several neighborhoods on either side. It stretches from Lake Champlain on the west side, including Red Rocks Park and Queen City Park, Bartlett Bay, and Holmes Road neighborhoods, to Spear Street on the east side, including Swift Street, Allen Road, the Orchards, and Stonehedge, among others. Current Land Use. Th e Southwest Quadrant is a diverse area of the city which in- cludes several distinct – and, in some cases commingled – land uses. Th ey include several long standing single- and multi-family neighborhoods, natural areas front- ing Lake Champlain, light industrial areas, and commercial areas. Th e area is served primarily by Shelburne Road, but is also served by an active railway that parallels Shelburne Road.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-19 Th e lakeward side of this quadrant includes several small residential neighborhoods - the Bartlett Bay area, Holmes Road area, Queen City Park and the Landings. Each of these include properties with lakefront access. Immediately adjacent to the Queen City Park neighborhood is Red Rocks Park, a 100-acre city-owned park with 4,700 feet of lake frontage. Only 700 feet of beach give access to the waters of the lake, since most of the park is on an elevated rocky promontory. Th e remainder of the lakefront property consists of private residential properties, including a handful of large lots. Bartlett Brook and Potash Brook join Lake Champlain in this area. Th e Shelburne Road corridor consists predominantly of commercial uses, however, residential and industrial uses are mixed throughout the area. Th e roadway itself serves as the main-north-south arterial through the State. A railway runs parallel to the road and serves as an approximate divider between the lakeward portion of the Quadrant and the Shelburne Road section. In recent years, the north end of the corridor has seen signifi cant redevelopment, in the form of mixed use housing and offi ces in the Farrell Street area. Th is area, well served by transit, retail, employment, and emergency services, won a Smart Growth award and is undergoing the fi nal phases of redevelop- ment today. To the east of Shelburne Road are several residential, mixed-use, natural, and park areas. Th e Orchards neighborhood was the fi rst large-scale development to take place in the area, beginning in the 1950s. Subsequently, commercial enterprises blossomed along the length of Shelburne Road, with additional neighborhoods being added over time. South of the Orchards is the University of Vermont’s Horticultural Farm, a research facility and community focal point. North and east of the Orchards are two municipal parks, Szymanski and Farrell. Two community parks are located in this area: Farrell Park and Szymanski Park. Both provide amenities for local residents; Farrell Park additionally provides ballfi elds for wider use. Th ese parks are further enhanced by East Woods, a permanently conserved parcel with walking trails open to the public, owned by the University of Vermont. Towards the north end of the Quadrant, Swift Street is home to mix of homes and businesses and serves as the principal roadway connection to Spear Street. At the south end of the Quadrant, Allen Road serves as the other principal connector and serves a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Along Spear Street – the eastern boundary of the Quadrant – single family homes fronting the street itself are accompanied by several residential neighborhoods of single and multi-family homes accessed from Cedar Glen Road, Pheasant Way, and Deerfi eld Ave. Th e City-owned Overlook Park sites at the corner of Deerfi eld Ave and Spear Street. Th e Quadrant is generally well served by public transit, recreation paths, and services for residents, though areas along Spear Street are somewhat distanced in some cases and street connectivity is limited.DRAFT 3-20 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Future Land Use. Th e Shelburne Road corridor portion of the Quadrant is generally already developed with commercial and mixed use establishments, with the exception of some land reserved by private developers between the Lowe’s/ Hannafords’ area and Shelburne Road. Th erefore, growth will occur primarily as infi ll or conversion development. Th e city encourages mixed-use development in and along the corri- dor (e.g. mixed residential/commercial or mixed retail/offi ce/restaurant) to encourage pedestrian movement, use of public transportation services, and shared parking op- portunities. Retail uses in the corridor are intended to meet both local and regional shopping and employment needs. While the entire corridor is planned for some mixing of uses, there are several sub- sections within it. Th e north end of the corridor in South Burlington has seen the most signifi cant redevelopment to date and now includes several newer multi-family buildings amongst commercial areas. Future redevelopment in this area should be consistent with the pattern established by this development and by the single and two- family home neighborhood behind parts of it. South of I-189, the east side of the road includes the well-established Orchard neigh- borhood as well as a series of relatively small commercial lots fronting on Shelburne Road. Continued reuse and redevelopment of these commercial areas should enhance pedestrian connectivity to residential areas while at the same time protecting them from encroachment. Th e west side of the road includes signifi cantly larger lots and some existing multi-family housing. Mixed use development and redevelopment is encouraged in this area. South of IDX Drive, the Shelburne Road corridor become predominately commercial on both sides of Shelburne Road, with collector streets leading to residential neighbor- hoods. Th ese area should be encouraged for infi ll development and redevelopment, with a continued focus on business opportunities. In the lakefront portion of the Quadrant, residential and open spaces uses should continue to predominate, with opportunities for public access to the Lake. A recre- ation path should be established along the length of Lake Champlain in this area, and the addition of a second public park should be considered to complement Red Rocks Park. East of the Shelburne Road corridor, future land use should remain principally resi- dential, with the exception of the western ends of Swift Street and Allen Road. Future development should be encouraged to establish a consistent scale and transition from commercial to residential areas. Additionally, care must be taken to maintain and improve stormwater runoff in these areas, particularly in areas of steeper slopes. Key Planning Issues. Key planning issues in the Southwest Quadrant include: ✦Balance of Local and Regional Traffi c. Shelburne Road (also known as US Route 7) is the primary north-south travel route along Vermont’s western corridor. As such, its traffi c and use will remain both regional and local. Th ese DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-21 two purposes can be in confl ict with one another, especially as it relates to pedestrian crossings and signal timing for cross-streets. Th e city supports the continued implementation of pedestrian crossings at intersections and has promoted the development of a parallel route, Fayette Drive, to serve local needs for access in support of Shelburne Road. ✦Conservation and Lakefront Access. Several large properties remains along the border of Lake Champlain. In consideration of the future potential of these properties, the city should explore opportunities for public access to the Lake and/or conservation of identifi ed and connected natural resources in the area. ✦Railway. Th e presence of the rail line in this district provides a signifi cant long-term opportunity for the city. At present, the rail line has limited com- mercial use, and carries no passengers. Opportunities for passenger use, however, are under exploration at the state and Federal levels, including the connections of Burlington to Middlebury, Rutland, Bennington and Albany. Future land use in this area should take care to both continue to reserve space for direct rail access by some commercial properties, and to ensure that adja- cent development is designed in such as way as to minimize the visual, noise, and other eff ects of a nearby railway line. Transition Areas. Southwest Quadrant transition areas include: ✦Safe and Inviting Access to Shelburne Road from Adjacent Neighbor- hoods. Despite it proximity to residential neighborhoods to the east and west, some development along Shelburne Road is not designed to encourage pedestrian access from these areas. Future development and re-development along Shelburne Road should accommodate both local and regional users. SOUTHEAST QUADRANT Th e development and ultimate land use pattern in the Southeast Quadrant of South Burlington is of critical importance to South Burlington’s future. Creating a balance between housing, complimentary land uses, and conservation, especially conservation of key natural communities and habitat features, will happen through continuous planning, public involvement, and the thoughtful use of the city’s land acquisition funds and regulatory tools. From 2001 through 2005, the Planning Commission embarked on a series of studies and plans that underpin this section of the plan. Th e fi ndings and goals of the Open Space Strategy (2002), Ecological Assessment (2004), Bird Habitat Study (2004), and SEQ Concept Plan (2005), are embodied in the goals and objectives of this plan. Implementing these goals and objectives will ensure that the SEQ becomes a vibrant, ecologically healthy district over the long term. Th ese studies and plans are incorpo- rated into this plan by reference.DRAFT 3-22 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Land Use Setting. Th e Southeast Quadrant (SEQ) comprises 3,900 acres or 37% of South Burlington’s land area, and is the focus of much of the city’s future land use planning and land conservation eff ort. For purposes of this chapter, the SEQ is bounded by Spear Street to the west, Interstate 89 to the north, the Muddy Brook to the east, and the Shelburne town line to the south. It includes all of the South- east Quadrant zoning district, and portions of the Industrial-Open Space, Parks and Recreation, and Residential-2 zoning districts. Much of the SEQ still has a rural- agricultural atmosphere and there are magnifi cent views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Th e SEQ, which has developed and changed substantially since the early 1990s, has a remarkable variety of land uses. It remains South Burlington’s least developed and most open land use district. It is home to several signifi cant natural areas, such as the Great Swamp and Cheese Factory Swamp, which include areas with largely intact natural communities; a patchwork of hay fi elds, pastures and early successional “old fi elds” refl ecting the area’s agricultural heritage; and several of the city’s largest stands of hardwoods. It is also home to the Vermont National Country Club and roughly 900 homes, with another 600 homes in various stages of permitting. Dorset Park, located at the district’s far northwest end, is now home to two ice rinks and the city’s largest concentration of recreation fi elds. Dorset Park has become an important community gathering place for the entire city, with its constant fl ow of activity and hub of recreation path connections. Commercial uses in the residential portions of the Southeast Quadrant have declined in recent years, particularly with the closing of the area’s last dairy farm in 2004. Th e Chittenden Cider Mill, however, continues its retail operations and is a well-known landmark and neighborhood store. Larger-scale commercial and light industrial uses in the far northwest of the district, within the Industrial-Open Space district, include Verizon, CBA, Dynapower, the Lane Press, and more recent offi ce construction. Th e Ireland Quarry continues operations along the interstate near the Muddy Brook. Natural Resources Setting. Th e SEQ’s natural resources are among the city’s fi nest environmental assets. Marked by a pair of distinct north-south ridges between Spear and Dorset Streets, and between Dorset Street and Hinesburg Road, the SEQ also contains the headwaters of Shelburne Pond, Monroe Brook, Bartlett Brook and Pot- ash Brook, and a large swath of the Muddy Brook basin. Th ese resources, particularly the natural communities, were documented in the 2004 report “Wildlife and Natural Communities Assessment of the Southeast Quadrant, South Burlington, Vermont” by Arrowwood Environmental (the “SEQ Assessment”). Th e six focus areas defi ned in the SEQ Assessment are summarized below, along with descriptions of other important natural resource characteristics of the SEQ: ✦Soils. Th e SEQ’s soils are characterized by a shallow depth to groundwater and moderate permeability, with many rock outcrops found throughout the area. Th e soil types are chiefl y Vergennes and Covington clays with gentle slopes, which are classifi ed as having moderately high agricultural potential.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-23 ✦Ridges and Watersheds. Two north-south ridges defi ne the watersheds in the SEQ. Th e fi rst begins at Dorset Park, south of the interstate between Dorset Street and Hinesburg Road, and heads south to the city line. Water falling to the west of this ridge goes into Lake Champlain via Bartlett Brook and North Brook. Th e second ridge roughly parallels Hinesburg Road, and continues south to the city line. Water falling east of this ridge feeds into Muddy Brook and fl ows north to the Winooski River. ✦Natural Communities and Habitat Areas. Within the SEQ, the SEQ As- sessment determined that there are six distinct groupings of natural features that form unique habitat areas, each with diff erent resource, aesthetic, and habitat values. Th ese sub-areas, and their key values, are summarized below: ✦Muddy Brook Corridor. Th e Muddy Brook corridor at the northeastern end of the SEQ includes the brook, its surrounding wetlands, and adjacent upland forest and early successional agricultural fi elds. Th e area has a high vegetative diversity, which along with the brook helps support habitat for a variety of wildlife including mink, muskrat, herons and fi sh. Noted natural community areas associated with the corridor include the Dubois Swamp, a fl ooded red maple-black ash swamp, and the Van Sicklen Woods, a 12-acre clay plain forest. 1. Muddy Brook Basin. Th e Muddy Brook Basin in the southeastern cor- ner of the SEQ includes the brook, its associated wetlands, the adjacent farm fi elds and pastures, and nearby small woodlots. Field visits during the SEQ Assessment found evidence that this area is used by gray and red fox, mink, river otter, muskrat, and coyote, as well as by many hydro- philic birds. Ecologically, this area extends well beyond South Burlington into the adjacent areas of Williston, Shelburne and St. George. 2. Th e Great Swamp. Th e Great Swamp area is centered on a hardwood swamp on the ridge east of Spear Street. It includes upland forests, shrubby successional fi elds, and wetlands. Th e large Red Maple-Black Ash swamp, which is notable among other features for the lack of inva- sive species present within it, appears to be the “Higbee Swamp” that is referred to in a variety of historical scientifi c collections at the University of Vermont. Five rare plant species were found in this swamp near the turn of the last century. While these species are not likely to have per- sisted, the Great Swamp is perhaps the most intact and important natural community area within South Burlington. 3. Spear Street Frontage. Th e area east of Spear Street and west of the Great Swamp is a mix of small wooded areas, old agricultural fi elds, and shrubby and emergent wetlands. Th is area’s key signifi cance is that it acts as an ecological buff er between the Great Swamp and the more developed areas to the west. 4. Th e Bowl. Th is area, in the south-central portion of the SEQ, contains some of the most substantial concentrations of wetland and wildlife re- sources in the SEQ and has been the focus of the city’s land conservation eff orts since 2002. Th e large wetland complex called the “Cheese Factory DRAFT 3-24 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Swamp” straddling Cheese Factory Road, and the mixed hardwood com- munities just north and west of the swamp, are key parts of this area. Field inventories during the SEQ Assessment found signs that the area is home to bobcat, gray and red fox, coyote, wild turkey, and numerous other animal and bird species. 5. Wheeler Nature Park and Associated Lands. Th e city-owned Wheeler Nature Park property just north of the SEQ zoning boundary was found during the SEQ Assessment to be an important haven for wildlife. It is comprised of a series of open spaces and small woodlots on the golf course, and other nearby properties, along with some old fi eld areas and wetlands. Th e diverse combination and proximity of diff erent wetlands, streams, hardwood forest, and old fi eld areas makes this an important “cluster” of features that act as wildlife habitat. ✦Views. Th e SEQ aff ords some of the city’s most scenic views of the Adiron- dacks, Camel’s Hump and the ridges and valleys stretching south to Shel- burne Pond. Th e city has protected what are deemed to be the most im- portant public views from existing and proposed public properties through the View Protection Overlay Zone (VPZ). Other signifi cant views have been evaluated through the SEQ Concept Plan. Areas that should be protected through height and site plan standards in the city’s land use regulations and design guidelines have been identifi ed. ✦Historic and Cultural Resources. Th e SEQ contains many remnants of the city’s agricultural heritage, including old barns, stone walls, hedgerows, and some of the city’s very few structures eligible for listing on the National Reg- ister of Historic Places. Th e Old Stone House at the corner of Hinesburg and Van Sicklen Roads was renovated recently, greatly enhancing the visual quality of Van Sicklen Road. Conservation and adaptive re-use of these struc- tures is important and should be encouraged where possible; staff assistance in seeking grant funding can be an important way of accomplishing this goal. Allowing an expanded use of the Chittenden Cider Mill is intended, in part, to ensure longer-term preservation of the building as a historic and cultural resource. Residential Land Uses in the SEQ. Th e past 10 years have seen a great deal of hous- ing development in the SEQ and adjacent areas, ranging from large single-family houses to more densely-developed triplex units. Th e past fi ve years have seen a marked trend towards duplex and smaller single-family units in the SEQ, where previously larger single-family homes made up most of the new housing supply. Developments proposed during the SEQ planning process were showing a change back towards more single-family units. Th e lack of new single-family housing in Chit- tenden County was leading developers to propose more single-family housing and more new types of single-family, such as smaller “cottage” homes. Residential Development Patterns and Densities. With the exception of a few very small subdivisions, new housing built in the SEQ since 1992 has been built under DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-25 the zoning provisions that allow for an overall density of 1.2 housing units per acre, with the units built in a clustered manner at 4 housing units per acre. Th is clustering option has created a pronounced change in site development patterns, away from the standard, larger-lot developments like Butler Farms, Oak Creek or Ledge Knoll to a more compact pattern exemplifi ed in Stonehouse Village. With the completion of the SEQ planning process, there has been a strong interest in building neighborhoods at higher densities in order to conserve more of the SEQ’s priority open space lands. Th e city’s land use regulations do provide for the transfer of development rights between non-contiguous parcels. Th e SEQ Concept Plan was charged with evaluating whether and how to adjust the “sending” and “receiving” densities within the regulations to provide more incentive for this type of transfer to happen. Aff ordable Housing in the SEQ. South Burlington’s Comprehensive Plan recognizes that while the city has been a leader in the provision of aff ordable housing, very little has been built in the SEQ relative to other areas of the city. Th e very high cost of land in the SEQ, and the lack of access to public transit, and distance from available services, have limited the introduction of aff ordable housing into the SEQ. Nonethe- less, aff ordable ownership units were included in Dorset Farms, and are included in the proposed South Village project as well. Th e SEQ Concept Plan has evaluated how increased “buildable” densities might increase the opportunity for aff ordable housing as well. Non-Residential Land Uses in the SEQ. While predominantly residential, the SEQ district also includes many non-residential land uses. Th ese are found chiefl y in the Industrial-Open Space (IO) Zoning District at the northeastern edge of the SEQ, but are also found at the Chittenden Cider Mill on Dorset Street, but throughout the dis- trict is a scattering of churches, schools, recreation areas, and home-based businesses. Industrial Open Space District. Th e Industrial-Open Space zoning district was intended originally to provide land for high-quality, large-lot industries and offi ces whose buildings and operations are consistent with a location in an environmentally healthy and visually sensitive area adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Recently, there have been signifi cant concerns about the suitability of this district for uses such as warehousing that generate signifi cant truck traffi c. Institutional Land Uses. Institutional uses in the SEQ are varied and provide im- portant visual focal points within this district. Th ese uses include four churches, all located at the north end of the SEQ near the interstate. A private elementary school, Th e Schoolhouse, is located on one of the out-parcels near the Dorset Farms subdivi- sion, and the plans pending for South Village include a site for a private school along Spear Street. Th e city’s land uses in the district center on recreation and open space. Dorset Park is the city’s main active recreation center and is located adjacent to the 100-acre Wheeler Nature Park. A network of unpaved walking paths has been developed through the DRAFT 3-26 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Recreation Path Committee. Most recently, the city added the 40-acre Scott property in the center of the SEQ to its recreation lands. Th e Vermont National Country Club. One of the most prominent features of the SEQ is the Vermont National Country Club, which began construction in 1996 and continues developing today. Th is 450-acre complex straddles Dorset Street and extends from Swift Street south to Nowland Farm Road. It includes 264 residential units, an 18-hole golf course that draws players from throughout Vermont, and a clubhouse complex overlooking the swath of wetlands and golf course stretching southwest from the ridge near Dorset Park. Development of this large and very visible section of the SEQ as a golf course has helped to keep wetland areas and some very attractive views open, but has also raised concerns and legal confl icts relating to the location of some associated residential areas. Retail and Services in the SEQ. Th e sole remaining retail and service use in the SEQ is the Chittenden Cider Mill, which includes retail and a small-scale auto repair facility. It functions today as a local landmark and gathering spot for the SEQ. In light of the growth that has taken place and been proposed in the SEQ, the Planning Commission has carefully considered the need for retail services fi rst articulated in the 2001 Comprehensive Plan. From both public input and the analysis performed in the SEQ Concept Plan, it is clear that there has been suffi cient population growth to war- rant creation of a small retail and service sub-district in the SEQ. Such a district must be limited in size and type, respect and contribute to the quality of the surrounding neighborhoods, and utilize design features that contribute to the traditional, Vermont vernacular that characterizes the visual quality of the SEQ. Agricultural Lands and Land Uses. Agricultural operations, from hay fi elds to dairy farming, have shaped the SEQ’s landscape over the past two centuries and contrib- uted greatly to its natural beauty. It has become clear that the economic prospects for traditional, larger-scale farming, especially dairy farming, have faded in the SEQ. Th e last two herds of dairy cows in the SEQ were sold in 2003 and 2004, leaving only hay fi elds and other limited operations in business. Th e planning discussion has shifted to new and emerging forms of agriculture that can thrive even in a suburbanizing environment. A number of agricultural uses are continuing, however, in the SEQ and in adjacent areas of Shelburne. Th e Scott property conservation easement allows for continued haying and agricultural use. More recently, a proposal was submitted by the Intervale Foundation and Retrovest Companies to establish an organic farm as part of the new South Village subdivision off of Spear Street. Th is type of farming use, as well as the community gardens found on Spear Street on the University of Vermont Wheelock Farm, can be an important part of the SEQ’s visual character, quality of life and envi- ronmental health into the future. Recreation Facilities in the Southeast Quadrant. It is clear that the population and housing growth in the SEQ will increase the need for recreation and open space DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-27 opportunities, and the need for the city and developers to provide for these needs as development occurs. DEVELOPED RECREATION AREAS. Dorset Park, with 220 acres of land, playing fi elds, playground equipment, and two hockey rinks, is one of South Burlington’s “crown jewels” and a major community gathering place. It functions as a city-wide facility, but also as a neighborhood park for SEQ residents and, along with the Wheeler Nature Park, the “green lungs” of the City Center. Dorset Park acts as the southern anchor of the city’s core area fl anking Dorset Street from Williston Road at the north to Swift Street at the south. It also has an important role as a transitional area between the City Center just to the north, and the more open lands of the Vermont National Country Club and SEQ to the south. Th e very heavy scheduled use of Dorset Park’s playing fi elds indicates that the park’s capacity for providing active recreation space has been reached. Th us it is recognized in this plan, and detailed in the Recreation chapter, that the anticipated housing growth in the SEQ (including projects built since 2001 and those undergoing review) will necessitate acquisition of additional lands for active and passive recreation, as well as continued expansion of the recreation path system, to ensure that there are suffi cient recreation areas within walking or biking distance of all SEQ neighborhoods. A near- term focus should be on providing new opportunities for active recreation, including soccer/playing fi elds and playground equipment. RECREATION PATHS. Th e SEQ is increasingly well-served by recreation paths, and all new developments have incorporated extensive public recreation paths in their de- signs. In the summer of 2004, a section of the path was built on the east side of Dorset Street stretching north from Midland Avenue. Th is will eventually connect to the new Chittenden Cider Mill development, forming a link all the way from the City Center to Midland Avenue. Construction of the South Village project eventually will provide a loop from Dorset to Spear Street. Th e Recreation Path Committee has identifi ed fi ve priority improvements within or directly related to the SEQ district as its priorities for the area: (1) completing the path from Dorset Farms to Nowland Farm Road; (2) completing the connector from Midland Avenue to Allen Road and Spear Street through the South Village project; (3) extension of the path from Spear Street and Allen Road to Shelburne Road; (4) completing a path on the west side of Dorset Street from Swift Street north to the United Methodist Church; and (5) constructing a path along Van Sicklen Road from the Muddy Brook to the existing path terminus on Old Cross Road. NATURAL AREAS. Th e 100-acre Wheeler Nature Park adjacent to Dorset Park is the city’s largest natural area. Th is property includes areas of hardwood forest, ledge, and wetlands, and has been documented as one of the most important areas of wildlife habitat in the city. Th e city intends to maintain this as a natural area, with unpaved walking trails the only type of improvement to be constructed within the property.DRAFT 3-28 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Th e recent conservation of the Scott property provided a much-needed addition to the city’s inventory of natural lands. It will be available for low-impact, non-motorized recreation activities such as hiking, biking and skiing. Th e Open Space Strategy fo- cused on this area, “Th e Bowl,” as a critical area of the SEQ for further natural area conservation. Ideally, a conserved network of natural areas and farmland with public walking paths will be created extending south to Shelburne Pond. Southeast Quadrant Infrastructure PUBLIC WATER AND WASTEWATER. Th e availability of municipal wastewater and water has been a signifi cant factor enabling housing development in the SEQ. Facilities planning for both systems has incorporated and considered both the demand for new housing and the city’s conservation goals in determining how much capacity is re- quired to serve the long-term needs in this district, as well as in helping to determine where extensions of service lines are and are not appropriate. Th e water system serving the SEQ underwent a major upgrade in 2004-2005, fol- lowing a successful bond vote in May, 2004. Th e water main on Dorset Street was upgraded and “looped” through the city right-of-way along Old Cross Road to im- prove storage, pressure, and fi re fi ghting capacity. In a remarkable engineering and construction project, the Dorset Street water storage tank was raised by 35 feet to provide greater water pressure and fi re protection capacity for the SEQ. Finally, a “twin” water tank was built by the existing Allen Road tank, providing improved stor- age, fi re protection and pressure to the service area along Spear Street. Th is complex project received the 2004 Grand Award for Engineering Excellence from the Vermont Chapter of the American Council of Consulting Engineers, recognizing the creative work of the South Burlington Water Department and Forcier Aldrich & Associates, the project’s engineers. Th e one remaining water infrastructure item for the SEQ is to secure a water tank site on the high point of the AuClair farm to serve the city’s 20- to 25-year pressure and storage needs. Th is should be added to the Offi cial Map, and incorporated into any development plans for the AuClair farm. Municipal wastewater service for the SEQ is provided both at the Airport Parkway and Bartlett Bay wastewater treatment facilities. While a very small number of properties continue to use on-site wastewater systems, the location and availability of municipal sewer infrastructure has a major role in determining the amount and location of new neighborhoods within the SEQ. Municipal wastewater service for the SEQ is provided both at the Bartlett Bay and Airport Parkway wastewater treatment plants. Facilities plans for both treatment plants have included projected future growth in the SEQ based on the current zoning density of 1.2 units per acre. During the facilities planning process for the upcom- ing expansion of capacity at the Airport Parkway Wastewater Treatment Facility, the city and ANR carefully reviewed zoning, conservation, and development plans for the SEQ to ensure that increased sewer capacity at Airport Parkway would be con- sistent with State growth policies. Th e State’s determination that the SEQ plans are DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-29 consistent with State wastewater and growth policies was made in February, 2005, and allowed plans for the plant upgrade to proceed. As a result, wastewater treatment plant capacity will not be a limitation on growth in South Burlington as a whole or the SEQ in particular. However, the city has recognized that there are certain planned conservation areas where the installation of sewer lines is not an appropriate investment. Sewer lines are not recommended for extension in or through any of the Primary Natural Communi- ties identifi ed in the Arrowwood Assessment, in “Th e Bowl” area identifi ed for future conservation. Th e limited number of housing units and low densities planned for this area can be served by on-site septic systems if development occurs. Th e Public Utilities Map (Map #5: Public Utilities #2) shows the areas where sewer lines are not planned to be extended within the SEQ. Th e Public Utilities Map does show specifi c pump stations and force mains that should be upgraded in order to provide better service to existing and planned development areas in the SEQ. Th ese improvements and upgrades, which have been incorporated into the facilities plan for upgrading the Airport Parkway Wastewater Treatment Facil- ity, are consistent with the planning principles and goals for the SEQ and should be completed. PUBLIC SAFETY. As development increases in the SEQ, and as decisions are made re- garding the new public safety facility, the city must monitor the need for substations in the SEQ. Any new public building in the SEQ should include space for public meetings, as this has been sorely lacking in the SEQ. Transportation Network. Th e provision of an integrated network of roadways, rec- reation paths, sidewalks and walking trails that balances the needs of SEQ residents, the city as a whole, and the city’s natural environment is an ongoing challenge that requires thoughtful discussion, planning, and technical assistance. While automobile transportation will be the chief mode of moving through and around the SEQ for the foreseeable future, the city must recognize and plan for all modes of travel in a balanced way. Th e main north-south routes through the SEQ have very diff erent functions. Spear Street acts as a quasi-rural corridor carrying substantial amounts of commuter traffi c northbound into Burlington each morning. Th is has created diffi culties for the local traffi c, particularly the houses with driveways on Spear Street, between Allen Road and Swift Street. Th e corridor’s open character is protected in some stretches by the University of Vermont’s farm and natural area lands that fl ank the road in parts of South Burlington, particularly north of Swift Street through to Williston Road. Th e recent Spear Street Corridor Study, completed in 2004, provided the city with a detailed series of recommended improvements intended to maintain Spear Street as a hybrid local and collector road that is able to carry the through traffi c demand without creating a need for additional lanes. Citizens expressed a strong desire to keep Spear Street as a two-lane profi le throughout South Burlington, while making DRAFT 3-30 city of south burlington comprehensive plan improvements to the Spear and Swift intersection and providing better recreation path connections throughout. A new design for the chronic problem spot in this corridor, the intersection of Spear Street and Swift Street, was developed as part of the Corridor Study. Some parts of this design were implemented by the Public Works Department in late 2004, and the remaining improvements are planned for 2006. Other problem spots addressed in 2004 were the pedestrian crossing near Overlook Park, which received new signs and striping, and the intersection of Allen Road and Spear Street. Th is intersection became very congested with the start of the Shelburne Road reconstruction, leading the Department of Public Works to recommend a three- way stop sign plan that was installed in November, 2004. Th is has improved traffi c safety and fl ow and is working as a short-term measure. Future development aff ecting Allen Road will likely require signalization of this busy intersection. Dorset Street functions more as a local collector roadway and carries far less commuter or through traffi c in the SEQ than do Spear Street and Hinesburg Road. Dorset Street is likely to be aff ected by increased volumes of local traffi c as more development oc- curs, especially in the SEQ. Th e very visible presence of important local landmarks such as Dorset Park, the water tank, the Vermont National Country Club golf course and club house, and the Chittenden Cider Mill right on Dorset Street make Dorset Street very much the “main street” of South Burlington, both in the SEQ and farther north in the City Center. Th ese visual features make it appropriate to bring new housing and other uses closer to Dorset Street, especially in the area south of Old Cross Road as identifi ed in the SEQ Concept Plan, and to ensure that its profi le enhances its use as a local “main street.” Th is will require careful design review to ensure that new development con- tributes to the attractive visual quality that has been developing along Dorset Street. Hinesburg Road (Vermont Route 116) is an important regional transportation cor- ridor that carries an increasing amount of through traffi c, including trucks, from Ad- dison and southern Chittenden County north to Williston, South Burlington and Burlington. Th e State has begun the formal scoping process, with the full support of Williston and South Burlington, for a full interchange at Hinesburg Road and Interstate 89. Th is is expected to reduce the use of Van Sicklen Road as a cut-over to Exit 12 in Williston, provide more direct airport access, and service the truck demand from the industrial parks north and south of the Interstate in both communities. And, while essential to the regional economy, the interchange will lead to increased through traffi c on Route 116. Th erefore, careful provisions for recreation path and pedestrian crossings and strict limits on new curb cuts through this corridor are essential. East-West and Neighborhood Connector Roads: One of the most diffi cult issues for South Burlington has been the provision of east-west connector roads between Spear DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-31 Street, Dorset Street, and Hinesburg Road, and provision of connections between adjacent subdivisions. Despite the fact that a network of east-west roads has been shown on the city’s Offi cial Map and included in the Comprehensive Plan for over 40 years, at the present time, the only full connection between the north-south roads in the SEQ is Cheese Factory Road. Nowland Farm Road terminates at Dorset Heights; Swift Street terminates at the Village at Dorset Park; and Midland Avenue terminates within Dorset Farms. Th e lack of east-west roadways means, eff ectively, that the SEQ presently has over 1,000 housing units and regional traffi c moving through a farming community’s roadway network. Th e lack of east-west connections increases travel times and miles traveled between, for example, Butler Farms and Dorset Park, or Dorset Farms and Shelburne Road. When east-west and neighborhood connector roads are lacking, school bus routes and emergency service responses also are lengthened, and there is less physical connectivity between neighborhoods, creating an isolating development, transportation, infrastructure and social network in the SEQ. Th e fl ip side of this discussion relates to the potential environmental impacts of new roadways on wetlands and other environmental resources, and the desire of many resi- dents to have as little “through traffi c” as possible able to drive through their neighbor- hoods. Proposed roadway connections between new and existing neighborhoods are a frequent source of confl ict in the development review process, and, unfortunately, the DRB has in some cases allowed one-way or “emergency only” roadways as a way to allow projects to proceed. Also, wetland regulations are often interpreted in a manner that considers connector roads an “unnecessary impact” or an easy way to reduce wetland impacts. Th is inter- pretation is often self-defeating from an environmental perspective, since it leads to greater vehicle miles traveled by new residents when neighborhoods do not connect to other neighborhoods and the street network. One key issue where there has been increasing agreement on all sides is the need to design east-west and neighborhood connector roads with narrower profi les and other environmental design features, such as box or open-bottom culverts instead of pipes for wetland and stream crossings, narrower road profi les (especially at crossing points), wildlife-friendly landscaping, and other traffi c-calming features. Th ese approaches, which can be incorporated with the city’s public service and roadway maintenance practices, should become “standard operating procedure” for new development in the SEQ. With these issues in mind, the Planning Commission evaluated the planned cross- town roads on the Offi cial Map in 2003 and proposed a series of amendments that were adopted by City Council in December, 2003. Based on projected population and traffi c growth, the Open Space Strategy, and public input, the new Offi cial Map reaffi rms the planned extensions of Swift Street through to Hinesburg Road; Mid- land Avenue through to Spear Street; Old Cross Road between Dorset Street and Hinesburg Road; and a connection between the proposed Marceau Meadows and DRAFT 3-32 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Chittenden Cider Mill subdivisions. Th e new Offi cial Map does NOT include the north-south and east-west proposed roads throughout “Th e Bowl” that had been pro- posed for decades, including a connector road at Autumn Hill Road through the Scott Property. Th is Comprehensive Plan reaffi rms that the remaining proposed roadways through the SEQ that are shown on the Offi cial Map should be constructed. D. Special Multi-District Issues Several issues of land use cross the artifi cial designations of local planning areas and municipal boundaries. Th ree key themes – transportation / mixed use corridors, open spaces / wildlife corridors, and transition areas – are highlighted in the Future Land Use Map. CORE AREA AND KEY CORRIDORS THROUGH DISTRICTS Promoting continued infi ll development in the greater City Center district, Williston Road and Shelburne Road areas in a manner that is consistent with current or future transit use adds visual vitality, increases the commercial and residential options avail- able to landowners and businesses, incorporates access management features such as shared parking and reduced curb cuts, and uses land effi ciently. Several key transportation corridors serve to both divide and stitch together and neigh- borhoods and land use districts throughout the city. Th ese include, notably, Shelburne Road, Williston Road, and to a lesser extent, Dorset Street and Kennedy Drive. Future land use along each of these corridors should emphasize not only the need for traffi c fl ow, but also for cross connections and pedestrian access. Th e specifi c chal- lenges and opportunities for resolution are unique to each of these corridors, but the broad need to have these corridors serve both localized and wider city-wide and regional needs is consistent. In addition to providing transportation accessibility, these corridors provide oppor- tunities for the city to advance multiple key goals related to effi cient use of land, af- fordability, land conservation, and effi ciency of municipal services. Th ese goals can be advanced by supporting development and redevelopment patterns that focus on high quality, higher density land use than elsewhere in the city. Greater intensity of land uses along these corridors will provide greater use of transit along existing routes, re- lieve pressure for development in other areas of the city, provide residents with support services within walking distance. All of these will help support the overall aff ordability of housing in the area. OPEN SPACES AND WILDLIFE CORRIDORS South Burlington is connected together by multiple types of networks – streets, recre- ation paths, water and sewer infrastructure, and natural areas.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-33 Land use includes planning for both conservation and development. For natural areas, connectivity is critically important. Th e city of South Burlington includes several nat- ural corridors. In most cases, these relate closely to water features due to the increased wildlife activity that generally accompanies these features. In South Burlington, the following natural areas corridors cross through the city. Some, such as those in the Southeast Quadrant and along parts of the Potash Brook’s main reach, have been closely studied, while others have only been broadly identifi ed. ✦Southeast Quadrant Wildlife Corridors – see the Southeast Quadrant De- tailed Chapter. ✦Muddy Brook Corridor ✦Bartlett Brook Corridor ✦Centennial Brook Corridor ✦Potash Brook and Red Rocks Park Corridor ✦Winooski River Corridor DRAFT 3-34 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3.3. Objectives In order to progress towards the community-wide goals listed on page 1-1 of this plan, the city should: A. General Objective 41. Continue to identify, map, and evaluate existing and planned open space areas, to include primary and secondary resource conservation areas, farm and forest land, scenic views and vistas, park and recreation lands, and civic spaces for consideration in development review, incorporation in site planning and subdivision design, and for purposes of public acquisition and long-term stewardship. Objective 42. Provide for and manage open space areas by type and function, based on existing site conditions, location, size (area) and extent, adopted standards and guidelines, and intended use. Designated open space areas must be consistent with the district (zone) in which they are located and physically and functionally suitable for their intended use. Objective 43. Develop long-term management and stewardship plans for all city-owned properties, including public parks and natural areas. Analyze and facilitate access to public open spaces where appropriate. Objective 44. Protect a diverse, interconnected network of open spaces, both public and private, and land uses and development patterns that support or are compatible with such open spaces. Objective 45. Strive for the majority of all new development to occur within the Shelburne Road, Williston Road, and Kennedy Drive Corridors, and other areas within the Transit service area. Objective 46. Encourage the majority of new development within the Williston and Shelburne Road corridors to be mixed use (residential/commercial) - vertically, within the site, or on complementary sites. B. Central District Objective 47. Create a cohesive, diverse, dynamic and people-oriented City Center with a strong identity and “senes of place” that incorporates harmonious design, an appropriate mix of residential and non-residential uses and public amenities that complement adjoining neighborhoods. Objective 48. Improve street, recreation and pedestrianpath interconnectivity throughout the Central District and new City Center.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-35 Objective 49. Establish vibrant streetscapes, civic spaces, public art and public facilities in the Central District and City Center. Objective 50. Reserve and establish open space areas for public enjoyment,natural resource conservation, and stormwater management, to include a greenway along Potash Brook. . Objective 51. Complete master planning for City Center to create opportunities for low impact stormwater management that incorporates sustainable design and green infrastructure (e.g., tree cover, bioretention areas, rain gardens, constructed wetlands, porous pavers, green roofs), and for energy-effi cient, centralized or shared heating and cooling systems. Objective 52. Provide public streetscapes, thoroughfares, intersections and crossings that safely and comfortably accommodate vehicles and people of all ages and abilities – including pedestrians, seniors, children, bicyclists, and joggers. Objective 53. Conserve and protect existing residential areas and encourage new, high quality mixed-use residential development and redevelopment of low density, strip-type commercial development. Objective 54. Maintain Dorset Street and Williston Road as local and regional thoroughfare corridors serving both local and regional traffi c and foster ease and safety of pedestrian crossings. Objective 55. Maintain Hinesburg Road from Market Street to Kennedy Drive as residential corridor. Objective 56. Minimize overall demand for parking in the Central District through design that fosters pedestrian, bicycle, and transit use and provide effi cient, aesthetically pleasing central parking options. Objective 57. Promote interconnectivity and integration of schools and school facilities open to the public with surrounding neighborhoods, to include safe routes for children and neighborhood residents to walk and bicycle to school. C. Northwest Quadrant Objective 58. Maintain texisting aff ordable diverse residential neighborhoods and access to neighborhood parks and other amenities through the provision of safe, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly routes and crossings. Objective 59. Increase availability and accessibility of public parkland, including the development of a new neighborhood or community park to serve local neighborhoods in this quadrant. .DRAFT 3-36 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Objective 60. Foster gradual transitions between residential neighborhoods of diff erent scales and densities, and between residential neighborhoods and mixed use corridors in and adjacent to the Quadrant. Objective 61. Allow for infi ll development, including parks and civic spaces, that serves and supports the character of existing neighborhoods; with a focus on the replacement of small single-family aff ordable homes that are being lost under the Burlington International Airport’s “Property Acquisition Plan” in association with its adopted Noise Compatibility Program.. Objective 62. Maintain the section of Williston Road between Cottage Grove Avenue and Victory Drive as a residential corridor. Objective 63. Create transitions from the Burlington International Airport, to include the development of parks, streetscapes or other civic spaces in areas identifi ed for redevelopment that serve or buff er nearby neighborhoods; establish a community vision for the future of this area. Objective 64. Continue to support the voluntary sale and relocation of eligible noise-aff ected homes and households, and other context-sensitive noise mitigation measures in neighborhoods adjacent to the Burlington International Airport. Objective 65. Ensure continued compatibility of university and college campus land uses with existing development and conservation patterns. Objective 66. Measure and improve all parameters of water quality in the Potash and Centennial Brooks. D. Northeast Quadrant Objective 67. Provide opportunities for employers and employment with in need of larger amounts of space and which are compatible with the operation of the airport without creating competition with City Center. Objective 68. Provide a balanced mix of recreation, resource conservation, and business park opportunities in the south end of the Quadrant, to include the conservation open space resources, including riparian corridors along the tributaries of Muddy Brook and Potash Brook. Objective 69. Conserve existing agricultural lands in this quadrant, including farmland near the Winooski River.Ensure eff ective transitions between adjacent land uses through barriers, landscaping, and other tools. Objective 70. Maintain a safe and fl uid transportation network and seek opportunities for transit use to employment areas.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-37 Objective 71. Maintain and reinforce existing residential areas within the Quadrant. Objective 72. Encourage well planned, clustered, compact and infi ll business park development that integrates congiuous open space areas in business park design. Objective 73. Promote the eff ective transition from rural residential and agricultural land uses along old Farm Road to more dense housing and mixed uses in highly serviced areas along Kennedy Drive and Kimball Ave. Such transition should incorporate interconnected greenways and forested open space. E. Southwest Quadrant Objective 74. Measure and improve all parameters of water quality of Shelburne Bay and Potash, Engelsby, North, and Bartlett Brook. Objective 75. Identify natural resources for conservation. Objective 76. Increase visual and physical access to public parks and other city-owned land. Objective 77. Promote higher-density, mixed use development and redevelopment along Shelburne Road and foster eff ective transitions to adjacent residential areas. Objective 78. Promote safe, pedestrian-friendly access to services through recreation path connections and safe roadway crossings. Objective 79. Maintain Shelburne Road as a roadway for both regional and local circulation. Objective 80. Improve local neighborhood connections on the east and west sides of the Shelburne Road corridor. Objective 81. Promote and expand public access to Lake Champlain. Objective 82. Support the ongoing agricultural use of the University of Vermont’s Horticultural Farm and its other agricultural properties. Objective 83. Provide for the continued viability and use of the Vermont Railway line while supporting the viability of residential neighborhoods. Objective 84. Encourage future development on the west side of the Vermont Railway line to make use of public crossings.DRAFT 3-38 city of south burlington comprehensive plan F. Southeast Quadrant Objective 85. Give priority to the conservation of contiguous and interconnected open space areas within this quadrant outside of those areas [districts, zones] specifi cally designated for development, to include “Ecological Resources” and “Priority Conservation Parcels” identifi ed in the SEQ Concept Plan and related studies, and other open space resources identifi ed from available maps and studies or through site investigation. Objective 86. Analyze public open space for appropriateness of public access and facilitate that access. Objective 87. Protect a diverse network of open spaces, both public and private, and land uses that support such open spaces. Objective 88. Provide an interconnected system of functional open space areas that can be used for environmental restoration, compatible outdoor recreation and public education. Objective 89. Maintain opportunities for traditional and emerging forms of agriculture that compliment and help sustain a growing city, and maintain the productivity of South Burlington’s remining agricultural lands. Objective 90. Maintain and enhance cultural and historic resources that are valued in the community, such as historic houses and gardens, farm structures, and prominent landscape features. Objective 91. Preserve visual access to scenic views and vistas from public landsand rights-of-way, including, views of the Green Mountains,the Adirondack Mountains, and Lake Champlain. Objective 92. Encourage development patterns that create walkable neighborhoods, civic spaces, a range of housing choices, and a unique sense of place. Objective 93. Create a village center and green for the SEQ along Dorset Street south of Old Cross Road, that are connected to the recreation path system. Objective 94. Maintain Spear Street as a north-south collector using access and traffi c management techniques and pedestrian pathways and crossings. Objective 95. Maintain Hinesburg Road as a regional and local through road, that promotes safe, convenient pedestrian crossings and bicycle use. Objective 96. Enhance Dorset Street as the SEQ’s “main street” with traffi c calming techniques, streetscape improvements, safe interconnected pedestrian pathways and crossings, and a roadway profi le suited to its intended local traffi c function.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-39 Objective 97. Develop a community consensus on the appropriate total development potential for the Southeast Quadrant.DRAFT 3-40 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3.4. Strategies In order to achieve the objectives set forth on pages 3-32 to 3-35 of this plan, the city should:* A. General Strategy 123. Encourage, through its zoning and subdivision regulations and capital investment policies, future development and redevelopment to occur in accordance with the general land use pattern depicted on Map 8, Future Land Use. Strategy 124. Direct a majority of development density and new development over the next 20 years to the core area of the city, defi ned as those areas lying north of I-89 and I-189, and lying west of Spear Street. Strategy 125. Maintain a stable and proportional tax for existing and future residents and businesses. Strategy 126. Impose phasing requirements on individual projects as needed to ensure that development occur only in conformance with the city’s ability to provide services. Strategy 127. Participate in Act 250 reviews on both local and regional projects which aff ect the city, especially where local jurisdiction may be inadequate. Strategy 128. Continue to refi ne the city’s Land Development Regulations to promote the Plan’s goals and objectives. B. Central District Strategy 129. Complete and adopt integrated streetscape civic and green space and stormwater management plans for the City Center area. Strategy 130. Develop a centrally located, well-designed public green or square on Market Street to serve as the focus of the new City Center. Include local residents, businesses and property owners in its design – e.g., through a professionally facilitated design charrette process – to ensure that it meets community needs for civic and recreation space, and environmental objectives for the provision of tree cover, landscaped green space and stormwater management. Strategy 131. Preserve Dumont Park within the City Center as a forested natural area that enhances and ecologically supports City Center development, and provides public green space for passive recreational use, to include a linking, interconnected public path or trail work. Strategy 132. Designate a protected greenway along the length of Tributary 3 of Potash Brook through the City Center of suffi cient area and width to restore, protect and enhance water quality, stream channel and wetland functions, and adjoining riparian areas; to manage and treat additional urban runoff ; and to accommodate compatible recreational use of the stream corridor, including a planned public boardwalk. Strategy 133. Work with property owners and developers to implement stream channel, stream fl ow and wetland restoration plans for Tributary 3 of Potash Brook, as required for stormwater management and mitigation to improve water quality and meet total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for the brook. Strategy 134. Work to direct a substantial proportion of the City’s future commercial development to occur in the designated City Center along Dorset Street, Williston Road, Market Street and San Remo Drive. * See Attachment * of this plan for a detailed description of the relationship between the community-wide goals, objectives and the strategies below.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-41 Strategy 135. Implement studies to plan for and design a civic complex consisting of a new City Hall, library, state offi ces, recreation center senior center and/or a post offi ce (i.e., retail portion only), to border the main public green or square on Market Street. Strategy 136. Promote through the zoning and subdivision regulations an appropriate level of density (coverage and building heights) to provide a “critical mass” of activity. Strategy 137. Regularly update the City’s Offi cial Map to include the most up-to-date plans for streets, parks, recreation paths, other civic spaces and utility infrastructure, including public paths, greenways and civic spaces planned for public acquisition and development within the City Center. Pursue public acquisition of mapped facilities through public dedication, and as available funding allows. Strategy 138. In addition to the use of public funds and TIF District revenues, seek funding and explore public- private partnerships to provide necessary public amenities-e.g. to include green and civic spaces, sidewalks, trees, outdoor furniture and lighting, parking and public transit amenities. Strategy 139. Develop an effi cient, convenient and attractive parking plan to serve the center area and explore funding and/or partnerships to acquire land and construct public parking facilities. Strategy 140. Strategy 141. Use design review and/or form-based coding to promote the development of aesthetically pleasing, pedestrian-focused and highly functional environments Strategy 142. Explore a parking trust fund to aid in implementing the City Center plan. Strategy 143. Explore the establishment of a non-profi t South Burlington Community Development Corporation as recommended in the 1999 report entitled, “Establishing a Local Development Corporation in South Burlington”, to facilitate development in the City Center. Strategy 144. Strategy 145. Refi ne Land Development Regulation standards to conserve existing residential areas and encourage new, mixed use residential development. Strategy 146. Review the parking requirements of the city’s Land Development Regulations, provide credit for presence of alternate means of transportation, and encourage sharing of parking facilities. Strategy 147. Assess and adopt incentives or requirements for the development of diverse and aff ordable housing types. Strategy 148. Foster infi ll development and integration of the built environments between City Center and adjacent commercial areas to the north and west. Strategy 149. Evaluate zoning along Hinesburg Road north of Market Street to foster a harmonious transition in land uses. Strategy 150. Complete Federal, State and local permitting for the Federally- funded Market Street Improvements Strategy 151. Establish a Tax Increment Finance District to support development of needed infrastructure improvements to serve the Central District. Strategy 152. Strategy 153. Update the city’s water and wastewater ordinance to ensure suffi cient capacity is reserved for the City Center and Central District areas. Strategy 154. Pursue incentives or requirements for energy effi ciency in the City Center area, including an evaluation of district heating.DRAFT 3-42 city of south burlington comprehensive plan C. Northwest Quadrant Strategy 155. Explore opportunities to foster smooth transitions and compatibility between infi ll and existing development through the Land Development Regulations. Strategy 156. Complete a long-range plan and undertake appropriate zoning amendments for the future use of the area adjacent to the Burlington International Airport. Strategy 157. Refi ne the City’s Land Development Regulations to allow for appropriately-scaled renovation of existing homes and infi ll development. Strategy 158. Review the city’s Land Development Regulations to encourage or require development along Kennedy Drive to include signifi cant landscaping and/or forested blocks along the roadway in keeping with existing patterns of development. Strategy 159. Seek opportunities to develop additional public parkland in the Northwest Quadrant using tools available to the city, including the Offi cial Map, Impact Fees, and development requirements. Strategy 160. Continue to work with the University of Vermont and Champlain College on land use issues of mutual interest and concern Strategy 161. Work with the University of Vermont to develop a long-range plan for use of agricultural lands in the city. Strategy 162. Continue to pursue stormwater improvement programs throughout the Northwest Quadrant to address existing impairments Strategy 163. Explore opportunities through use of regulatory tools and fi nancial resources to conserve identifi ed primary natural areas, headwaters of watersheds, and riparian areas. Strategy 164. Promote the conservation of ravines and stream headwaters that exist in the Northwest Quadrant through zoning and possible land acquisition. Strategy 165. Strive to protect existing neighborhoods from incompatible commercial encroachment and traffi c disruption through the Land Development Regulations Strategy 166. Refi ne the city’s Land Development Regulations to improve ease of pedestrian movement throughout the Williston Road corridor through safe crossings and pedestrian/transit-oriented development patterns. D. Northeast Quadrant Strategy 167. Complete a study and plan for balancing open space and future development in the southern section of the Quadrant. Strategy 168. Complete a long-range plan and undertake appropriate zoning amendments for the future use of the area adjacent to the Burlington International Airport. Strategy 169. Complete an analysis and determine whether to pursue a potential interstate interchange serving the area; revisit the city’s Land Development Regulations to ensure that the future transportation network and future development potential of the area are consistent with one another. Strategy 170. Review the city’s Land Development Regulations to that land uses within the Quadrant remain consistent with the continued operation of the airport. Strategy 171. Seek to make infrastructure improvements listed in the Grey Infrastructure chapter of this Plan and in the Offi cial Map. Strategy 172. Promote business use along Williston Road that makes use of available transit services.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-43 Strategy 173. Review and amend the City Land Development Regulations to ensure that development appropriate for City Center and Central District is targeted for that area, and that development better suited for the Northeast Quadrant is targeted for this area. Strategy 174. Seek opportunities to foster eff ective transitions between residential areas and non-residential areas within the Quadrant. Strategy 175. Explore opportunities to allow business support services within the Quadrant while at the same time maintaining the focus of activity in the Central District. E. Southwest Quadrant Strategy 176. Continue to pursue stormwater improvement programs throughout the Southwest Quadrant to address existing impairments; Strategy 177. Explore opportunities through use of regulatory tools and fi nancial resources to conserve identifi ed primary natural areas, headwaters of watersheds, and riparian areas. Strategy 178. Strive to protect existing neighborhoods from incompatible commercial encroachment and traffi c disruption through the Land Development Regulations Strategy 179. Explore opportunities to foster smooth transitions and compatibility between infi ll and existing development through the Land Development Regulations. Strategy 180. Promote interconnectivity of existing and future neighborhoods in the Southwest Quadrant. Strategy 181. Review the city’s Land Development Regulations in key transition areas: between the Southwest and Southeast Quadrants; between Swift Street and adjacent areas; between Allen Road and adjacent areas Strategy 182. Refi ne the city’s Land Development Regulations to improve ease of pedestrian movement throughout the Shelburne Road corridor through safe crossings and pedestrian/transit-oriented development patterns; Strategy 183. Work with the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization and Vermont Agency of Transportation to provide for greater ease of pedestrian crossings of Shelburne Road. Strategy 184. Explore opportunities to create one or more “nodes” of concentrated development and public activity along the Shelburne Road corridor; Strategy 185. Seek opportunities to install a park and ride lot along the Shelburne Road corridor. Strategy 186. Review the city’s Land Development Regulations to foster compatibility of development with the continued operation of the Vermont Railway Line Strategy 187. Seek opportunities to establish additional public access and parkland along Lake Champlain. Strategy 188. Establish a public recreation path connection along Lake Champlain. Strategy 189. Continue to foster principally residential and open space throughout the lakeward portion of the Quadrant; explore opportunities for compatible non-residential uses along the railway and the potential for a mixed-use waterfront. Strategy 190. Examine the City’s Land Development Regulations to foster appropriately-scaled development along Allen Road and Swift Street. Strategy 191. Foster the continued establishment of Fayette Drive as a secondary roadway in Support of Shelburne Road, designed to allow additional circulation but avoiding use as a “short-cut”DRAFT 3-44 city of south burlington comprehensive plan F. Southeast Quadrant Strategy 192. Take an active role, through cooperative planning and projects, policy discussions, zoning, and land conservation, in promoting new or revitalized agricultural and other open space uses, such as community gardens, orchards, nurseries, and community-supported agriculture, in the SEQ that can be compatible with residential neighborhood and village center uses, in order to promote continued agricultural uses in the SEQ as planned neighborhoods and village centers are developed. Strategy 193. Continue to facilitate the use of transfer of development rights within the SEQ zoning district to achieve the smart growth objectives for the SEQ. Strategy 194. Strongly discourage land use planning and permitting decisions to be based solely on the location of certain soil classes on individual parcels rather than overall planning and environmental goals. Participate in State proceedings to advance the City’s position on open space, housing and agricultural use issues as they relate to soil classes. Strategy 195. Cooperate with the towns of Williston and Shelburne to plan compatible uses and densities along town boundary lines. Strategy 196. Support the re-consideration of previously-permitted projects that could be altered to better achieve the goals of this Plan and the SEQ Concept Plan. Strategy 197. Maintain the present residential density of 1.2 dwelling units per gross acre of land as the basic limitation on the ultimate build out of the SEQ zoning district. Strategy 198. Continue to allow neighborhood areas with a buildable density of between four and eight units per acre, using development rights transferred from areas in the SEQ designated for conservation or protection. Strategy 199. Continue to allow a neighborhood commercial center along Dorset Street in the area of the Chittenden Cider Mill. Consider the inclusion architectural design standards to ensure that all such development is compatible with the Vermont vernacular architectural styles and landscape quality of surrounding residential and agricultural uses. Strategy 200. Evaluate the allowable activities on the western portion of the Industrial-Open Space District and consider enabling the development of a residential neighborhood with density from transferred development rights from conserved properties in the SEQ. Strategy 201. Continue to allow a small mixed-use commercial node similar to the R7-NC district in the vicinity of the IO district, near Hinesburg Road. Strategy 202. Continue to limit uses in the Industrial-Open Space District to clean, high quality light manufacturing, research and testing, and offi ce uses, and take steps through zoning and development review to limit potential adverse impacts on adjacent natural areas and residential neighborhoods. Strategy 203. Revise the LDRs to ensure that all truck-intensive uses in the IO district are located a suffi cient distance away from residentially-zoned lands to prevent adverse noise, air quality, light, and visual impacts. Strategy 204. Continue to ensure that the open space and buff er area provisions are consistent with the SEQ Concept Plan and lead to the creation of usable, attractive conserved spaces. Strategy 205. Continue to permit and require an integrated mix single-family, duplex and multi-family housing in the SEQ zoning district. Strategy 206. Through development review and the LDRs, encourage and consider incentivizing neighborhoods that use a mix housing types and integrate diff erent types next to each other, rather than creating a mono-culture of one type of housing. Strategy 207. Review the general height limits and explore architectural design review to ensure that the proposed structures are consistent with the vernacular architectural styles and visual quality of the SEQ.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-45 Strategy 208. Continue to work with Shelburne on strategies to create a conserved agricultural and natural area, with appropriate public access and paths, from Shelburne Pond and Pond Road north to the Chittenden Cider Mill, consistent with the goals of the Open Space Strategy. Strategy 209. Work with the owners of major SEQ lands with agricultural use or potential to ensure the appropriate use of TDRs for land conservation, consistent with the objectives of this Plan, the SEQ Concept Plan and Open Space Strategy. Strategy 210. Through the development review process, land conservation initiatives, and development of Zoning Map amendments for the SEQ, work towards the addition of supplemental conserved areas adjacent and connected to existing open space lands. Strategy 211. Continue to designate the Primary Natural Areas [Map in Appendix B, SEQ Natural Communities and Buff ers], their buff er areas, and Secondary Natural Areas as “restricted” or “TDR sending” areas on the SEQ Zoning Map and to severely limit any residential or commercial development, subdivision or disturbance within these areas. Strategy 212. Continue the designation of a three hundred foot buff er around the perimeter of the Great Swamp and Cheese Factory Swamp (Map in Appendix B, SEQ Natural Communities and Buff ers) as an additional primary natural area subject to the same limits on disturbance, development or subdivision. Strategy 213. Continue the designation of lands within a three hundred foot buff er area around the perimeter of the other Primary Natural Areas, and the lands within Secondary Natural Areas, as a supplemental restricted area with limitations on development, subdivision, and disturbance. Strategy 214. Maintain measures in the LDRs and SEQ zoning map to ensure that open spaces in all developments aff ecting secondary natural areas be designed in a manner to ensure continued connectivity between other open spaces and the preservation of “stepping stone” or other pockets of important wildlife habitat. Strategy 215. Consult the Arrowwood Environmental SEQ Environmental Assessment regarding environmental resources, conditions, and possible strategies for protecting wildlife habitat values through conservation, restoration and development. Strategy 216. Seek funding to have a VYCC crew or other volunteers assist with invasive species removal and control at the Wheeler Nature Park. Strategy 217. Work with property owners and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to establish treed buff ers along tributaries of Potash Brook on the Wheeler Nature Park, Hill Farm, and Meadowlands Industrial Park where the stream buff er is not forested. Strategy 218. Work with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and local land owners to develop a land management plan with recommended strategies for conserving the ecological function of the primary natural areas and adjacent lands, as identifi ed in the Arrowwood Assessment. Strategy 219. Seek opportunities to expand wetland mitigation and enhancement work in the Muddy Brook corridor. Strategy 220. Limit the development of paved recreation paths and lighting within Primary Natural Areas, unless required to make a planned connection among path segments. Strategy 221. With the Recreation Department, landowners, and the DRB, promote the use of unpaved recreation paths and leash requirements within Primary Natural Areas to ensure public access, while causing as little disturbance as possible. Strategy 222. Develop infrastructure plans that limit disturbance within Primary and Secondary Natural Areas. Strategy 223. Where new roads must cross primary or secondary natural areas, or associated buff ers as set forth in the recommendations above, utilize measures such as landscaping, signage, and wide, vegetated underpasses or culverts to ensure that such roads create as little disruption as possible.DRAFT 3-46 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3.5. Compatibility Through reciprocal cooperation with neighboring towns, regional agencies and entities with regional infl uence, the city plans to promote economical and effi cient administration of certain public services including water supply, fi re and police protection, transportation, parks, water quality improvement, and waste disposal. In addition, the city recognizes its role within a larger regional context and shall plan in cooperation with neighboring municipalities and other towns in the region. Th e development of the South Burlington Comprehensive Plan involved signifi cant consideration of potential compatibility with the plans of adjoining municipalities and the region. Th e proposed plans of adjoining municipalities and the CCRPC were consulted at great length and discussions were held with the municipal and regional staff planners. Th e South Burlington Comprehensive Plan is compatible with the plans of adjoining municipalities. As South Burlington implements its plan, adjoining municipalities shall be consulted and invited to comment on projects and studies which may aff ect an adjoining town or city. South Burlington’s plan is for the most part consistent with the regional plan. Th e city’s proposed land use and City Center/Mixed Use growth center concept is largely consistent with the region’s proposed growth center concept. In addition, proposed transportation improvements are consistent as are the recommendations for provi- sion of aff ordable housing and protection of watercourses, natural resources, and Lake Champlain.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-47DRAFT 3-48 city of south burlington comprehensive planDRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 3-49DRAFT 3-50 city of south burlington comprehensive planDRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-1 4: COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT 4.1. Social Infrastructure A. Population Population is a basic index of community growth and population projections are a key element in determining a community’s growth- management policies. Schools, roads, police, water and sewer, recreational opportunities, preservation of natural resources, scenic views, congestion, tax rates, and many other determinants of the quality of life are directly aff ected by changes a community’s population. To properly assess current and future needs and impacts on city services, and other quality of life issues, the characteristics of the community’s population should be evaluated. OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the city’s population identifi ed in this plan include: ✦ Growth in the percentage of city residents ranging from 55 to 74 years of age is a signal of future changes in the types of housing, amenities, facilities and services residents will be seeking. ✦Continuation of the decline in average household size and increases in the number of single-person households will keep demand for housing units growing at a rate faster than overall population growth. ✦As people continue to move into the city, ongoing eff orts will be needed to welcome and connect new residents with their community - both at the neighborhood and city level. ✦Residential development needs to be monitored on an ongoing basis and measures taken as necessary to maintain the expected average annual growth rate in the city’s population of 1.5 percent as measured over any 10-year period. INVENTORY Growth Rate. South Burlington’s population began to grow rapidly in the 1940s with the development of post-war residential suburbs. Th e rate of growth remained very high throughout the 1950s and 1960s, when the city added more than 3,000 residents each decade. Except for the period during the 1970s, the city has experienced a rate of growth greater than both Chittenden County and Vermont over the past 50 years. Th is higher rate of growth can most likely be attributed to a combination of the fol- lowing factors: the city’s location in the most populous county in the state, its abun- dance of open, developable land, and a high quality of life. Th e average annual growth DRAFT 4-2 city of south burlington comprehensive plan rate from 2000 to 2010, based on data from the US Census Bureau was 1.9 percent. Th e offi cial population count as of 2010 was 17,904, up from 14,879 in 2000. Natural Increase. Natural increase, the number of births minus the number of deaths, is one component of population change. While there is considerable fl uctua- tion in the city’s annual amount of natural increase, a gradual downward trend has been evident since the early 1990s. Birth Rates. Birth rates can be of particular interest in terms of future impacts on elementary school enrollments, recreation activities and provision of day care. As a general trend, birth rates have been declining throughout the country since the late 1970s. In Chittenden County and the State of Vermont, the 1970 birth rate of ap- proximately 20 births per thousand residents has been nearly cut in half. While the city’s birth rate increased somewhat during the 1980s, the rate has generally been lower than state or county averages and has been declining for more than 15 years. Given the demographic profi le of city residents, no signifi cant changes to the birth rate are anticipated in the near future. Migration. Net-migration (people moving in minus those moving out) is typically the major element driving population increases in a rapidly growing community or region. Over the past 50 years, more of the city’s population growth has been due to net migration than to natural increase. Age Distribution. Over the past 50 years, the age profi le of the city’s population has shifted considerably. Th e percentage of the population composed of children under age 18 has declined, while the population segment made up of residents age 65 or older has grown. Th e US Census Bureau reported that the median age of city residents in 2010 was 40.6. In 2010, 18.9 percent of residents were under age 18, and 16.1 percent were age 65 or older. Household Size. Household size has been declining across the country for many decades. Th e city’s average household has declined from around 3.5 people in 1970 to 2.19 people in 2010. Th is has led the number of households to grow at a faster rate than the population. Household Composition. Th e characteristics of the city’s households have also changed markedly in recent decades. Single people currently make up one-third of the city’s households, while another quarter are married couples without children living at home. Only one-quarter of households include children under age 18. Evidence from the past decade suggests that the percentage of single-person households in the city is relatively stable. Because of the presence of UVM, this segment of the population includes young adults in addition to elders. Household Income. In 2010, the median household income in the Burlington- South Burlington Metropolitan Statistical Area was $73,800 according to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. A two-person household with two workers earning the average wage paid by an employer in the city would have an in- come close to 80 percent of median and with the addition of a third non-wage earning DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-3 member of the household, the family would be classifi ed as low income. A single person working full time at a job paying minimum wage would earn around $15,000 annually and would be considered very low income. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Aging Population. Th e aging population trend is visible throughout Vermont and many places around the country as each generation born after the baby-boomers has been smaller in numbers. South Burlington and Chittenden County have generally had a younger population than the state as a whole, but that gap has been narrowing in recent years. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some housing built in recent years has been attracting retired couples. Th e 2004 City Center Market study noted that the most striking change in the composition of South Burlington’s population during the next few years would be the increase in the numbers of persons aged 55 to 74 years. Th ese changes in the demographics will likely aff ect the regional economy, as well as local demand for housing, education, health care and other services. Smaller Households. Th e average household size is anticipated to continue to de- cline in the near term, thus ensuring that the rate of household formation will remain high in the city even if population growth slows. It is the number of households, as opposed residents, that drive demand for housing and many city services. Th e amount of decline will be linked to the age distribution and socioeconomic characteristics of the city’s future residents. Over the next several decades, it is likely that household size will stabilize to a level between 2.0 to 2.5 people, although changes in the regional economy could cause unexpected shifts in either direction. Th e uncertainty around average household size is a challenge to estimating housing needs based on population projections. Migration. Th e role of migration in South Burlington’s growth rate also makes it more diffi cult to project population change. Birth rates are linked to the demographic profi le of current residents, but the economic factors that drive people to move into or out of an area are less predictable. Further, rapid turnover in the city’s population poses a challenge for eff orts to engage residents in the community and neighborhood- level planning. Loss of Young Families. Research initiated by the South Burlington School District examining early childhood education has indicated a consistent trend of young fami- lies moving out of South Burlington in the years following the birth of their children. An analysis of birth rates and subsequent school enrollment fi ve years later has shown a drop in several successive years. FUTURE TRENDS AND NEEDS Population Projections and Planning. Th e City of South Burlington in 2006 prepared a population projection through 2015 based on anticipated housing devel- opment. Th is projection suggested that by 2015, the city’s population could exceed 21,000. Census data, combined with the economic downturn that began in 2008 DRAFT 4-4 city of south burlington comprehensive plan indicate that this estimate was substantially too high. Th e city’s actual growth rate during the 2000s was 1.9 percent, to a 2010 population of 17,904. It is the city’s responsibility to provide opportunities for a fair and reasonable amount of new population and housing units to help meet regional demands. While both “ex- cessive growth” and “stagnation” have their disadvantages, most city residents accept a moderate rate of growth as normal and healthy for the community. Th e city, therefore, sees no compelling advantage to becoming a “magnet” for a large proportion of the county’s population growth, nor to adopting a “no growth” policy. With these factors in mind, South Burlington fi nds its average population projections of 1.5 percent an- nual growth to be representative of a reasonably foreseeable rate of growth. Th e city can use this estimated growth rate, which is based largely on past trends, as a foundation for future planning, in terms of capital needs, staffi ng needs, recreation and open space planning, and transportation needs. Should the community experience prolonged periods of population change that varies dramatically from this 1.5 percent annual estimate, the city will need to either re- evaluate its planning assumptions and adjust accordingly, or consider the implementa- tion of growth management techniques to either foster or suppress growth as needed. Techniques could include development phasing, sewer allocations, impact fees, or zoning amendments.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-5 B. Housing Shelter is a basic need and providing for housing is a fundamental element of this plan. Provision of adequate and aff ordable housing is a basic requirement for the city to maintain its quality of life, retain existing businesses and support further economic development, and attract future residents. A diversity of housing options at a range of price points will support the labor force needed to maintain or grow the local economy. OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the city’s housing stock and residential development trends identifi ed in this plan include: ✦Balancing residential and economic growth. ✦Maintaining and fostering housing that is attainable to households of all in- come levels throughout the city. ✦Meeting the housing demands of increasing numbers of single-person house- holds and seniors. ✦Complementing new development areas with redevelopment of low-density, single-use commercial areas to higher-density mixed-use areas and infi ll with- in existing neighborhoods. INVENTORY Existing Housing Stock. South Burlington has a diverse housing stock, approxi- mately 70 percent of which is owner-occupied while 30 percent is composed of rental units. Within the city, there are single-family homes of all sizes, condominiums and townhouses, apartment buildings and accessory rental units. Th e 2010 Census count- ed 8,429 housing units in South Burlington; between 2000 and 2010, approximately 1,750 additional units were permitted. Residential Construction. Th e number of housing units in South Burlington has grown steadily each decade since the fi rst Census housing count in 1940. Between 1940 and 2010, nearly 8,750 dwellings were constructed in the city. Th e city expe- rienced rapid housing growth during the period from the late-1970s through the mid-1980s, largely due to multi-family development. During the late-1980s and ear- ly-1990s, the rate of housing growth slowed and new construction shifted to predomi- nantly single-family detached dwellings. For a period of time in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the rate of housing construction in the city averaged around 200 units per year and South Burlington again experienced increased development of multi-unit structures. Th at fi gure declined to approximately 100 units annual in the late 2000s. Th e type of housing units being built in the city over the past 25 years has been weighted towards multi-family structures. Between 2000 and 2010, approximately 60 percent of new housing was multi-family, while only 30% was single-family. A clear gap in the city’s housing stock, however, has been entry-level single family homes and DRAFT 4-6 city of south burlington comprehensive plan duplexes. Th e majority of the single-family homes built in the past 15 years have been at or above the median home value for the community. Age and Condition. Th e quality of building workmanship, design, and materials used in the city’s existing housing stock appears to not pose a threat to the health and safety of residents. Only seven percent of the city’s housing stock dates from before World War II, with more than half having been constructed since 1980. Care should be taken, however, as housing from the city’s fi rst signifi cant wave of development in the 1950s, continues to age. Owner-Occupied Homes. Th e costs of owner-occupied housing in South Burl- ington have risen sharply in recent years in response to the tight housing market in northwestern Vermont and due to the addition of new higher-priced units. In 2008, the median sales price for a primary residence (single-family homes, condominiums and mobile homes with land) in the city was $240,000. After adjusting for infl ation, home prices in South Burlington have increased by approximately $75,000 since the mid-1990s. In response to the current economic downturn, the number of home sales has declined, but prices have essentially remained level since 2006. Rental Market. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop- ment, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in 2007 was just over $1,000 a month. Over the past 10 years, monthly rents have increased $200 to $400 above the rate of infl ation. Th ere were approximately 500 aff ordable rental units in the city in 2007, about half of which house elderly residents. Most of these aff ordable rental units have been constructed since the mid-1990s. Aff ordability. Aff ordable housing helps to retain and attract a qualifi ed work force and provides an opportunity for fi rst-time home buyers and older residents to remain in the city. Nearly one-half of the city’s renting households and one-quarter of home- owners spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing according to the 2000 Census. So a fairly signifi cant number of households in the city are already living in housing that would be considered unaff ordable. Households earning 80 percent of Chittenden County’s median income could aff ord to purchase a home ranging in price from $130,000 to $230,000 depending on factors such as amount of household debt and ability to make a down payment. Approximately one-third of the city’s ex- isting owner-occupied housing stock could be considered aff ordable, assuming sales prices are not signifi cantly above assessed values. Th e city will need to examine data from the 2010 Census closely on this subject, however, as indicators have suggested that aff ordability has slipped in the community during the past decade. Regional Housing Targets. In 2004, Chittenden County Regional Planning Com- mission (CCRPC) released a report that established housing targets for the county and its municipalities. Th e study recommended that at least 1,444 new housing units be constructed in South Burlington between 2000 and 2010. Of those new units, 10 percent should be aff ordable for moderate-income households and another 10 percent should be aff ordable for low-income households. Th e number of total housing units built in the city appears to have exceeded the recommended minimum target for DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-7 overall housing and has made signifi cant strides in aff ordability, particularly for senior housing, though the amount may not reach the target presented by the CCRPC. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Aff ordability. Ensuring an adequate supply of aff ordable housing remains a challenge for South Burlington. While there has been a steady increase in the number of hous- ing units and the city’s housing growth rate has slightly outpaced the county’s rate of housing growth, the regional demand for additional housing units has remained high and vacancy rates remained low over the past decade as the household growth rate slightly outstripped housing construction. Th ese factors, coupled with low mortgage rates and economic growth, resulted in a very tight housing market throughout north- western Vermont by the late-1990s. In response to market pressures, South Burlington began to experience a construction boom around 1998, which lasted into the mid-2000s. Th e economic downturn and troubles in the housing market have slowed the pace of residential development in the city during the past several years. Th ese factors also contributed to higher sales prices and an overall decrease in the aff ordability of housing within the city between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s. Additionally, the high cost of new homes built during the recent construction boom drove the median value of homes in the city upward. As of 2010, the recent economic downturn had slowed home construction and sales of existing homes, but it had not had signifi cant eff ects on housing costs, particularly for homes valued at less than $200,000 and for rental units. Changing Demographics. Much of South Burlington’s housing has been construct- ed to meet the needs of families with children. Th e city is already experiencing an increase in single-person households and older residents - trends that are expected to continue over the next several decades. Many of these households will be seeking housing that is smaller and/or with limited maintenance requirements. Smart Growth. At the close of the city’s sixth decade of continued residential con- struction, a relatively small amount of undeveloped land remains available in the city. South Burlington will need to look increasingly to opportunities for higher-density, mixed-use development in targeted growth areas like the City Center, as well as in- creased density and infi ll development within existing neighborhoods, in order to meet demand for additional housing units. Balanced Growth. As the need for housing grows in the region, South Burlington should plan for continued residential expansion while at the same time ensuring con- tinued economic development to prevent the city from becoming merely a bedroom community to neighboring municipalities. Building Codes. A central element in any housing policy is the assurance of good quality in both existing units and new construction. Due to the number of attached residential units, the high density of development in many parts of the city, and the aging or subdivision of dwellings, the need for enforcement of building, plumbing, DRAFT 4-8 city of south burlington comprehensive plan and electrical codes is increasing. Th e existence of such codes can decrease insurance premiums, as well as minimize the future requirements for fi refi ghters and equipment in maintaining the same degree of fi re protection. Currently, the city does not have municipal building codes. Th e construction of rental and multi-unit housing in the city is regulated to some extent by the Vermont Department of Labor and Industry. FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS Aff ordability. South Burlington needs an adequate supply of aff ordable housing to support its economic vitality and it is clear that the market alone will not produce that supply. Th e city has no direct control over such cost factors as increases in labor, ma- terials, down payments, or mortgage rates and availability of credit. However, the city can infl uence housing cost factors in other areas such as amount and density of land zoned for diff erent types of residential uses including positively promoting mixed-use development, length and consistency of governmental reviews, and extent of “front end” subdivision improvements and other expenses. Techniques that can be used to encourage the development or maintenance of aff ord- able housing include, but are not limited to, the following: ✦Creative site development, such as clustering, to reduce lot size and site de- velopment costs. ✦Density bonuses or incentives to encourage the development of aff ordable housing. ✦Higher densities and smaller lot sizes. ✦Re-examining “density” to consider building size in addition to units per acre. ✦Formation of an aff ordable housing “task force” to study the issue and make recommendations to the city. ✦Consideration of a municipal “land bank” if appropriate sites can be found. ✦Involvement of housing organizations such as the Lake Champlain Housing Development Corporation or Burlington Community Land Trust to con- struct or rehabilitate aff ordable housing in the city. ✦Permit transfer of development rights as a method of achieving higher densi- ties necessary for developing aff ordable housing. ✦Promotion of mixed-use developments that create a variety of housing op- portunities within commercial areas located centrally to public transportation and other services.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-9 C. Economy The continued vitality of the city depends heavily on the continued prosperity of its businesses and industries. The local economy is the engine that drives people to move in (or out) of the community. Demand for housing, transportation and infrastructure are linked to the local economy. A healthy economy supports municipal services and the education system. Maintaining a balance of employment and residential opportunities preserves the city’s sense of community and quality of life. OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the economic development trends identifi ed in this plan include: ✦Convenient access to employment either within the city or within a short commute to neighboring employment centers in Chittenden County is a key component of the city’s quality of life. South Burlington boats one of the shortest average commutes in the nation at around 15 minutes. Th is results in residents having more time available for their families, recreational activities, volunteering, etc., having to spend less of their income on fuel and vehicle expenses, and having a smaller carbon footprint. ✦South Burlington’s economy is characterized by a diverse mix of businesses, including several large companies and many small- to medium-size fi rms, and the city has been considered a good location to start a business for decades. As land becomes an increasingly scarce resource in the city, the cost of locat- ing a new business in South Burlington may increase making the city cost- prohibitive for start-up companies and small, local enterprises. Th is challenge may be addressed to some extent through eff orts to promote more compact, mixed-use development and redevelopment of under-utilized properties. ✦Th e presence of Burlington International Airport in the city continues to pro- vide a strong foundation for the city’s economy and future economic develop- ment eff orts. However, there is potential for capturing more “visitor dollars” within the city with improved facilities and amenities. INVENTORY Economic Profi le. South Burlington is home to a diverse array of small- and medi- um-sized businesses. In 2006, the Vermont Department of Labor (VTDOL) counted more than 1,100 establishments and approximately 18,400 jobs in the city (this fi g- ure, however, does not refl ect all businesses and employment in the city as it excludes the self-employed and many small businesses with no employees). South Burlington has maintained a fairly steady rate of economic growth over the past three decades, which is partially due to the fact that the community’s economic health is not depen- dent on a single large employer or business sector. Strong increases in employment in South Burlington have resulted in the city becom- ing an employment center in the region. Th is is portrayed in the relationship of total DRAFT 4-10 city of south burlington comprehensive plan employment to total population. In South Burlington, the ratio of employment to population in 2004 was 61 percent. Th at compared to 51 percent for Chittenden County and 47 percent for all of Vermont. Employers. In 2005, there were fi ve employers with more than 250 employees lo- cated in South Burlington. Th ese major employers do not, however, represent the majority of jobs in the city. More than half the business establishments in South Burlington are small fi rms that employ less than 10 people. In recent years, most of the growth in employment and establishments has been in very small businesses (less than fi ve employees) and mid-sized companies employing 10 to 50 people. Employment. Between 2000 and 2008, South Burlington added nearly 1,000 jobs with some sectors reducing their number of employees while others expanded. Th e professional and business service, health care and the food service sectors grew, while the city lost jobs in government and the lodging and accommodation industry. Th e re- tail sector, previously one of the most rapidly growing segments of the city’s economy, saw little to no job creation. In recent years, the most substantial job growth has oc- curred in sectors that demand offi ce space and projections call for continued strong growth in the services sector. Wages. Wages in South Burlington and Chittenden County are notably higher than those for the remainder of Vermont, although the diff erential is less for South Burl- ington than for the remainder of the county. It is also signifi cant to note that average wages in South Burlington increased substantially between 1990 and 2000, at well above the rate for the county and the remainder of the state. Wage growth since 2000 has been less dramatic, however. Labor Force. Th e City of South Burlington is an employment center and a net im- porter of workers from throughout the region. Of the people working in the city, approximately 20 percent live in Burlington, 15 percent live in South Burlington and 10 percent live in Colchester. Most of the remaining workers commute from towns throughout Chittenden, Franklin and Addison counties. Where local residents work and where workers come from to work locally is highly indicative of established economic and trade patterns. A large majority of South Burlington residents who work do so within a relatively small area, with 81 percent working in South Burlington, Burlington, Essex or Williston. Th is is an advantage of living in the midst of a major job center. In contrast, workers who commute to South Burlington do so from a broader geographic area, including a number of regional communities that are rural in nature and which have very little local employment. South Burlington and the immediately surrounding communities constitute Ver- mont’s principal job center. As such, local residents are generally able to commute short distances to good jobs. However, the attraction of this job center draws in a substantial number of workers from surrounding areas. Th ese workers create market potentials for city businesses.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-11 Commercial and Industrial Development. South Burlington has experienced sub- stantial commercial growth since the 1980s, when the city averaged approximately 261,000 square feet of permitted commercial development each year. While that rate of development declined in the early 1990s, it rose again beginning in the late 1990s. Between 2000 and 2007, South Burlington added nearly 2.2 million square feet of commercial space. It appears that the economic downturn is again slowing the rate of commercial development in the city. Retail Sector. One out of fi ve jobs in South Burlington was in the retail sector in 2006, making retail the single largest component of the city’s economy. While the city’s total number of jobs represents around 19 percent of the Chittenden County total, nearly 28 percent of county’s retail sector jobs are located in South Burlington. Total annual retail receipts in the city have continued to grow according to the Ver- mont Department of Taxes, increasing by more than $28 million between 2000 and 2008 after adjusting for infl ation. South Burlington accounts for approximately 20 percent of Chittenden County’s total retail receipts. Professional and Business Services Sector. Th e professional and business services sector is the city’s second largest employer accounting for 15 percent of jobs and 25 percent of earnings in 2006. Th is sector has also been the fastest growing in recent years. Travel Sector. Chittenden County’s travel profi le diff ers from the remainder of the state because a relatively high component of the region’s travel activity is generated by business and commercial, rather than tourist or recreational, travel. Th e region’s travel activity is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, so travel oriented businesses in the region can count on a steadier fl ow of business without signifi cant seasonal fl uctuations. South Burlington is not regarded as a tourist destination, but the city benefi ts from a combination of travel factors (the proximity of the airport and interstate) and a location with good access to many of the region’s major employers. Th e lodging industry has a major presence in South Burlington. Th e 2004 City Cen- ter Market Study reported that there were 25 licensed lodging facilities in South Burl- ington with an approximate total of 1,800 lodging rooms. South Burlington accounts for 45 percent of the rooms tax collections in Chittenden County, a refl ection of the substantial concentration of lodging capacity in the city. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Balanced Growth. It has been South Burlington’s policy to balance residential and non-residential development in order to maintain a more stable tax rate for the city’s property owners. Th e city has generally aimed for, and largely achieved, a one-to-one ratio between the value of residential and non-residential property. While the one-to-one ratio has been a long-time policy of the city, recent changes in the state’s education funding formula have somewhat reduced the benefi t the city’s residential property owners receive from South Burlington’s large non-residential tax DRAFT 4-12 city of south burlington comprehensive plan base. Further analysis is needed to determine if this policy of balanced growth should be continued in future years, particularly if the state’s education funding formula continues to be changed. Burlington International Airport. Lodging managers in the city indicate that the Burlington International Airport is a signifi cant factor for them in terms of business generation. Activity at the airport has increased in recent years, a factor of physical improvements and the emergence of discount airlines – Jet Blue – as a factor in the aviation industry. Airport enplanements increased at an annual rate of 5.2 percent between 2000 and 2003 and approximately three to four percent from 2003 through 2008 and the start of the economic downturn. In the two years that followed, airport enplanements dropped due to economic conditions and runway reconstruction. Th e airport’s master plan anticipates a long-term trend of three percent annual growth in enplanements. Economic Development Organizations. Th e city supports several organizations devoted to promoting economic development including the Greater Burlington In- dustrial Corporation (GBIC) and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Com- merce. In 1994, the city established the South Burlington Economic Development Committee whose mission is to promote the city as the best place to establish or expand a commercial business or industry in Chittenden County and Vermont. In 1999, the city conducted a study, which recommended establishing a local develop- ment corporation. Th e purpose of the organization would be to promote South Burlington, in particular its City Center, as a good place to live, work and shop, support existing and new busi- nesses, create jobs, and improve the city’s infrastructure in support of economic de- velopment and residential neighborhoods. A primary focus of the local development corporation, as recommended in the study, would be to facilitate development of the City Center, coordinating between the city and businesses to properly plan the City Center, secure funding for infrastructure improvements, and off er any other support that existing and new businesses may need. FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS Aging Workforce. While South Burlington boasts a younger demographic than most Vermont communities, the aging of the workforce over the next several decades is anticipated to be challenge to businesses statewide. As the baby boom generation leaves the workforce, employers will need to replace them with younger workers. A lack of aff ordable housing and available job opportunities that match the education and skills of Vermont’s youth and young adults have led many to leave the state to start their careers for more than a decade. Th is trend, if not reversed, could result in a very tight labor market in which businesses are unable to attract the workforce necessary to sustain and grow their operations.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-13 D. Community Facilities and Services One of the purposes of a comprehensive plan is to identify services currently available to city residents, evaluate the eff ectiveness of the municipality and other providers in delivering those services, anticipate future demands and assess whether those demands can be met effi ciently and without negatively impacting the fi scal health of the city. OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the provision of community facilities and services include: ✦City administration, the library and school district all have identifi ed needs for improved and/or expanded facilities that will need to be met in the near future. Th is poses both a challenge and an opportunity for the city. It will be a challenge to fund multiple improvements simultaneously and to pri- oritize those needs. Yet, there is the opportunity to address multiple needs with a single solution, which could be more effi cient and cost-eff ective in the long-term. Th ere is also the opportunity to better align provision of key community facilities and services with the city’s vision and future goals such as development of City Center, creating an identity for South Burlington, energy effi cient and green civic buildings, improved walkability and transit, enhanced quality of life, etc. ✦Th e need to balance effi cient and cost-eff ective use of school facilities with the strong desire of parents and students to retain neighborhood schools is increasingly important in light of state education funding and budget con- straints, facilities that are approaching capacity, and continued residential growth. ✦It will be necessary to continue monitoring growth against the city’s ability to provide facilities and services without burdening current taxpayers. New development should continue to “pay its own way” to the greatest extent feasible, with recognition that there may be community benefi ts (e.g., job creation or aff ordable housing) that off set community costs that also need to be considered. INVENTORY City Government. South Burlington’s offi cials and staff work largely from the City Offi ce building at 575 Dorset Street. Some city staff are based at the Department of Public Works building. Th e condition of the city offi ce building at 575 Dorset Street and the adequacy of its facilities to meet the city’s needs has been an identifi ed issue for a number of years. Public Works. Th e Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining city streets (including signs, lighting, and traffi c lights), parks and recreation paths, storm- water systems, and gravity sewer lines. Th e department also maintains city and school district vehicles. South Burlington has a joint municipal/school district Public Works facility, constructed in 2001 at 104 Landfi ll Road. Th e facility represents a cooperative DRAFT 4-14 city of south burlington comprehensive plan relationship between these two public entities that has allowed for increased effi ciency and economy of scale. Police. Th e city established its Police Department in 1953 with the hiring of a single offi cer. Th e department has grown with the city and now includes 38 law enforce- ment personnel in addition to administrative staff . In 2010, the Police Department relocated from the City Offi ce building at 575 Dorset Street to a newly constructed building at 19 Gregory Drive, resolving the department’s long-standing need for ex- panded and improved facilities. Th e Police Department has maintained accreditation by the Commission on Accredi- tation for Law Enforcement Agencies since 1994. Th e department provides primary law enforcement services throughout the city, with the exception of Burlington Inter- national Airport, which is served by the Burlington Police Department. Additional county, state, and federal law enforcement organizations provide specialized services within the community. In addition to traditional policing services, the department hosts operates a number of specialized programs and engages in multiple community outreach programs, includ- ing National Night Out, the City’s most widely-attended annual celebration. Among the programs run by the department are its Youth Services Unit, its Traffi c Safety Unit, DARE, Kids and Kops, Quest Neighborhood Watch, and Business Watch. Th e Police Department is committed to expanding programs according to a prevention model. Th e department works closely with the Recreation Department in a collaborative ef- fort. Fire and Rescue. Th e South Burlington Fire Department (SBFD) provides primary fi re, medical and specialized rescue response throughout the city. It also serves the ci- vilian buildings at the Burlington International Airport (runways and military build- ings have the Vermont Air National Guard Fire Department for primary response). In addition, the department supports all the surrounding communities and the Air National Guard Fire Department, as part of written mutual aid agreements. In turn, these same organizations support SBFD in large emergency incidents. Th e Fire Department is a combination department with full-time and part-time per- sonnel. Two fi re engines and one ambulance are staff ed 24 hours per day. Personnel are called out to staff additional emergency vehicles when greater response is needed. Th e city has two fi re stations: ✦Station #1 is located in the City Hall complex on Dorset Street. Th is facility was refurbished and expanded in 2005 to better house the new ambulance service. Today, with the addition of personnel through the SAFER Grant in 2008, Station #1 meets current space needs. Additional personnel or vehicles will require additional space to be added in the future. ✦Station #2 is located on Holmes Road, off Shelburne Road. Th is station reduces response times to the southwestern end of the city, an area with a signifi cant volume of emergency incidents. Station #2 does not meet current DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-15 space needs. Th e second fl oor of the station was built partially fi nished and needs to be completed. Upon completion, Station #2 will meet current and future needs of the station’s coverage district. Commercial and residential fi re insurance rates are aff ected by the Insurance Services Offi ce (ISO) rating system. ISO guidelines and that of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are used when planning vehicle and equipment purchases. Build- ing inspections, new construction, and fi re code enforcement is provided by the Ver- mont Division of Fire Safety. For the purposes of development review, the department uses the Vermont fi re safety standards. Maintaining high standards throughout the city has contributed signifi cantly to lowering losses of life and property due to fi re. Currently, the SBFD annually inspects all businesses that apply for a liquor license and provides assistance to residents for safety equipment and information. Medical Facilities. Hospital health care is provided by two major hospital units of Fletcher Allen Health Care. One unit, the former Medical Center Hospital of Ver- mont is located on the UVM campus in Burlington. Th e other unit, the former Fanny Allen Hospital, is located in Colchester. In South Burlington, several private doctors’ offi ces complement a recently-developed Fletcher Allen Health Care annex on Tilley Drive. Th is complex of buildings provides specialized out-patient care. Emergency Preparedness and Response. Th e City of South Burlington actively embraces an four-phase strategy of emergency preparedness and response: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Mitigation. Mitigation forms the link between emergency management, infrastruc- ture and land use planning. Th e city adopted its fi rst All-Hazards Mitigation Plan (as an annex to the Chittenden County All-Hazards Mitigation Plan) in 2005 and is preparing revisions to be completed in 2010. Th at plan identifi es a wide range of potential risks to the city and assigns a likelihood and a scale of damage to each. Us- ing this matrix, the plan presents a series of actions that can be taken by the city, its residents, and its businesses to lessen the likelihood and impacts of future incidents. Th e plan includes a hazard risk assessment that measures both the likelihood and potential severity of diff erent types of large-scale emergencies in the city. Th e analysis revealed severe winter storms, gas and/or electric service loss, and urban fi res as the large-scale hazards that warrant the greatest attention. A series of goals and actions to help reduce the impacts of these and other types of emergencies are included in the Mitigation Plan and, where appropriate, are incorporated into this Comprehensive Plan and other city policies, programs, and regulations. Preparedness. Emergency preparedness and response activities in South Burlington are coordinated through the South Burlington Fire and Rescue Department and South Burlington Police Department. In addition to ongoing training within these departments, the city regularly works with the South Burlington School District, se- nior housing groups, and local organizations such as the Red Cross to enhance public DRAFT 4-16 city of south burlington comprehensive plan preparedness. South Burlington has also been an active participant in the Chittenden County Local Emergency Planning Committee, an organization responsible for coor- dinating emergency preparedness at the regional level. Th e city maintains an up-to-date Emergency Operations Plan that spells out strate- gies for alerting the public of emergencies and identifying the scope of responsibility for various departments. Th is plan also identifi es potential shelter locations, which include schools, churches, and other large community buildings. In most cases, these shelters have been approved by the American Red Cross, allowing them to set up and manage the shelter in the event of an emergency. In addition, the South Burlington Fire and Rescue Department and Public Works Department are regular participants in the local development review process, provid- ing input to the Development Review Board regarding the location and access of buildings, roadways, and other safety-related issues. Response. Emergency response in South Burlington is primarily the responsibility of the city Police Department and Fire and Rescue Department, with support from the Public Works Department, the Vermont Agency of Transportation, and mutual aid response partners. Th e roles of the city’s departments are described in their individual sections within this chapter. Recovery. Recoveries from large-scale incidents in the city have generally been related to fl ooding. South Burlington has worked diligently, through its Stormwater Division, to address the causes of wide-scale fl ooding incidents. Library. Th e city’s community library is located in the North Wing of the South Burlington High School on Dorset Street. It is a combined public and high school library. Th e library is open six days a week, 58 hours per week, and has 4.5 full-time equivalent employees. Services have expanded to include wireless internet access, pub- lic access computers, remote access online databases, outreach services to home bound residents, local day care centers, pre-schools and retirement homes. Annual circulation has increased by 50 percent since 2001, totaling 110,000 items in FY2007. Individual computer sessions reached 40,000 in FY2007. Th e library sponsors more then 500 programs each year for children and adults, including book discussions, workshops, lectures, story times for children, holiday and school vacation activities, chess classes, contemporary topic discussion groups, and musical concerts. In 2007, attendance at library programs exceeded 10,000. As a recipient of several grant awards from the Freeman Foundation, Th e Commu- nity Library has been signifi cantly transformed over the past six years, optimizing the existing space by adding a new public entrance and circulation desk, new shelving, carpeting, tables and chairs, and a new Children’s Room. Childcare. Th e majority of South Burlington’s parents are working outside the home. According to the 2005-09 American Community Survey, 68 percent of children under age six likely required day care or after-school care while their parents were at work, DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-17 while 77 percent of children aged 6 to 18 have all parents in their household in the labor force. Parents commuting to jobs in South Burlington may prefer to enroll their children in childcare programs close to their workplace. Th e result of these factors has been an increasing demand for childcare and after-school programs to meet the needs of working parents and their children. Within Chittenden County, it is most diffi cult to fi nd care for children from infancy to age three. Child Care Resource is a non-profi t human service organization located in Chittenden County. It helps families and providers make child care connections, strengthen early learning opportunities by working with early care and education providers, and cre- ate child care solutions for communities. Each day, about 6,500 Chittenden County children attend a child care or after-school program and: ✦30 percent live in poverty ✦Some have experienced abuse, neglect or homelessness ✦Some are new Americans ✦Some have developmental, physical, emotional or behavioral challenges Child Care Resource recently completed a study for the South Burlington School District assessing early childhood education, of which child care is a component. Th e study and its working group revealed a trend of families with young children seeming to leave South Burlington before the children reach school age and identifi ed poten- tial opportunities to support young children and their families so that children enter kindergarten eager to learn and ready to participate. Child Care Resources provided the city with the following statistics about the supply of child care in South Burlington, as of 2011: ✦Licensed Child Care Centers. Th ere are three child care centers providing full-day care for children ages birth to fi ve. Among those, there are 158 slots and a vacancy rate of one percent. All three been recognized for quality. Two participate in Vermont’s Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS) and of those, one has attained 3 STARS and one has attained 5 STARS (the highest level of STARS). Two of the programs provide publicly funded prekinder- garten in partnership with the South Burlington School District and one is working toward this goal. ✦Registered Family Child Care Homes. Th ere are eight registered family child care homes that also provide full-day care for children ages birth to fi ve. Some provide care for school age children up to age 12 as well. Among those there are 64 slots and a current vacancy rate of fi ve percent. Two of these programs have been recognized for quality, one at the 3 STAR level and one at the 5 STAR level. Two of the programs provide publicly funded prekinder- garten in partnership with the South Burlington School District and Child Care Resource. ✦Licensed Family Child Care Homes. Th ere is one licensed family child care home that provides full-day care for children ages birth to fi ve and part-day care for school age children. Th is program has 12 slots and a current vacancy DRAFT 4-18 city of south burlington comprehensive plan rate of zero percent. It has 4 STARS and provides publicly funded prekinder- garten in partnership with the South Burlington School District and Child Care Resource. ✦Licensed Preschool Programs. Th ere are fi ve licensed preschool programs that provide part-day and full-day options for children ages 3-5. Among those, there are 104 slots and a current vacancy rate of fi ve percent. Four of the fi ve programs hold 5 STARS. All but one of the programs provides publicly funded prekindergarten in partnership with the South Burlington School District. ✦Licensed After-School Programs. Th ere are fi ve licensed after-school pro- grams providing part-day care for children ages 5-12. Among those, there are 225 slots and a vacancy rate of less than one percent. One of the programs has received quality recognition of 3 STARS. Lands, Parks, Natural Areas within the City. Th e following is an inventory of parks, open space lands, and associated facilities within the community. Th ey are organized below by a hierarchy of function within the community as described within each. Th ey are further organized by their principal existing and planned uses as described in the pull out box within this section. Principal Existing & Planned Uses: ✦Natural Areas. Natural areas have generally been historically undeveloped, though most of the land in the region was logged and farmed for some por- tion of its history. Many contain unusual communities of plants and animals, rare species, and exceptional geological features, while others serve as part of wildlife corridors, refuges, or habitat areas. Each of these are publicly owned, University-owned, or privately conserved. Future needs for natural areas are identifi ed within the Ecological Resources section of this Plan. ✦Active Recreation. Active recreation areas are generally provide one or more facilities geared towards physical activity, such as ballfi elds, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, rinks, beaches, and tracks. Future needs for active recreation facilities are identifi ed within the Recreation section of this Plan. ✦Passive Recreation. Passive recreation areas such as tracks of lands with walk- ing & hiking trails, undesignated fi elds, picnic sites, and viewing areas. Th ey may be associated with natural areas, active recreation, or may be their own sites. Future needs for active recreation facilities are identifi ed within the Rec- reation and Ecological Resources section of this Plan. ✦Agriculture. Agricultural areas include uses such as larger-scale farming, community-supported agriculture, and community gardens. Th ey may be associated with natural areas, active recreation, or may be their own sites. Fu- ture needs for active recreation facilities are identifi ed within the Recreation and Ecological Resources section of this Plan.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-19 ✦Other. Additional designated listed within this section of the plan are specifi c to individual owners or sites such as educational facility, research, private recreation, community center. Citywide Parks, Lands & Facilities. Citywide parks and natural areas are those owned designed as gathering points for large community events and activities and are typically intended for regular enjoyment by residents throughout the city and region. ✦Dorset Park (uses: active recreation). A 210-acre city park providing both passive and active recreational activities, located immediately south of I-89 and east of Dorset Street. Dorset Park is divided into two segments, the City Park and Country Park. Th e 70-acre City Park currently has two soccer fi elds, one regulation and two youth baseball fi elds, open fi eld spaces, two indoor ice arenas (privately operated), a children’s playground, a community bandshell, a Veterans’ memorial, picnic pavilion with tables, rest rooms, and a solar ar- ray. ✦Red Rocks Park (uses: passive recreation, natural area, limited active rec- reation). 100 acres on Shelburne Bay; it is mostly wooded kept in natural condition with walking paths and hiking trails. It includes 700 feet of public beach, picnic areas, and parking areas. A management plan for the park’s future use and maintenance is under development. Proposed Action: comple- tion of management plan. ✦Overlook Park (uses: passive recreation). 1.7 acres located on the west side of Spear Street, north of Deerfi eld Drive. It contains viewing areas and picnic tables and has parking. ✦Community Dog Park (use: actively recreation). Established in 2010, the Community Dog Park is located at the east end of Kirby Road. It includes a parking area and fenced areas for large and small dogs on land leased from the City of Burlington. ✦Wheeler Nature Park (uses: natural area, passive recreation, limited ag- riculture). Th is 100+ acre parcel is located at the corner of Swift and Dorset Streets and lies adjacent to Dorset Park. It is a designated natural area that requires voter approval for any other use to take place on the property. Th e park includes the Wheeler Homestead, a historic building with offi ce and other space with affi liated community and display gardens and a city tree nursery. A management plan for the park’s future use and maintenance is under development. Proposed Action: completion of management plan. ✦Oak Creek Properties (current use: passive recreation, natural area; planned uses: natural area, to be determined). Th is land includes Th ree (3) separate parcels owned by the City. Th e southerly parcels are wooded natural areas designated as permanent open space; the northerly parcel is half wooded DRAFT 4-20 city of south burlington comprehensive plan and half open fi elds and is not formally designated by the City. Proposed Ac- tion: development of management plan ✦Scott Property (current use: natural area, planned use: TBD based on management plan). Acquired by the City in the mid-2000s, this 40-acre open space property serves as part of a wildlife corridor that extends from Shelburne Pond towards the Dorset Park Natural Area. A small pond is lo- cated on the parcel. Th e property was purchased with the city’s Open Space funds. A management plan has not yet been developed. Proposed Action: development of a management plan ✦Underwood Property (current use: agriculture; planned use: to be deter- mined). Acquired by the City in 2013, this 60-acre property includes open fi elds, woodlands, wetlands, and spectacular views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Th e property was purchased with the city’s Open Space funds. A management plan has not yet been developed. Proposed Action: development of management plan. ✦South Burlington High School-Middle School (current use: educational facility, active recreation). Th is 80-acre parcel includes school buildings, the community library, several fi elds designed for baseball/softball, football/ soccer/lacrosse, etc., a running track, tennis courts, and additional facilities. When not in use by the school district or otherwise leased out, they are avail- able for public use. ✦Municipal Building Sites: See specifi c sections on city government, public works, police, and fi re/rescue Citywide Parks, Lands & Facilities not owned by the city or schools. Th ese lands and parks serve an important city-wide role in the community. Some of these lands are designated for conservation and public use, while others are used or planned for agricultural and research facilities and may not be regularly open to the public. Still others are undesignated by the University. ✦University of Vermont Lands: Th e following lands, and others, are owned and operated by the University of Vermont and are detailed with the Univer- sity’s Campus Master Plan in greater detail. ✦ East Woods (uses: natural area, passive recreation, research, educa- tion) is a 40-acre parcel with an old-age stand of hardwoods with groves of huge hemlock and red pine. A great variety of shrubs, including viburnums and dogwoods, grow here along with a rich herbaceous fl ora. Th is type of for- est is considered to be rare and is of local, regional and state importance. It is owned by the University of Vermont and in April 1971, the University Board of Trustees adopted a resolution designating East Woods a Natural Area. ✦ Centennial Woods (uses: natural area, passive recreation, research, education). Centennial Woods is a 40-acre forest site of old age softwoods DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-21 dominated by white pine, red pine and hemlock. Hardwoods characterized by red maple make up the understory. Forests such as this are not uncom- mon. It is considered to be of local, regional and state importance. It is owned by the University of Vermont. It was designated by the University Board of Trustees in April, 1971 as a Natural Area. ✦ Blasberg Horticultural Research Center Site (current uses: research, education, agriculture; planned uses academic/ residential). Th is 97-acre site is owned and operated by the university as a agricultural and horticultural research and education center. Th is area contains extensive orchards, orna- mental trees and shrubs and natural woodland areas, meadows and ponds. Th e farm off ers a diverse wildlife habitat and is a stopover for migratory birds. A prehistoric Native American village and artifact site are also located on this land. ✦ Miller Research Farm Complex (current uses: education, education, agriculture; planned uses: academic, undesignated). Th is 68-acre parcel con- tains the mains farm buildings and is used for education, research and out- reach and includes a dairy herd, additional animals, solar research, and more. ✦ Bio-Research Complex (current uses: research, education, agricul- ture; planned uses academic). Th is 51- acre parcel includes land leased to USDA Forest Service, solar power generation facilities, and agricultural crop- land, among others. ✦ Edlund 1969 Tract (current uses: forested; planned uses unassigned). Th is site is an example of Pleistocene “fossil” sand dunes, associated with the Champlain Sea about 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. Th is sand dune fi eld is located predominantly on UVM land on the west side of Spear Street ap- proximately midway between I-189 and Swift Street. Th e occurrence of this phenomenon is rather rare and the report of the VNRC states that this site is in need of physical management to maintain its unique state. Th is sand dune fi eld exists in a sensitive and fragile form within an urban environment. Th ese dunes are considered to be signifi cant on both the local and state levels. ✦ Main Campus (use: academic, residential) Portions of the main cam- pus, including athletic fi elds, parking, tracks, etc. are located with the City of South Burlington along Spear Street. ✦ Additional sites – Deslauriers, Tracts, Martin Tract, Whittlesey Tract, VonTurkovich Tract, Wheelock Tracts, Centennial: (current uses: natural ar- eas, research, agriculture; planned uses: various). Th ese tracts all form part of the University of Vermont’s land bank and have various academic uses. ✦Vermont National Golf Course (uses: private recreation, public recreation use in winter). A private golf course, city residents are permitted to make use of the Vermont National Golf Course fairways for snowshoeing and cross- country skiing during winter months when there is snow on the ground.DRAFT 4-22 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Community Parks, Lands & Facilities. Community parks, facilities, and lands are those that are are designed for organized activities and sports, or serve as focal points for in various parts of the city. While they are generally open to residents and visitors from across the city and region, their principal use is from nearby neighborhoods. ✦Farrell Park (use: active recreation). A 22.89 acre park, located on Swift Street; developed facilities include a fenced youth baseball fi eld (little league size) a regulation size fi eld that can be used for baseball, softball and soccer, and a playground and picnic tables. Th e Recreation Path goes through this Park. Parking is available. ✦Jaycee Park (uses: active recreation, community center). A 6.9 acre facility on Patchen Road; it has one lighted youth baseball/adult softball fi eld, small picnic area with shelter, basketball courts, playground, parking, an adjacent building with heat and rest rooms, and an open fi eld area for fi eld sports. Th e O’Brien Center is available for community meetings and special events. ✦Dumont Property (current use: natural area, passive recreation; planned use to be determined). Th is small, city-owned parcel sits between Iby Street and San Remo Drive. It is located adjacent to Tributary 3 to the Potash Brook and areas that have been identifi ed for future recreation associated with City Center. A community planning eff ort will determine its ultimate design. Pro- posed Action: development of a park plan ✦Mayfair Park / Kennedy Drive Natural Area (uses: natural area, passive recreation). Th is area encompasses approximately 50 acres of land on the northwest side of Kennedy Drive. Potash Brook runs through this land and there are many natural springs forming a wetland. Forest cover contains white pine and some mixture of hemlock, elm and red maple trees. Th is natural area was accumulated over the course of several years, having been initially identi- fi ed as a natural area in the “South Burlington Natural Resource Inventory”, September, 1967. ✦South Burlington High School Natural Area (uses: natural area, passive recreation). Located on the north side of Kennedy Drive between east of the High School playing fi elds, this natural area serves as an important part of the Potash Brook tributary system with substantial wetland areas and includes a walking trail linking the school to nearby neighborhoods. ✦Goodrich Property (current uses: natural area, passive recreation; planned uses: wetland restoration). Acquired as a permanent public easement by the city of South Burlington in 2010, this 22-acre open space site lies imme- diately north of the Muddy Brook Natural Area. It includes wetland areas, riparian banks, and various open and forested areas. ✦Orchard School (uses: educational facility, active recreation). Owned and operated by SB School District, this 13.4 acre facility includes school DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-23 buildings, a basketball court, a ball fi eld, and playground equipment, ice skat- ing is available in the winter months. ✦Central School (uses: educational facility, active recreation). Owned and operated by SB School District, this11.8 acre site includes school building; playground equipment, a ball fi eld, and multiple-use fi eld area. Ice skating is available in the winter months. ✦Chamberlin School (uses: educational facility, active recreation). Owned and operated by SB School District, this 10.2 acre property includes school building, a basketball court, playground equipment, ball fi eld, and multiple- use fi eld area. Ice skating is available in the winter months. Community Parks, Lands & Facilities Not owned by the city or schools. Th ese lands and parks are owned by separate entities from the city and/or school district, but are open to the public for enjoyment. Th ey typically serve a more localized population than city-wide facilities due to their size, accessibility, location, or intended intensity of use. ✦Muddy Brook Natural Area (uses: natural area, wetland mitigation, pas- sive recreation). Owned and operated by Winooski Valley Parks District, this natural area was purchased and restored for its wetland features by the Burlington International Airport. Situated along the west bank of the Muddy Brook, it includes a clayplain forest area and walking trails for public use. ✦Winooski Valley Parks District Lime Kiln Park (uses: passive recreation, natural area). Owned and operated by Winooski Valley Parks District. Situ- ated on the west side of Lime Kiln Road immediately south of the Winooski River, this small public natural area and walking trail is perched high above the Winooski River with dedicated parking and an overlook onto the river. ✦Winooski Valley Parks District Muddy Brook Outlet (uses: passive recre- ation, natural area). Owned and operated by Winooski Valley Parks District Th is public park is located at the confl uence of the Muddy Brook and Win- ooski River. It includes a carry-in boat launch and a wide range of shrubs and forested areas. Neighborhood Parks, Lands & Facilities. Neighborhood parks are publicly-owned, generally lightly developed or undeveloped recreational facilities that are intended to be focal points of local neighborhoods. Most users walk to these parks, though limited parking is provided in some cases. ✦Szymanski Park (uses: active recreation, passive recreation). Twenty (20) acres in the south end of the City, reached by way of Andrews Avenue or Cranwell Drive. Park includes 2 lighted tennis courts, picnic tables, basket- ball court, tot lot, parking and fi tness trail. Th e Recreation Path goes through this park.DRAFT 4-24 city of south burlington comprehensive plan ✦Garvey Property (uses: passive recreation, natural area). Th e Garvey prop- erty sits on Williston Road between Victory Drive and Mills Avenue. It is a small, linear, city-owned parcel connecting Williston Road and two parts of a long-established residential neighborhood. ✦DeGraff e Property (uses: passive recreation, natural area). Located at the end of Duval Street and southeast of Queensbury Road, this small city- owned property is surrounded on all sides by residential neighborhoods. Its topography includes steep banks that fuel tributaries to Centennial Brook. ✦Quail Run (uses: natural area) Small lot sites. Neighborhood pocket properties, in most cases publicly-owned, un- developed recreational facilities that either intended to be accessible to local neighbor- hoods or serve a current or future neighborhood function. No parking is typically available. ✦Baycourt Park (current use: passive recreation; future uses: possible active recreation). Small neighborhood play area located west of Spear Street. It is presently maintained as an open fi eld. Future use would be determined by development of a park plan. ✦Queen City Park lot (current use: unassigned; future use: unassigned). Th is house-lot parcel is presently undesignated by the City. ✦Baycrest Park (current uses: passive recreation; planned additional rec- reational uss to be determined). Small neighborhood open spacenorth of Allen Road. It is presently maintained as an open fi eld. Future use would be determined by development of a park plan. ✦Butler Farms lots. (uses: passive recreation, stormwater management). A series of small parcels located within the neighborhood. Historically open lots, they have recently been given a role in stormwater management for the neighborhood. ✦Queen City Park (uses: passive recreation, active recreation). Owned and maintained by the Fire District, this 1.4-acre neighborhood play area serves the local neighborhood. Private Parks, Conservation Lands, and Sports Complexs. A series of private parks, conserved lands, and sports complexes are owned and operated throughout the city. Several homeowner associations maintain facilities for this residents; while a handful of companies and clubs operate facilities for the public or for members. Th ese include tennis courts, swimming pools, gyms, tot lots, community buildings, conserved farm- land, and golf facilities. Facilities with specifi c city involvement include: ✦Vermont National Golf Course (uses: private recreation). 18-hole Jack Nicholas Signature golf course, 2 tennis courts, a driving range, a 25-meter DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-25 junior Olympic pool, and a skating rink. See note above regarding winter access for the public. ✦Rice High School (uses: education, private recreation). 30 acres, including buildings: includes 1 baseball fi eld, I football fi eld, I fi eld hockey area and 1 running track. ✦Bread & Butter Farm (uses: agriculture). Totaling approximately 140 acres in South Burlington (~80) and Shelburne (~60), this farmland was conserved in 2010 by the Vermont Land Trust, City of South Burlington, and Town of Shelburne. Th e property was sold to the Bread and Butter Farm by the Vermotn Land Trust for operation within an agricultural easement. It is oper- ated as private land. Th e conservation agreement contains provisions for n public, unpaved recreation path easement connecting Cheesefactory Road to the Scott Property, in a location to be determined. Primary and Secondary Schools. Th e South Burlington School District currently operates fi ve schools that serve approximately 2,500 students in grades K-12, as de- scribed below: ✦Rick Marcotte Central School (formerly the Central Elementary school) serves students in grades K-5 from a 12.1-acre site at 10 Market Street. Th e 59,000-square foot school had an enrollment of 361 students in 2010. Th e district’s 2008 facility study determined the school had a capacity of 420 students, as compared to a capacity of 489 students established in the 1998 study. ✦Chamberlin School serves students in grades K-5 from a 10-acre site at 262 White Street. Th e 76,000-square foot school had an enrollment of 258 stu- dents in 2010. Th e district’s 2008 facility study determined the school had a capacity of 300 students, as compared to a capacity of 425 students estab- lished in the 1998 study. ✦Orchard School serves students in grades K-5 from a 13.5-acre site at 2 Baldwin Avenue. Th e 57,000-square foot school had an enrollment of 361 students in 2010. Th e district’s 2008 facility study determined the school had a capacity of 360 students, as compared to a capacity of 510 students established in the 1998 study. ✦Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School serves students in grades 6-8 from an 80- acre site shared with the high school at 550 Dorset Street. Th e 111,000-square foot school had an enrollment of 530 students. Th e district’s 2008 facility study determined the school had a capacity of 625 students, as compared to a capacity of 918 students established in the 1998 study. ✦South Burlington High School serves students in grades 9-12 from an 80-acre site shared with the middle school at 550 Dorset Street. Th e 158,000-square foot school had an enrollment of 937 students. Th e district’s 2008 facility study determined the school had a capacity of 750 students, as compared to a capacity of 1,200 students established in the 1998 study.DRAFT 4-26 city of south burlington comprehensive plan High-quality education for all children in the community is one of the most signifi - cant and basic services that the City of South Burlington must provide. Th e school system is actively engaged in planning for its future and maintains a current Strate- gic Plan. Th e tradition of close cooperation and communication between the School Board and the various municipal boards and commissions should be maintained. Th is is important in light of the shared interest of all city residents in the quality of the edu- cation system and in the increasing use of school facilities by community members. Th e importance of public education is represented, in part, by the amount of funds al- located to the school system. Public education accounts for approximately 76 percent of property taxes collected in the city. Under the state’s education funding formula, the South Burlington’s school district receives back approximately 91 cents for every dollar of education property tax collected in the city, with the remainder supporting education in less property wealthy communities around the state. University of Vermont. Th e University of Vermont owns 571 acres of land in South Burlington, which is part of its South Campus area. Th e South Campus is currently utilized primarily for instruction and research focused on bio-research, agricultural, horticultural and natural areas management. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Police. Th e need for and challenge of providing adequate police protection, a funda- mental municipal service, increases as the population grows and businesses expand or locate in the city. Th e increasing pressures on the city caused by population growth, traffi c, commercial and residential development all pose signifi cant concerns for local planners, as well as police offi cials. It is important that political leaders and the public not develop unrealistic expectations for community policing in terms of crime deterrence or speed of implementation. Community policing calls for long-term commitment; it is not a quick fi x. Achieving ongoing partnerships with the community and eradicating the underlying causes of crime will take planning, fl exibility, time and patience. Political and community lead- ers must be regularly informed of the progress of community policing eff orts to keep them interested and involved. Th e police organization must stress that the success of community policing depends on sustained joint eff orts of the police, local govern- ment, public and private agencies, and members of community. Th is cooperation is indispensable to deterring crime and revitalizing our neighborhoods. Fire and Rescue. While there is no such thing as absolute protection, the degree of fi re risk should be restricted to an acceptable level as the city grows. Th e best available source for fi re protection standards has been the Insurance Services Offi ce (ISO), which is a nonprofi t organization fi nanced by insurance underwriters and charged with the task of evaluating fi re protection services in order to establish fi re insurance rates. Th e city’s fi re protection plan consists of two components:DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-27 ✦Using ISO survey recommendations as a guideline for budgeting future oper- ating and capital costs for fi re protection, and ✦Including fi re protection as a criterion in the review of new development (i.e. roads and access, building locations and materials, hydrant spacing, etc.). Land Development and Emergency Response. It will be important for the com- munity to plan for how emergency response will be will be able to eff ectively serve future needs, understanding that development patterns impact response strategies as well as facility and equipment needs: ✦New development that is far away from existing stations places greater de- mands on time and equipment than development that is nearby. ✦Need to be prepared for moderate annual increase in calls due to population aging and increased population / businesses ✦Th e presence of the Burlington International Airport makes access to busi- nesses and neighborhoods to the north more diffi cult from central locations in the city. ✦As the more mixed use, higher-density development takes place, equipment, policies and training will need to be adjusted. Library. In 2005, a facility study concluded that the existing library was approaching capacity and would require additional space to continue to function in the commu- nity’s best interests. Th e study also stated that the high school benefi ts more than the community in the combined library model. While the community benefi ts from the current model by receiving the school custodial, maintenance and computer services, the study highlighted the signifi cant problems in the combined model which include: Lack of space for programs; ✦Lack of quiet reading/study areas; ✦Lack of parking; ✦Excessive noise and a predominance of student use during school hours; and ✦School regulations that impact public use of the computers, meeting space and library use. ✦Phase II of the facility study, completed in 2006, defi ned future space needs if the library continues to serve both the public and the high school, as well as to determine the future space needs if the public library was to vacate its current home and construct a new public library. Extensive data was collected from Th e Wisconsin Public Library Standards (a nationally recognized standard), six community/school focus groups, a library consultant, and interviews with key stakeholders, and a survey mailed to random community members. Th e city is currently considering if a separate library should be constructed in the City Center area to serve the community. ✦Primary and Secondary Schools. While the city has not been immune to regional demographic changes like an aging population and smaller fami- lies, the quality and reputation of the South Burlington schools continues attract families to the city. A 1999 survey of families with students new to DRAFT 4-28 city of south burlington comprehensive plan South Burlington indicated that more than 80 percent moved here because of the city’s reputation for a quality school system. Th e ability of families with children to move to the city is directly linked to the availability of aff ordable housing and employment opportunities. Th ese interrelated factors need to be monitored on an ongoing basis to anticipate changes in enrollment that would trigger a need for expanded or new educational facilities or services. Total enrollment in South Burlington has been reasonably steady during the past decade and school district projections do not indicate any signifi cant changes on the horizon. While enrollments are not increasing rapidly, they are slowly growing and perhaps more signifi cantly, the school district’s educational programs are evolving to meet the needs of 21st century students. Th is had led to concerns about the capacity of existing facilities. Th e capacity of the city’s public schools is determined through a number of inter- related and frequently changing variables (state and federal regulations such as those which relate to special education, required support services and programs, teacher union contract provisions, curriculum and programs, and desired student-teacher ratios, etc.). For purposes of planning for future facilities, the district considers enroll- ment at 90 percent of program capacity to be an “action point” at which an additional facility is warranted for consideration. In 1998, a School Capacity Study calculated the mathematical maximum capacity of the city’s public school facilities is estimated to be 4,165 pupils (1,675 in grades K-5 and 2,490 in grades 6-12). Th is absolute capacity assumed 25 students per classroom evenly distributed across all grades and all schools. Th e maximum capacity was ad- justed by an eff ective factor of 85 percent to refl ect the reality of age, location and scheduling of the student population resulting in a program capacity of 3,541 stu- dents (K-12). However, a decade later the Educational Visioning and Facility Master Planning report determined that the district’s K-12 program capacity was only 2,455 students (a fi gure close to recent enrollments). Th e 2008 report explored a number of alternatives for new, expanded and/or renovated school facilities to meet anticipated needs over the next several decades. To ensure equal treatment of developers and to minimize the impact of new housing on school facilities, standards are used to estimate the number of school children generated by new projects. Th is number is based on the unit confi guration (single- or multi-family), unit costs, whether it is renter or owner occupied, and size (number of bedrooms, square footage). Th e values assigned to these factors are confi rmed and ad- justed by periodic school department reviews. Such reviews are increasingly important as some of the city’s schools are near or operating at their program capacity. School fi nances continue to pose a challenge to the school system, a challenge that has been further complicated by Vermont’s statewide education funding system. Th e changes to the state education funding formula that began with passage of Act 60 in 1997 have increased the tax burden on residential property owners in the city. For decades, South Burlington had sought to maintain a 50/50 split between residential and non-residential property value on the grand list in order to spread the cost of DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-29 Figure 3-7: Statistical Profi le South Burlington County State 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2010 2010 Population 1,736 3,279 6,903 10,032 10,679 12,809 14,879 17,904 156,545 625,741 Under Age 18 4,136 2,885 2,779 3,415 3,382 31,313 129,233 % of Total Population 41.2 27.0 21.7 22.8 18.9 20.0 20.7 Age 65 or Older 428 812 1,336 2,067 2,887 17,685 91,078 % of Total Population 4.3 7.6 10.4 13.9 16.1 11.3 14.6 Households 1,790 2,750 3,819 5,178 6,332 7,987 61,827 256,442 Single Person 1,281 1,924 2,648 17,109 72,233 % of All Households 24.7 30.4 33.2 27.7 28.2 With Children Under Age 18 1,593 1,848 2,018 17,791 72,680 % of All Households 30.8 29.2 25.2 28.8 28.3 Average Household Size 3.49 2.69 2.42 2.31 2.19 2.37 2.34 Housing Units 525 933 1,273 2,879 3,972 5,437 6,498 8,429 65,722 322,539 Owner Occupied 2,089 2,832 3,709 4,351 5,186 40,310 181,407 % of All Housing Units 72.6 71.3 68.2 67.0 61.5 61.3 56.2 Renter Occupied 661 987 1,469 1,981 2,801 21,517 75,035 % of All Housing Units 23.0 24.8 27.0 30.5 33.2 32.7 23.3 Detached Units 2,891 3,379 3,747 36,894 229,116 % of All Housing Units 53.2 52.0 47.7 58.0 72.9 Attached Units 2,396 3,114 4,113 26,686 85,053 % of All Housing Units 44.1 47.9 52.3 42.0 27.1 Source: US Census South Burlington County State 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2000s 2000s Population Growth 1,543 3,624 3,129 647 2,130 2,070 3,025 9,974 16,914 Percent Growth 88.9 110.5 45.3 6.4 19.9 16.2 20.3 6.8 2.8 Average Annual Growth Rate 6.6 7.7 3.8 0.6 1.8 1.5 1.9 0.7 0.3 Household Growth 960 1,069 1,359 1,154 1,655 5,375 15,788 Percent Growth 53.6 38.9 35.6 22.3 26.1 9.5 6.6 Average Annual Growth Rate 4.4 3.3 3.1 2.0 2.3 0.9 0.6 Housing Unit Growth 408 340 1,606 1,093 1,465 1,061 1,931 6,858 28,157 Percent Growth 77.7 36.4 126.2 38.0 36.9 19.5 29.7 11.7 9.6 Average Annual Growth Rate 5.9 3.2 8.5 3.3 3.2 1.8 2.6 1.1 0.9 Source: US Census DRAFT 4-30 city of south burlington comprehensive planSouth BurlingtonCounty State19801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920092009PopulationPopulation Estimate (in thousands) 12.8 13.0 13.2 13.5 13.6 14.0 14.2 14.3 14.5 14.7 14.9 15.3 15.8 16.3 16.5 17.0 17.1 17.4 17.6 Births 111 98 135 144 148 151 167 169 140 159 126 150 139 177 168 160 143 165 144 155 173 146 180 174 198 196 169 174 166Birth Rate10.4 12.8 12.7 13.6 11.4 9.8 11.5 10.5 13.1 12.2 11.4 10.0 11.5 9.9 10.5 11.6 9.5 11.4 10.7 12.0 11.5 9.9 10.0 9.4Deaths65 64 49 50 67 72 73 86 70 70 65 68 81 80 83 96 104 93 104 105 111 98 106 144 134 129 148 130 155HousingUnits Permitted (Census Bureau) 285 129 123 232 169 256 161 74 98 97 31 55 64 131 57 127 65 26 140 216 214 260 296 132 335 47 165 98 91 99Single-Family Units48 11 10 24 35 92 83 56 62 60 17 40 39 41 39 30 26 21 60 67 214 145 88 132 72 47 69 63 46 35Multi-Family Units237 118 113 208 134 164 78 18 36 37 14 15 25 90 18 97 39 5 80 149 0 115 208 0 263 0 96 35 45 64Median Sale Price (in thousand $)93 102 103 107 106 113 119 112 113 117 116 123 145 155 163 180 201 195 235 235 240 230 235 190Adjusted to 2009$ (in thousand $)168 176 169 168 162 166 172 157 153 156 152 159 180 187 193 210 227 213 249 243 238 230 235 190Number of Sales427 313 282 257 220 274 360 280 283 259 352 472 551 567 470 552 553 635 436 442 356 290EconomyEstablishments 414 439 458 485 494 574 608 623 635 700 737 831 867 910 913 932 939 938 939 939 970 980 989 1,032 1,043 1,053 1,062 1,086 1,110 1,107% of Establishments in County13.3 12.9 12.9 13.4 13.6 13.8 13.8 13.7 14.6 15.4 15.4 16.9 17.2 17.7 17.7 17.8 17.5 17.2 17.2 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.7 18.3 18.4 18.4 18.5 18.5 18.5 18.6Employees (in thousands) 7.4 7.9 8.1 8.6 9.2 9.8 10.2 10.7 11.8 13.5 13.5 13.1 13.3 13.9 14.5 15.2 15.9 15.9 16.3 16.8 17.5 17.7 16.9 17.1 17.7 17.9 17.8 17.8 18.4 18.1% of Employees in County13.8 14.0 14.1 14.6 14.9 15.0 15.2 15.1 15.7 17.3 17.5 17.4 17.4 17.8 18.1 18.4 18.7 18.5 18.4 18.4 18.3 18.4 18.0 18.3 18.6 18.8 18.7 18.7 19.4 19.6Average Wage (in thousand $) 11.0 12.2 13.2 14.0 15.1 15.9 16.9 18.0 18.8 19.8 20.2 20.9 22.2 22.7 22.3 23.5 25.1 26.6 28.6 29.9 32.2 32.5 33.3 34.3 35.6 36.6 39.8 39.1 40.6 40.9 45.4 38.8Adjusted to 2009$ (in thousand $) 28.6 28.7 29.3 30.1 31.0 31.7 33.1 33.9 34.0 34.2 33.1 32.8 33.8 33.6 32.2 33.0 34.2 35.4 37.6 38.4 40.0 39.2 39.6 39.9 40.3 40.0 42.2 40.4 40.3 40.9 45.4 38.8Gross Sales Tax (in million $) 1,054 1,062 1,075 1,111 1,336 1,341 1,352 1,540 1,702 1,518 1,310 1,283 1,279 1,291 1,512 1,469 1,435 1,590 1,691 1,518 Retail Sales Tax (in million $) 255 288 275 279 297 317 323 318 344 303 316 347 327 324 337 347 343 329 341 303 Use Sales Tax (in million $) 16 27 23 17 23 26 17 21 22 17 20 33 27 20 26 28 18 22 22 17 DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-31 community facilities and services across a diverse tax base. Th e state education prop- erty tax system eff ectively results in a higher tax rate on residential property as any revenue to be generated above an established “excess spending limit” is derived solely from residential taxpayers. University of Vermont. Th e University of Vermont’s Campus Master Plan provides a fl exible framework that can accommodate changes in attitudes about campus en- vironments, new technologies and revised institutional requirements. Th e current plan directly addresses the growth of the campus through 2015, and looks forward to growth in the decades beyond. In 2006, UVM’s Board of Trustees voted to approve the current version of the Campus Master Plan. Chapter 5 of the Campus Master Plan provides an analysis of existing conditions, an analysis of the frameworks identifi ed for campus planning, an overview of the design guidelines established for the South Campus, and an illustrative plan that provides an overview of the university’s future vision for the South Campus. Th e Campus Master Plan has also identifi ed a number of infi ll land banks to organize future development since the university’s needs for academic, housing, administrative and support space will continue to evolve. Land Banks in the South Campus are delineated primarily for two uses: academic and residential. Buildings and their associated infrastructure will fi t within these desig- nated areas when and if the university proceeds with a specifi c development initiative. Th e residential land banks might have some academic or institutional use associated with them but at this point in time there are no specifi c plans for such properties. Alternative housing strategies and joint community partnerships may be a possible consideration for these sites. Th e East Woods Natural Area serves important environ- mental and community purposes and is considered a no build zone. From the city’s perspective, the university-owned Centennial Woods Natural Area and East Woods Natural Area provide a tremendous benefi t to the city and region in terms of open space preservation and passive recreation. In regards to the remaining parcels in South Burlington, it is the city’s desire that the properties continue to be used for educational, research and agricultural purposes. Th ese lands are well suited to an educational emphasis due their proximity to the main campus of the Univer- sity of Vermont. In addition, the provision of higher education services contributes a far-reaching benefi t to the welfare of the community and region, including quality education for the citizenry, attraction and retention of business, and relatively high paying jobs. FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS City Offi ces. In June 2007, a study committee presented the following summary of city offi ce needs: ✦Vault and record storage ✦Offi ce space DRAFT 4-32 city of south burlington comprehensive plan ✦Meeting space ✦Map room ✦Conference rooms ✦Adequate furniture/interior ✦Adequate information systems With the relocation of the Police Department in May 2010 and the continued atten- tion to the development of City Center, there are many potential opportunities for the use of some or all of the City Offi ces at 575 Dorset Street. Emergency Management. Several population and development trends in South Burlington will shape emergency management in the coming years. ✦Population Growth and Development. Population growth is expected to continue at a rate of average rate of 1.5 to 2.0 percent annually, with residen- tial construction is expected to continue at a similar or slightly higher pace. Commercial development is also anticipated to continue at a similar pace. Th is development will likely include a combination of infi ll using facility infrastructure and new development requiring infrastructure extensions. It is also anticipated that growth and development will vary by individual year. As more people and businesses reside in and visit the community, emergency response needs will grow as well. ✦Population Aging. Gradual aging of the resident population – and develop- ment of additional senior housing facilities - will infl uence future emergency response needs, in particular fi re and rescue needs. ✦City Center Development. Th e built environment of City Center – compact streets coupled with multi-story mixed use development – will infl uence fu- ture emergency response needs, including potential foot or bicycle police pa- trol, confi ned space fi re and rescue training, and other specialized needs. Th is built environment may also provide opportunities for community sheltering. ✦Southeast Quadrant Development. Anticipated development in the South- east Quadrant will eventually necessitate a fi re substation in that area of the city. Primary and Secondary Schools. Neighborhood schools are “creators of commu- nity” and an essential component of the city’s quality of life. Neighborhood schools minimize the need for transportation for those students within walking distance. Side- walks and signaled cross walks should be provided during the review process of new developments to allow students to walk safely to school. Similarly for those students outside walking distance sidewalks should be provided to school bus stops. Th ese stops should be located away from residences or appropriately buff ered so that wait- ing groups of students do not disturb residents. In general, city streets and sidewalks, especially along arterials and collectors, should be constructed to serve new residential developments and provide safe pickup stops for school busses that do not impede high volume of through traffi c.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-33 Th e continued build out of the Southeast Quadrant remains a matter of concern to the school district. It is evident that the collective impact of growth must be consid- ered and not just the single impact of a project on the school district. Th e district has started planning for a new elementary school to serve students in the SEQ with a preliminary analysis of a site at Oak Creek Village. While the location has some environmental constraints (wetlands and natural community corridor), the study in- dicated that an elementary school could be accommodated. Th e relocation the city’s middle or high schools to the site was determined to be less feasible. E. Quality of Life The South Burlington Comprehensive Plan is intended to provide a road map to the continued eff orts of the community to provide the highest possible quality of life for its current and future residents and visitors. This is met through establishing policies that support the needs of an increasingly diverse population in their homes and search for housing, in their workplaces, in their schools, in their recreation, and in their community as a whole. OVERVIEW Th e focus of this plan is on the physical environment that the community shares: natural areas and rivers, parks, neighborhoods, commercial and employment centers, roadways and recreation paths. Th e physical space sets the groundwork for true qual- ity of life measures: aff ordability of housing, availability of employment, mobility of transportation, conservation of natural resources, provision of community and emer- gency services, and opportunities for public interaction and gathering. Each chapter of this Plan is designed and drafted to support this eff ort from the vari- ous perspectives and topic areas that infl uence or are infl uenced by the use of land and the provision of services by the city and schools. A handful of important contributing factors to a high quality of life in the city, however are not specifi cally enumerated elsewhere in the Plan and therefore are discussed below. Th ey include: ✦Design of the built environment ✦Public and community services ✦Community engagement DESIGN OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Th ere are defi ned aesthetic qualities that aff ect the perception of South Burlington. Th e built environment, open spaces, scenic views, and natural areas help to defi ne the city as well as its various neighborhoods and business districts. New design should respect the existing landscape and positively contribute to it. Open spaces and natural areas essential to scenic views and historic landscapes should be identifi ed and pre- served for future generations. Th is plan seeks to allow for responsible development DRAFT 4-34 city of south burlington comprehensive plan that positively contributes to the community while preserving the essential elements of the city’s landscape that defi ne South Burlington for future generations to enjoy. Among the strategies of this Plan to promote a quality built environment: ✦Design Review. Th e city has successfully implemented several design review districts within its City Center. Th is eff ort has proved successful and it is a concept that is proposed to be explored in other areas of the city. It is in the interest of the city to improve its appearance in order to enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents, businesses and visitors. ✦Public Infrastructure. Improvements to the appearance and aesthetics of the city can be accomplished by such actions as placing utilities underground, planting trees and landscaping along city streets, and enforcing sign regula- tions. ✦Landscaping. Several existing features in the Land Development Regulations should be maintained and applied in order to improve the aesthetic quality of the city. Th ese may include landscaping requirements, setbacks, buff ers around project perimeters, conservation of existing vegetation, berming in select areas, shielding large parking areas with landscaping or buildings, and buff ers between confl icting land uses. ✦Lighting. Continuing to require that lighting within the city be attractive and downcast is an important component of the community’s aesthetics. Th e inclusion of incentives or requirements for energy effi ciency, dark sky compli- ant standards, and pedestrian-scaled design should also be explored. ✦Stormwater. Stormwater is becoming an increasingly important issue in ur- ban design as stormwater facilities and low-impact development techniques are implemented throughout the city (See the Grey Infrastructure chapter). Th ese have the opportunity to be attractive elements of the community if implemented as part of a thoughtful design. ✦Context-Sensitive Site Design. Th e city should also encourage the retention of historic landscapes and the restoration of others. Th e use of additional alternatives to achieve improved aesthetics should be explored, such as requir- ing variable setbacks, the use of high quality traditional building materials, and locating parking to the rear of commercial establishments. It has been a trend in many sectors of the retail area to construct cheap structural shells that are easily changed to accommodate market fl uctuations. Th e city should work with the development community to identify tools to improve the qual- ity and aesthetics of design while maintaining the fl exibility. ✦Quality of Construction. Th e city should guard against poorly built struc- tures that are designed to last less than 50 years. Poor construction of new building could degrade the quality of the city’s built environment as these buildings become used well beyond their expected life span. ✦Public Spaces. It is important that public spaces continue to be fully inte- grated into the built environment. Th ese public spaces, be they parks, recre- ational paths, sidewalks, public squares, outdoor seating at restaurants, and DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-35 more, contribute substantially to the quality to life within the city and help to foster a true sense of community. ✦Open Space Management. Th e city’s public open space areas provide a sig- nifi cant amenity to the community in terms of their conservation of natural resources, their aesthetics, and their availability for public use. Over the past decade, the need to develop long range management plans for the city’s open space has become clear. Th e city should continue to develop, maintain, and Implement these plans. Together, these strategies, combined with those from elsewhere in the plan, are in- tended to implement a smart growth strategy of effi cient use of land and maintenance of high quality developed and undeveloped areas. In the past decade, the city has participated in the establishment of several such areas, including development of the Farrell Street neighborhood, adaptive re-use of buildings along Dorset Street, and conservation management planning for the Wheeler Nature Park. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Several chapters of the Comprehensive Plan provide objectives and strategies related to public infrastructure and facilities designed to serve the needs of the community: streets, recreation paths, water and wastewater facilities, parks, municipal and school buildings, community spaces, and libraries, among others. Related to each of these facilities are the services and activities that take place on and within them, and the need to maintain them for ongoing use. Th e breadth and quality of these services plays an important role in the quality of life in the city. Th ese services fall into a two broad categories: ✦Community Facility Maintenance. Th e upkeep and planned upgrade of public and quasi-public facilities, such as snow plowing, building repair, and pipeline maintenance, are the responsibilities of the system owners and should be planned for on a regular and ongoing basis. Maintaining these facilities allows not only for the basic needs of the community to be met, but provides opportunities for public interaction and enjoyment. It also allows for private community groups to meet and host their activities. ✦Public Services. Community services such as fi re, police, recreational pro- gramming, education, and libraries are critical components of the quality of life of a community. Th ese services provide for both immediate needs and for long-term tools for success and enjoyment by the public. Th e city has worked to enhance many of these services and facilities in the last decade, including the creation of a community room with the new police station, establish- ment of new public open spaces with the voter-approved conservation fund, enhancement of recreation, library, seniors, community policing, stormwater, and overall services of the city, and creation of a new family of city logos that are designed to refl ect the community and its residents. DRAFT 4-36 city of south burlington comprehensive plan COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Residents of the city have a long history of direct involvement in local organizations and municipal governance, as well as a tradition of knowing and helping out their neighbors. Healthy communities are ones in which residents play an active role. In South Burlington, the need for civic engagement is high; a successful community relies heavily on the opinion and work of volunteers. Public involvement takes multiple forms. Th ree in particular are addressed below: voting, community activity participation, and volunteerism. Each of these refl ects a commitment to the community. ✦Voting and Participation in Local Decision-Making. Residents of South Burlington have long voted on the election of municipal and school board offi cials and the school budget. In 2008, an amendment to the municipal charter was enacted providing the voters with the responsibility to vote on the annual municipal budget as well. Th ese four key votes – in addition to those for special ballot items – provide the backbone of the city and school’s op- erations and require an important framework of public information sharing amongst elected offi cials, staff and the public. In between these key annual votes, volunteer boards and committees meet on monthly or semi-monthly basis, hosting discussions and debates and making important decisions re- garding the future of the community. Participation by the public in these regular meetings and events is an important element of maintaining a strong, connected community and making eff ective decisions for its future. At the core of public participation is the need for transparency in operations. Th e city’s charter change to require voting on the budget is an example of this transparency, as is the posting of meeting agendas and studies on the city’s website and overall open approach to public meetings. ✦Community Activity Participation. South Burlington residents have – and make use of – substantial opportunities to participate in community events, both within the city itself and throughout the vibrant Chittenden County area. Local community-based activities and events, such as recreation pro- grams, Green-Up Day, National Night Out, the Fire Department Open House, and library events provide opportunities for enrichment and interac- tion, and for community members to get to know one another; all critical components of a community with a high quality of life. A parallel opportu- nity – and challenge – for South Burlington is the existence of a tremendous variety of activities and programs in Burlington and throughout Chittenden County. Participation in these activities helps to enhance the overall sense of regional community but also presents a diffi cult in people identifying specifi - cally with their home city. It is important the residents continue to be off ered opportunities to engage locally – through community events or neighbor- hood block parties – to ensure a shared understanding of the services and needed and used within our community are discussed and met. ✦Volunteerism. Volunteerism is a critical backbone of any successful com- munity. In South Burlington, over 80 volunteers serve on more than a dozen DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-37 diff erent committees and boards just for the city. Volunteers associated with the South Burlington schools, community groups, and non-profi t organiza- tions within and outside the city extend this fi gure many fold. In addition, many donors have contributed to the community over the years, enhancing facilities and services for all residents to enjoy. Th e city should continue to foster volunteerism and participation in local governance through open and transparent meeting practices, providing community meeting space, use of emergent technology, and outreach to interested individuals who have exper- tise in various subject areas and wish to serve the community.DRAFT 4-38 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4.2. Gray Infrastructure A. Transportation The conveyance of people, goods, and services is a key element of South Burlington’s residential and commercial health. Transportation systems should be designed to provide residents and visitors access to cost- effi cient alternatives for getting to their desired destinations. In addition, transportation systems should provide for the orderly and continued economic growth of our community. The improvements and expansion of transportation systems should also proceed in a way that complements the pattern of existing and proposed land uses. Planning of such systems should be geared to the limited supply of energy and land. OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to transportation in the city include: ✦South Burlington is shifting from an automobile-dependent, suburban de- velopment pattern to a multi-modal, urbanizing development pattern. Th is transition requires changes to the city’s transportation system to accommo- date bicycle/pedestrian travel, transit and greater connectivity in support of the land use goals of this plan. ✦Short commutes, pleasant residential neighborhoods and contiguous open areas are key elements of South Burlington’s quality of life. To maintain both, the city will need to avoid traffi c congestion (through development of a more effi cient, interconnected local street network and through major highway projects such as the Route 2 corridor improvements and Exit 12B) while mitigating the impacts of through traffi c on residential streets. INVENTORY Travel Corridors and Roadway Network. Th ere are approximately 120 miles of roadway in the City of South Burlington. Each of these roadways serves multiple users, from automobiles, busses, and commercial trucks to pedestrians and cyclists. Within each roadway corridor, the city (or state for certain roads) must determine the most eff ective combination of infrastructure within the limited right-of-way. Th e city’s existing transportation network is shown on *Map 5. An inventory of conditions within key corridors is below: 1. Interstates 89 and 189. Th ese routes serve as the primary long distance travel corridors in the region, connecting Chittenden County to areas to the north and southeast. Th ey also serve an intra-regional function connecting with the local transportation network. Travel Infrastructure. Four lanes of divided vehicle travel, with full inter- changes at Williston Road (Exit to I-89), Shelburne Road (to I-189), and DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-39 an interchange that provides access between the two interstates and between Kennedy Drive and Shelburne Road (Exist 13 to I-89 and I-189). Missing Links and Needed Improvements. Needed improvements focus on accesses to the interstate itself, including needed ramp improvements at Exit 14 and the potential for a new interchange access within the city. 2. Shelburne Road (US Route 7). Th is route serves as the primary north-south access for the western corridor of Vermont as well as the principal collector for residential neighborhoods and employment centers in the southwestern portion of South Burlington. It also provides direct access to I-189. Major improvements to the Shelburne and South Burlington (to Imperial Drive) segments of this route were completed in 2006. Travel Infrastructure. Four lanes of vehicle travel with medians for local and regional automobile travelers, commercial vehicles, and transit service; on- road bicycle lanes; sidewalks. Missing Links and Needed Improvements. Th e section of Shelburne Road north of IDX Drive does not contain medians or on-road bicycle lanes, limit- ing the effi ciency of vehicle travel and forcing bicycles onto relatively narrow sidewalks. Safety for pedestrians and cyclists crossing this section of Shel- burne Road is also a concern. 3. Williston Road (US Route 2). Th is route provides local and regional east- west access through Chittenden County. Prior to the construction of I-89, it was the primary east-west corridor in the region. Now its role has been redefi ned as serving primarily local travel needs for people who live and work in the vicinity of the corridor. Th e 2007 Route 2 Corridor Study provides an extensive description of existing conditions on the highway, and short- and long-term solutions to congestion, access, and safety problems. In June 2010, the Chittenden County Transit Agency initiated a revised, direct corridor ser- vice along this route that includes 15-minute bus headways in each direction at peak commuter hours. Travel Infrastructure. Four lanes (reduced to two lanes east of Air Guard Road) vehicle travel for primarily local automobile travelers, commercial ve- hicles, and transit service; sidewalks (intermittent east of Air Guard Road). Missing Links and Needed Improvements. Th e Route 2 Corridor Study highlights several key needed improvements, including access management, pedestrian safety, the need for bicycle infrastructure throughout the corridor and crossing the Interstate, road network capacity west of I-89, and the lack of park and ride facilities. 4. Hinesburg Road (VT Route 116). Hinesburg Road provides primary access between the Burlington area and communities to the southeast. Its northern extremity also lies at the core of a long-establish residential neighborhood, connecting residents to Williston Road and Kennedy Drive. Travel Infrastructure. Two lanes of vehicle travel for primarily local automo- bile travelers and commuters from the southern Chittenden County, limited DRAFT 4-40 city of south burlington comprehensive plan transit service north of I-89; sidewalks on one side of the street north of Hayes Ave, wide shoulders for bicycles south of Tilley Drive. Missing Links and Needed Improvements. Th e northern extremity of Hines- burg Road will need some upgrades in terms of signalization and access man- agement associated with City Center. Sidewalks are missing south of Hayes Avenue towards Tilley Drive. Th e planned interstate interchange (Exit 12B) may also require upgrades. 5. Patchen Road. Patchen Road serves as the extension to Hinesburg Road north of Williston Road, connecting South Burlington with Riverside Av- enue and Colchester Avenue at the Burlington–Winooski border. Th e bridge over I-89 is one of only a handful of connectors between the communities. Th e character of development adjacent to Patchen Road is primarily lower density residential, but the route is used by a handful of commercial and industrial establishments located in Burlington or South Burlington. Travel Infrastructure. Two lanes of vehicle travel for primarily local automo- bile travelers, and some heavy trucks, sidewalks on one side of the street at its southern end; wider lanes that allowed for shared use in some areas. Missing Links and Needed Improvements. Sidewalks exist at the southern end of Patch Road, but do not continue northwards. In addition, sidewalk connections to Burlington are limited. Space exists for bicycle lanes in some areas, but have not traditionally been striped for such use. Traffi c caused by heavy trucks remains a challenge in the residential areas. 6. Spear Street. Th is route parallels Shelburne Road, serving primarily residen- tial transportation needs. Th e 2004 Spear Street Corridor Study includes a full analysis of the roadway’s existing conditions, and recommended strategies for maintaining its functionality and level of service as development proceeds. Travel Infrastructure. Two lanes of vehicle travel for primarily local automo- bile travelers and commuters from the Shelburne area, wide shoulder for bi- cycles on the west side south of Swift Street, separated recreation path north of I-89. Missing Links and Needed Improvements. Recommended improvements for this street are found in the 2004 Spear Street Corridor Study, including inter- section improvements at the Swift Street intersection and improved bicycle lanes. 7. Dorset Street. Dorset Street serves commercial and higher-density residential land use at its northern extent and becomes a north-south collector serving primarily residential transportation needs further south. Th e 2007 Dorset Street Corridor Study describes existing conditions and recommends strate- gies for improvements to ensure the corridor’s ability to maintain and expand high levels of service and safety for all users. Travel Infrastructure. North of Kennedy Drive, Dorset Street is a four-lane road with a median, transit service, and sidewalks/bicycle path on both sides. South of Kennedy Drive, Dorset Street is a two-lane road with intermittent recreation path sections parallel to the roadway.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-41 Missing Links and Needed Improvements. Recommended improvements for this street are found in the 2007 Dorset Street Corridor Study, including in- tersection improvements at the Swift Street intersection and improved bicycle paths and sidewalks south of Cider Mill Road. 8. Kennedy Drive. Kennedy Drive connects I-189 to Williston Road and serves as an important local arterial connection and primary access to the Burling- ton International Airport. Travel Infrastructure. Kennedy Drive was fully reconstructed in 2007 as a landscaped four-lane boulevard, with a planted median island, on-road bi- cycle lanes, recreation path, and sidewalks. Regular transit service is also pro- vided on this road. Missing Links and Needed Improvements. No needed improvements have been identifi ed for this roadway at the present time. 9. Airport Parkway / White Street / Airport Drive. Th ese three roads, together, serve as the primary link between South Burlington and Essex / Colchester, provide access to one of only a handful of crossings over the Winooski River, and to the Burlington International Airport. Travel Infrastructure. Airport Parkway consists of a two-lane roadway with limited sidewalks at its southern extremity. White Street and Airport Drive are two-lane roadways with sidewalks on one side. Missing Links and Needed Improvements. Access in the vicinity of the con- fl uence of these roads is problematic as commuter, business, and airport- bound traffi c converge on primarily residential streets. No bicycle lanes or sidewalks have been established north of Kirby Road along Airport Parkway, while White Street is underserved by sidewalks, with none on the side of the street occupied by the Chamberlain Elementary School. Transit service is present along White Street and Airport Drive, but does not extend along Airport Parkway. 10. Kimball Avenue. Kimball Avenue runs parallel to Williston Road between Kennedy Drive and the Williston town line. Th e roadway serves as a collector for local businesses, a short-cut for traffi c reaching retail destinations in both communities, and as a bicycle commuter route. Travel Infrastructure. Kimball Avenue consists of a two-lane roadway with narrow bicycle lanes on both sides and a partially-established recreation path on the southern side. Limited bus service is also provided on Kimball Avenue as part of the South Burlington Connector route. Missing Links and Needed Improvements. While in vehicular access to and from Kimball Ave is generally strong, a connection to Tilley Drive is planned for some point in the future. Th e bicycle infrastructure on the roadway DRAFT 4-42 city of south burlington comprehensive plan remains limited and in need completion (both in term of on-road striping and recreation paths). 11. Secondary Roads. A substantial network of collector and neighborhood roads link into the primary travel routes in South Burlington described above. Th ese vary in width, size and amenities, but generally consist of two travel lanes, sidewalks (on collector roads and newer roads), and on-street parking. Traffi c Volumes. Th e state highways and several local roads in South Burlington are heavily traveled. Approximately 30,000 vehicle trips are made each day on both Shelburne Road and Williston Road. Hinesburg Road carries around 9,000 vehicle trips daily. Other main travel routes include Dorset Street, Kennedy Drive, Kimball Avenue, Old Farm Road and Shunpike Road. Some of the roads that have experienced the greatest increase in traffi c volume in recent years include: Kimball Avenue, Old Farm Road, Shunpike Road, Dorset Street and Spear Street. Up-to-date traffi c data is maintained by the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization Road Standards and Regulations. South Burlington has adopted road standards and uses its land use regulations and Offi cial Map to maintain and improve traffi c safety and effi ciency. Th e regulations require new development to maintain a certain level of service and the city seeks to avoid exceeding D levels of service or less at peak roadway hours at signalized intersections. Th e city’s regulations can also be used to limit high traffi c generating uses in certain locations. Recreation Path and Sidewalk System. Th e city’s sidewalk and recreation path network is important component of the transportation network envisioned to provide safe non-motorized interconnections both within South Burlington and between the city and adjoining municipalities. South Burlington ordinances allow bicycle riding on sidewalks and recreation paths alike. Th e network includes a combination of segments existing alongside roadways and segments that are more circuitous, following natural features or parks. Currently there are more than 70 miles of sidewalk and more than 20 miles of paved recreation path in the city. Most new residential and commercial streets have sidewalks on at least one side and all new developments are required to provide sidewalks or their equivalent. However, sections of major roads, such as Spear Street, Williston Road, Allen Road, Airport Parkway, Kimball Avenue, and Swift Street lack sidewalks, and frequently where there is sidewalk, it ends abruptly. Th e existing recreation path system has its origins in a grass-roots citizen eff ort to pro- vide for safe travel routes away from automobiles. After extensive public involvement, the group prepared and presented a recreation path proposal to the City Council in 1989. Th e council enthusiastically endorsed the project and designated an offi cial city committee to oversee the path system. Initial construction of the path system was completed in 1992 and additional segments have been added since, funded through a combination of city funds and grants. Pedestrian Trails. Currently there are 10.3 miles of formally recognized pedestrian trails in the city. Th ere are numerous other short sections of trail created informally DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-43 in various neighborhoods. Pedestrian trails are intended to remain in an unpaved, natural state, while recreation paths are intended to be paved for more intensive uses such as bicycling and in-line skating. Th e two networks should be complementary and interconnected. Planning for a public pedestrian trail network began in 1969 and culminated in spe- cifi c proposals in the 1974 Comprehensive Plan. Th ose proposals have been largely implemented through site plan and subdivision review. Also, requests for critical trail links have been made directly to landowners irrespective of any development plans. Recreation Path Committee. Th e Recreation Path Committee seeks and provides guidance on path development from City Council, the Planning Commission, the Development Review Board, other city committees, and the general public. Th e com- mittee holds regular monthly meetings, which are open to the public. Th e committee also coordinates its planning eff orts both with surrounding communities and with re- gional, state, and national path-related programs. Th e committee promotes use of the recreation path system and reminds the public about safety rules via occasional articles in Th e Other Paper. Th e committee also recommends pavement marking and signage both on the path and on the roads to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Path or Trail Easements. Easements obtained over private land are the primary means of locating paths and trails in the city. Easements are usually obtained during the process of development review. Typically the Recreation Path Committee makes recommendations on desirable easements and path/trail alignments to the Develop- ment Review Board. Th e DRB and planning staff then negotiate with the landowner. Transit Services. Th e Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) was formed in 1973 to serve the mass transit needs of it member municipalities. CCTA has grown to provide transit service throughout much of the region through a network of approximately 20 bus routes, as well as commuter links to Montpelier, Middlebury and St. Albans. Ridership has grown steadily since the system’s inception and has ranged from three to eight percent annual increases in recent years. CCTA is funded through annual dues from its member municipalities, state and federal programs, and fares. CCTA passengers may pay per trip or purchase passes at a reduced rate. Discounts are available for senior citizens and student, and some employers and colleges off er free or reduced rate passes to their employees or students. Th ree fi xed routes serve the City of South Burlington: Shelburne Road, Williston Road, and the South Burlington Collector. Th e Williston Road route has among the highest weekday ridership of any route in the CCTA system and was recently rede- signed to provide direct access between Williston and Burlington along Route 2, with only the University Mall as a detour. Th is was coupled with providing service every 15 minutes at rush hour. Both of these changes were implemented following an ex- tensive planning process for the Route 2 Corridor that includes recommendations for DRAFT 4-44 city of south burlington comprehensive plan improved transit service. Th is service is complemented by commuter link services in the direction of Montpelier, Middlebury, and St. Albans. CCTA has placed a signifi cant focus on ridership connections: outfi tting all buses with bicycle carriers, providing additional shelters for riders, and coordinating with local, regional, and state partners on park-and-ride facilities and transit-friendly site design for new development. Air Transportation. Burlington International Airport, a joint civil-military public airport, is managed by the City of Burlington and the federal government. Th e air- port, which sits on nearly 950 acres, dominates land use in the northeastern quadrant of South Burlington. Th e Airport Master Plan, documents the facility’s existing status as well as future proposals through the next 20 years. During the 2000s, the airport experienced an increase in growth and service. Between 2000 and 2008, $24 million in renovations and expansion were invested at Burling- ton International. Th e airport authority recently completed a $15 million expansion project that added fi ve gates, customer service areas, a 948-space parking garage and an elevated connected walkway. A new garage expansion to add two additional fl oors was opened in 2011. In recent years, the airport has averaged approximately 250 aircraft operations per day (50% general aviation, 30% air taxi, 5% military and 15% commercial). Th ere are around 100 aircraft based at the airport including nearly 30 military aircraft. In recent years, the airport has enplaned approximately 750,000 passengers annually. Passenger fl ights to New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago and other regional hubs are available from the various airlines that fl y out of Burlington International Airport. Both major commercial parcel carriers (UPS Airlines and FedEx Express) fl y into Bur- lington International Airport, providing service for much of northern Vermont. Two military installations are based at the airport: Burlington Air National Guard Base 158th Fighter Wing and the Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) of the Vermont Army National Guard. Rail Transportation. Th e Vermont Railway and the Central Vermont Railway both maintain tracks through South Burlington. Th ese routes are presently used on a lim- ited basis for freight service and summer tourist trains. Commuter rail service between Burlington and Charlotte was off ered on the Vermont Railway along Route 7 from late-2000 to early-2003. Long-range plans at the state level call for passenger service to be re-established southward towards Middlebury, Rutland, Albany and New York City.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-45 ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Interconnected Road Network. South Burlington’s road network has a signifi cant lack of the lack of east-west connections, as well as neighborhood and commercial district connections in general. Alternate travel routes have been planned to relieve some of the pressure on the existing arterial network. Th e city has adopted an Offi cial Map that includes several additional east-west connections and other improvements. Th ese improvements are also shown on *Map 8, Future Infrastructure Improvements. Th e planned roads will provide alternate routes of travel and result in a more grid- like network of streets. A grid network provides more alternate routes of travel without unduly impacting any single street with traffi c cutting through the neighborhood as a shortcut. From the 1970s through the 1990s, many of the residential developments in the city constructed cul-de-sac and dead-end streets, which can actually exacerbate traffi c issues on the few streets that do provide access through neighborhoods. Th e wider distribution of traffi c into a more effi cient network will result in increased traffi c for some of the roadways in the vicinity of the planned roads. In 2001, Chit- tenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization prepared an analysis for the city, which documents the likely impacts and changes to traffi c fl ows that would result from constructing the planned roads. Th e study showed that as the number of trips to or from the Taft Corners area of Williston grows and additional development oc- curs in South Burlington, the need for effi cient transportation facilities to serve the demand increases. Th e study recommended roadway designs that are sensitive to the character of neighborhoods and that can discourage cut-through traffi c while still providing access and mobility for neighborhood residents as well as through travelers. Multiple Users. Much of the South Burlington road network was originally designed for a single purpose: to serve automobile traffi c. Th e network has been undergoing a long-term retrofi t to include other primary users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit service, and truck traffi c. In many cases, this has taken place within existing rights-of-way, but in some cases road widening has been necessary. Several key road- ways – notably Williston Road and some of the collectors that serve it – continue to provide only marginal transportation alternatives, which over time has led to increased vehicular traffi c. With increased demand for bicycle, transit and pedestrian amenities to be a part of the standard roadway network, the city will need to evaluate alternatives for the use of existing rights-of-way. Recreation Paths. With increased use of the path system (including sidewalks, rec- reation paths, trails, etc.), the need for the Recreation Path Committee to examine all users and all forms of infrastructure has grown over the past two decades. Th is need will continue into the future.DRAFT 4-46 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Access Management. Access management describes a set of strategies that can be applied to prevent congestion and improve safety as development occurs along road corridors. Access management can greatly improve the safety and effi ciency of arterial streets by reducing the confl ict between “through” and “local” traffi c. South Burling- ton has incorporated access management strategies into its land use regulations and is actively working with landowners to implement access management strategies along heavily traveled roads. Accommodation of “through” traffi c on arterial streets carries a higher priority than access to frontage properties. Th e general pattern of existing and approved develop- ments on Kennedy Drive and Kimball Avenue epitomizes a reasonable confi guration of an arterial highway (i.e., few curb cuts and provision of service roads). Along Route 2 and most of Route 7, where highly fragmented ownership patterns have evolved over many decades there are extreme confl icts between “to” and “through” traffi c. Consequently, even greater congestion in these areas can be reasonably anticipated for the foreseeable future. Th ere are several techniques and improvements that could be implemented, and at least should be explored, in order to improve upon existing problems, provide for anticipated future growth, and maintain the safety and an adequate level of service on arterial streets. Certain geometric improvements can be made to improve safety and maximize capacity. Examples include and safety through installation of proper signing, striping, and control equipment; or provision of stacking lanes at mid-block and intersection locations to segregate “to” and “through” lanes. (Th is may require purchase or exaction of land for road widening of substandard rights-of-way). Transit. Th e recent enhancements to the Williston Road route were refl ective of a demand that had exceeded supply in terms of service in the area. As development den- sity increases in this area – particularly with the establishment of City Center – these needs will again increase. A signifi cant challenge to transit providers in recent years has been the location of new development in areas not presently served. Th e medical facilities in the vicinity of Tilley Drive and Hinesburg Road are examples, as are some senior living facilities throughout the city. CCTA and the city will need to both plan for meeting these needs, as well as provide specifi c strategies to ensure eff ective and effi cient land use along existing transit corridors. Airport. Th e airport is a vital element in economic development and transportation for the county and surrounding region. Th e continued success of the airport will be characterized by increased aircraft operations, runway and terminal improvements, and increased ancillary activity at the southern end of the airport. In the areas of economic development and transportation, the interests of the city and the airport are very closely aligned. Improved roads and transit service in the city generally enhance use of the airport, and the attraction of further light industry to the city will be infl u- enced by proximity to an airfi eld with the broadest possible range of air service.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-47 Th ere are some areas of confl ict that the city and the airport have been striving to improve. Principally, these are the pre-existing residential neighborhoods in the im- mediate environs of the airport. As described in the 2008 Noise Inventory Update and Reuse Plan, 123 residential properties have been identifi ed as being within a 65 decibel noise range. Th e airport has received federal funding to acquire homes from willing sellers and demolish them. Th e airport expects to purchase 10 to 20 homes a year under this program. Th e de- molition of homes poses several challenges for the city and the airport neighborhood including the loss of neighborhood character and some of the city’s aff ordable hous- ing supply and the potential for increased noise impacts to remaining homes having lost their “buff er” of homes that have been removed. Th e airport and city agreed to a testing protocol that would both establish baseline sound levels in the adjacent neigh- borhood and test the eff ectiveness of a “living wall” to screen the remaining neighbor- hood as demolition and expansion plans are implemented. Should this test section of the wall prove eff ective, it is the airport’s intent to extend it parallel to the 65-decibel line. If it does not prove eff ective, other mitigation measures will need to be examined. Th e airport is presently in the process of completing its Master Plan update. Th e most recent information available projects that airport enplanements will double in the coming 20 years, as they did in the past 20 years. Key issues that the Master Plan will address, and which the city will then need to evaluate, consider and develop its own plans for, include a program for the re-use of the land within the 65-decibel line, transportation improvements that will be needed to accommodate the anticipated growth in passenger use, and overall operations of the facility in a manner that best balances needs. FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation. Walking and bicycling are healthful transpor- tation modes that until the 1990s were largely overlooked in the city’s spending and planning priorities. Bicycling, walking and jogging are increasingly popular for both recreation and transportation. Greater incentives to promote non-vehicular travel can and should be implemented to minimize dependence on the automobile for local cir- culation. In addition, pedestrians and cyclists in an automobile-oriented environment must receive appropriate consideration. Pedestrian links are needed between neighborhoods, schools, parks, shopping and employment centers, other transportation modes and other community focal points. In order to promote such links as transportation facilities, pedestrian ways generally should follow direct travel routes whenever possible, rather than paralleling roadways. In addition, pedestrian/bicycle ways should be designed to reduce confl icts with mo- torized vehicles. Sidewalks and pedestrian ways that parallel roadways should be con- structed on both sides of arterial streets, on one or both sides of collector streets, and on at least one side of local streets. Sidewalks and pedestrian ways should be ramped at all street and drive crossings and properly graded so as to accommodate the elderly DRAFT 4-48 city of south burlington comprehensive plan and handicapped. In addition, it is important that all signalized intersections include a pedestrian phase in order to allow pedestrians to safely cross busy roads. Close consideration should be given to planning and implementing safe provisions for pedestrians and cyclists when constructing, modifying and/or upgrading roadways: this represents a complete streets approach. Along arterial streets, separate or shared facilities for bicycle/pedestrian use should be provided. Th is need is particularly strong along the Williston Road corridor. On collector streets, bike/pedestrian routes should be designated by signs in conjunction with pavement widening and painted lines. On local streets where traffi c volumes and speeds are low enough to pose few hazards to pedestrians and cyclists, bike/pedestrian route designations by signing alone should suffi ce. In addition, the University of Vermont, as a major focal point, must be closely involved with pedestrian and bicycle planning, particularly along Spear Street where its major holdings are located. Pedestrian travel can also be promoted through land use policies. Mixed-use devel- opments consisting of residential and non-residential uses, or offi ce, restaurant and retail, enhance pedestrian movement by congregating services and facilities within walking distance. In addition, compact, mixed-use city or village centers create a more pedestrian friendly environment as opposed to linear strip development patterns along arterial roadways. Traffi c Data. Th e traffi c data essential to equitable review of new development, such as volume counts, turning movements and volume-to-capacity ratios, should be col- lected and maintained. Th ese factors aff ect the cost effi ciency and proper timing of new roads or improvements, as well as the maintenance of reasonable levels of service. Road Design and Construction Standards. Th e design and construction of local streets should be reviewed in general accord with their classifi cation and the following principles: ✦Privately owned and maintained roadways should be strongly discouraged; ✦Th e speed and volume of “through” traffi c should be minimized; ✦ More than one access point onto collector or arterial streets should be con- sidered for larger or higher density projects (may include limited, emergency access points); ✦Th e subdivision of lots without public road frontage should be strongly dis- couraged; ✦ Adequate access for emergency vehicles is essential, and turnarounds for maintenance vehicles and school buses should be provided; and ✦Design and construction standards should be commensurate with density. As properties adjacent to streets with inadequate rights-of-way are developed or re- developed, the land necessary for widening or otherwise improving the right-of-way should be secured as a condition of site plan or subdivision approval.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-49 Transit. Transit is best rendered to well-planned, intensively used compact areas. Higher intensity development should be directed towards existing bus routes or to areas where bus service can conveniently expand. In addition, specifi c development proposals should be carefully evaluated at site plan or subdivision review with regard to the need for bus turn-out lanes, patron shelters, and other factors aff ecting bus stop location. Highway planning should specifi cally incorporate provisions for existing and potential transit service. Rail. Th e Vermont Railway, which parallels Route 7, holds the potential not only for north-south intercity freight and passenger service, but also for direct service to the commercially zoned properties fronting on its east side. Rail siding potential for these properties should be maintained wherever feasible in the layout of proposed develop- ment. As the intensity of development increases on the lands west of the tracks, im- provements to the grade crossings (Bartlett Bay Road, Holmes Road, Inn Road) will be necessary, possibly to the extent of providing grade-separated crossings. B. Summary of Proposed Improvements TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED ON THE OFFICIAL MAP 1. Dorset Street / Market Street Intersection Improvements Summary Per the City Center plans, Market Street would be widened to add a left-turn lane as it approaches Dorset Street. Purpose This is proposed in order to ensure safe and effi cient traffi c movement on Market Street. Potential Impacts Would widen the paved surface of Market Street to three lanes. This should not pose a signifi cant challenge to pedestrian traffi c. A small amount of undeveloped land will need to be acquired from the Blue Mall property. Completed Studies Market Street Improvements Environmental Assessment (2010) 2. Williston Road / Hinesburg Road Intersection Improvements Summary This intersection would be improved to provide greater traffi c movement in various directions related to future City Center traffi c fl ows. Purpose This is proposed in order to ensure safe and effi cient traffi c movement on Market Street. Potential Impacts This intersection presently functions as one of few signaled pedestrian crossings of Williston Road. Any improvements to this intersection will need to be balanced with pedestrian needs and scale. Completed Studies Market Street Improvements Environmental Assessment (2010) 3. City Center Road Network Summary This project would include a reconstruction of Market Street as a two-lane road, with on-street parking, sidewalks and utilities. Bicycles are envisioned to share the street as it approaches the core of City Center. Market Street would be crossed by two new roads: one connecting Midas Drive to Healthy Living, and a second (later phase) to connect San Remo Drive to a re-aligned Mary Street.DRAFT 4-50 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Purpose To provide safe and effi cient access from Hinesburg Road to Dorset Street, and to create a downtown-style network of roadways in conjunction with City Center Potential Impacts Market Street is already in existence. The impacts of the road network are fully assessed in the Market Street Environmental Assessment. Completed Studies Market Street Improvements Environmental Assessment (2010) 4. City Center Parking Garage Summary One or more parking garages to serve the City Center area, as envisioned in the Concep- tual Master Plan. Purpose In order to foster a downtown-style of development, it will be necessary for parking to be provided in a format other than traditional surface parking. The conceptual master plan considers two 990 space garages on site at full build-out. Potential Impacts Cost and use of land for parking are two important considerations. In addition, one of the garages is depicted on the location of an existing elementary school. Some options and alternatives exist to mitigate some of the need for on-site structured parking, includ- ing potential participation in a Transportation Management Association and/or nearby off -site option. Completed Studies Market Street Improvements Environmental Assessment (2010) 5. Airport Drive Extension Summary A new connector road to link Airport Drive directly to Airport parkway. This proposal has been included in several Comprehensive Plans of the city. Purpose To provide a more direct connection for travelers between Route 15 and Williston Road / the Burlington International Airport. At present, all traffi c must use White Street, a predominantly residential street. Potential Impacts This new road would relieve traffi c from White Street. Care will need to be taken to en- sure traffi c does not increase on Kirby Road. Additional Info The design of this new roadway is under review as the Burlington International Airport undertakes its noise mitigation and re-use plan. Final designs of the roadway will need to consider both impacts on the adjacent neighborhood as well as effi cient use of limited land adjacent to the Airport. Completed Studies Airport Drive / Airport Parkway Improvements Scoping Study (2005) 6. Exit 12B Interchange Summary Construction of a new interchange in the vicinity of Hinesburg Road / I-89. Purpose To provide relief from the existing local road network east of Exit 14, to serve anticipated growth in enplanements at the Burlington International Airport, to serve business de- velopment in the eastern portion of the city, to relieve congestion from Exists 14 and 12, and to serve the future City Center. Potential Impacts This interchange would have a substantial impact on general traffi c fl ows in the area (increasing in some areas, decreasing in others). It will also likely support business development in the area on areas that are presently partially developed. A full Environ- mental Impact Statement – including an alternatives analysis - will be required before a interchange is constructed.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-51 Completed Studies Interstate Access Analysis (2010) I-89 Exit 12B Financing Options Study (2009) I-89 Exit 12B Alignment Study (2009) I-89 Urban Transportation Improvements (2003) Ground Access Study of the Burlington International Airport (2002) I-89 Exit 13 Access Improvements (1999) Chittenden County 1-89 Corridor Study (1997) I-89 / Hinesburg Road Northbound Off -Ramp (1996) Interchange Feasibility Studies at Four Locations in the CCMPO Area (1987) 7. Swift Street Extension to Hinesburg Road Summary A new connector road to link Swift Street Extension to Hinesburg Road. This connector has been listed in several Comprehensive Plans of the city. Purpose To provide a safe second access and egress for residents of the Village at Dorset Park; to provide greater east-west connectivity for city residents; to provide better emergency vehicle access for the city. Potential Impacts This new connector road could increase traffi c on Swift Street and create an additional crossing challenge for wildlife. Care will need to be taken to develop a road connection that meets the stated purposes while protecting neighborhood character and limiting impact on wildlife. Completed Studies Dorset Street Corridor Plan (2007) South Burlington Planned East-West Roads Analysis (2001) 8. Exit 14 Ramp Improvements Summary Complete improvements to northbound on and off -ramps. Purpose To improve traffi c fl ow to and from Exit 14. Potential Impacts The additional capacity will need to be evaluated for its impact on adjacent intersections and the local road network, as well as for pedestrian and bicycle safety. 9. New City Park (Van Sicklen / Hinesburg Road) Summary Acquire land and develop a new municipal park. Transportation access would be pro- vided via an intersection with Van Sicklen Road and a connection to Cider Mill Road would be developed. Purpose For the road network, to provide a safe and neighborhood-scale transportation link between Dorset Street and Hinesburg Road, also aff ording access to a planned future city park. Potential Impacts The additional east-west connector will pass through an identifi ed wildlife corridor. Care should be taken to minimize road crossings over this area and to limit roadway width. 10. White Street / Midas Drive Intersection Improvements Summary Create a proper four-way intersection at this important link between Williston Road, City Center and the Chamberlain neighborhood. The project would involve acquisition of the property presently occupied by Accent Travel. Purpose To improve pedestrian and vehicular safety and fl ow at this important intersection, and to provide a safe entrance to the future City Center road network. Potential Impacts The project will involve acquisition of a privately-held property. In addition, care will need to be taken to ensure that pedestrian needs are met at this site.DRAFT 4-52 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Completed Studies Market Street Improvements Environmental Assessment (2010) US 2 Corridor Transportation Management Plan (2007) 11. Spear Street / Swift Street Intersection Improvements Summary Complete improvements to the Swift-Spear intersection. Purpose To improve pedestrian and vehicular safety at this intersection. Potential Impacts Some re-alignment of this off set intersection would be needed. Possible acquisition of private land may be needed for some alternatives. Completed Studies Spear Street Corridor Study (2004) 12. Airport Parkway / Lime Kiln Road Intersection Improvements Summary Complete improvements to the Airport Parkway / Lime Kiln Road / Shamrock Road / Ethan Allen Drive intersection. Purpose To improve pedestrian and vehicular safety at this intersection. Potential Impacts Some re-alignment of this off set intersection would be needed. Possible acquisition of private land may be needed for some alternatives. Completed Studies Road Safety Audit Review ~ Airport Parkway/Lime Kiln Intersection (2006) 13. Williston Road Th ird Lane Addition Summary Install a third east-bound travel lane from the Burlington city line to the interchange, and adding bicycle lanes in both directions. Land for this extension is planned to be acquired from the north side of the road. Purpose To resolve an existing confl ict where an eastbound lane ends at the Staples Plaza, to improve bicycle safety and access, and to relieve traffi c congestion from East Avenue / Spear Street eastwards. Potential Impacts The additional roadway width has the potential to create additional challenges for pe- destrians crossing Williston Road at the Sheraton-Staples entrance. Careful design and signal timing could alleviate this issue. Overall site design and landscaping can also sup- port pedestrian safety and comfort. Completed Studies US 2/I-89 Exit 14 Southbound On-Ramp Scoping Report (2009) 14. South Burlington Transit Center Summary Install a multi-modal transit center and intercept parking lot north of Williston Road be- hind the Sheraton Hotel, and develop a direct access from the southbound Interstate-89. Purpose To provide for a hub of parking and transit connectivity to serve the Burlington-South Burlington area and serve as a park and ride for travelers. This parking area and transit center would relieve substantial parking pressure from major employers in the area, downtown Burlington, and South Burlington City Center, allowing for a more compact and pedestrian-friendly overall development pattern. Potential Impacts Safe access from I-89 will be needed, as well as design features that limit the impacts of this new off -ramp on the local street network (notably on to East Ave in Burlington). Much of the proposed area is already paved and/or developed, limiting impacts on nearby natural areas. 15. Vale Drive Extension Summary Extend Vale Drive to Swift Street commensurate with future development.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-53 Purpose To provide a neighborhood-scale street network to serve existing and future develop- ment. Potential Impacts Care will need to be taken to minimize impacts on wetlands in the area, and to ensure that this road does not become a short cut for automobiles travelling on Spear Street and/or Nowland Farm Road. 16. Fayette Drive Extension Summary Extend Fayette Drive from Queen City Park Road to Bartlett Bay Road. Purpose To provide a secondary route parallel to US Route 7, service local businesses and homes, and providing a more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environment for travel. Potential Impacts Care will need to be taken in the design of the road system to limit its use as a short cut for Shelburne Road, though some of its purpose is to remove traffi c that uses Shelburne Road for short distances. 17. Tilley Drive Extension Summary Extend Tilley Drive to Community Drive. Purpose To provide a connection between Hinesburg Road and Community Drive / Kimball Ave. This road would avoid residential areas and provide much more direct access for travelers between those two locations. It would also serve a future Exit 12B. A recreation path connection was completed along the same connection in 2009. Potential Impacts The proposed crossing area contains wetlands and potential archeological resources. In addition, signals may be needed at the intersections of Tilley Drive / Hinesburg Road and Community Drive / Kimball Avenue. 18. Generation Drive Summary A new road that would connect Tilley Drive to Kimball Avenue. Purpose To provide a connection between Hinesburg Road and Kimball Ave. This road would avoid residential areas and provide much more direct access for travelers between those two locations. It would also serve a future Exit 12B. It would also provide opportunities for development along this new road. Potential Impacts Signals may be needed at the intersections of Tilley Drive / Hinesburg Road and Com- munity Drive / Kimball Avenue. 19. North Jeff erson Road Extension Summary Extend North Jeff erson Street to Nowland Farm Road alongside future development. Purpose To provide a neighborhood-scale street network to serve existing and future develop- ment. Potential Impacts Care will need to be taken to minimize impacts on wetlands in the area, and to ensure that this road does not become a short cut for automobiles travelling on Spear Street and/or Nowland Farm Road. 20. Executive Drive Extension Summary Create a new roadway parallel to Williston Road between White Street and the Wind- jammer property.DRAFT 4-54 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Purpose To provide a secondary access to the mixed use development along the north side of Williston Road, provide greater pedestrian and vehicular access for local residents, reduc- ing congestion along Williston Road, and potentially providing additional development opportunity. Potential Impacts The development of this road should be done in conjunction with improvements to Wil- liston Road such as eliminating curb cuts and improving pedestrian crossings. 21. Sadie Lane Extension Summary Create a new road parallel to Dorset Street south of Cider Mill Road. Purpose To provide a neighborhood-scale street network to serve existing and future develop- ment. Potential Impacts Care will need to be taken to minimize impacts on wetlands in the area, and to ensure that this road is compatible with existing development in the area. 22. US 2 Corridor Improvements Summary Implement a series of recommended improvements to US 2 (Williston Road) through- out the city of South Burlington, including transit serving, intersection improvements, turning lanes, sidewalk enhancements, cyclist safety opportunities, signalization adjust- ments, and access management. Purpose To enhance the carrying capacity for all users along Williston Road. Potential Impacts The scale of the potential improvements vary and will need to be evaluated on a case- by-case basis. Completed Studies US 2 Corridor Transportation Management Plan (2007) 23. New City Park/ Eldridge Street Connector Summary Acquire land for a new city park and create a road connection between Eldridge Street and Old Farm Road. Purpose The new road would serve to create a link between the historic Old Farm Road and new neighborhoods to the southwest. In addition, the potential closure of Old Farm Road at its southern end would create a need for a secondary outlet. Potential Impacts Steep slopes will need to be mitigated for in the construction of this road. No road is likely needed until and unless additional development takes place along Old Farm Road. 24. Exit 13 Northbound On-Ramp Summary Establish a northbound on-ramp from Kennedy Drive to I-89 North. Purpose To provide greater vehicle access from Kennedy Drive northwards on I-89, relieving con- gestion on Dorset Street and the Dorset Street/Williston Road intersection. Potential Impacts Natural resource impacts could be relatively minor for this segment. Traffi c would likely increase westbound on Kennedy Drive. Additional Info The Federal Highway Administration has previously indicated that only full interchanges will be permitted. If that were to remain the case, this option may not be possible. A full interchange was last assessed in a 1999 Exit 13 scoping study and found to be more costly than other alternatives in the region.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-55 Completed Studies I-89 Urban Transportation Improvements (2003) Ground Access Study of the Burlington International Airport (2002) I-89 Exit 13 Access Improvements (1999) Chittenden County 1-89 Corridor Study (1997) Interchange Feasibility Studies at Four Locations in The CCMPO Area (1987) 25. Old Cross Road Extension from Dorset Street to Hinesburg Road Summary Reserve land for a possible future street connection. No plan for immediate construction. Purpose To reserve land for the possible connection from the end of Old Cross Road to Hinesburg Road. 26. Connection from IDX Drive to Deerfi eld Drive Summary Reserve land for a possible future street connection. No plan for immediate construction. Purpose To reserve land for the possible connection from the end of IDX Drive to Deerfi eld Drive. This reservation is not intended to be a recommendation for the reduction or removal of the UVM Horticultural Farm. NON-TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED ON THE OFFICIAL MAP 1. Proposed New Water Tower (Hinesburg Road) Summary Acquire land and construct a water tower in the Southeast Quadrant. Purpose To ensure adequate water pressure to meet future needs from a location that is among the higher elevations in the city. 2. City Center Open Space (Market Street / Potash Brook) Summary Conserve an area of public open space as identifi ed in the City Center master plan, fo- cused on the natural features of the Potash Brook. Purpose To create an interactive natural area in the City Center area that provides for stream buff er and groundwater infi ltration together with public interaction, education, and enjoy- ment. 3. City Park (Van Sicklen / Hinesburg Road) Summary Acquire land and develop a new municipal park with roadways and recreation paths linked into city-wide systems. Purpose To create a multi-purpose, citywide park for use by residents and visitors. Features of the park may include, but are not limited to: ball fi elds, picnic areas and shelters, play- grounds, community gardens, support facilities, complementary agricultural operations, renewable energy production, etc. 4. Proposed New City Park (Lakeshore) Summary Acquire land and develop a new municipal park with recreation paths linked into city- wide systems, continuing the waterfront system and providing public access to Lake Champlain. Purpose To create a multi-purpose, citywide park for use by residents and visitors. Features of the park may include, but are not limited to: ball fi elds, picnic areas and shelters, play- grounds, community gardens, support facilities, complementary agricultural operations, renewable energy production, etc.DRAFT 4-56 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5. Proposed New City Park (Spear Street / Nowland Farm Road) Summary Acquire land and develop a new municipal park with recreation paths linked into city- wide systems. Purpose To create a multi-purpose citywide park for use by residents and visitors, complementing the nearby Overlook Park. Features of the park may include, but are not limited to: picnic areas and shelters, viewing areas, playgrounds, support facilities, ball fi elds, renewable energy production, etc. 6. Proposed New City Park (Muddy Brook) Summary Acquire land and develop a new municipal park with recreation paths linked into city- wide systems. Purpose To create a natural area and buff er to Muddy Brook for use by residents and visitors, complementing already conserved parcels and their walking trails. Features of the park may include, but are not limited to: walking trails, wetland restoration, renewable en- ergy production, etc. 7. Proposed New City Park (Winooski River) Summary Acquire land and develop a new municipal park with recreation paths linked into city- wide systems. Purpose To create a natural area and buff er to the Winooski River for use by residents and visi- tors, complementing the nearby Winooski Valley Parks District land and their walking trails. Features of the park may include, but are not limited to: walking trails, wetland restoration, etc. 8. Proposed New City Park (Old Farm Road) Summary Acquire land and develop a new municipal park with recreation paths linked into city- wide systems. Purpose To create a community or neighborhood park for use by residents and visitors, providing access to neighboring residential areas. Features of the park may include, but are not limited to: recreation paths, ball fi elds, playgrounds, picnic areas, etc.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-57 C. Public Utilities The quality and location of public utilities quite often determine the intensity and location of future development. The high costs of installing and maintaining public utilities warrant careful advance planning. The benefi ts and cost of public utilities are, in many cases, not reasonably or logically related to municipal boundary lines. Numerous areas of overlapping and/or confl icting jurisdictional authority exist. Regionalization may be the most cost-eff ective method of providing such services. OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to public utilities in the city include: ✦Solid waste management and recycling remain an ongoing challenge – and opportunity – for the community. ✦Telecommunications infrastructure will continue to evolve and provide new economic development opportunities in the community. INVENTORY Solid Waste. South Burlington is a member of the Chittenden County Solid Waste District (CSWD). CSWD is comprised of 18 member municipalities and was formed in 1987 to collectively provide for the effi cient, economical, and environmentally sound management of solid waste generated within its member municipalities. In addition to its charter, CSWD has adopted a Waste Management Ordinance, Solid Waste Management Fee Ordinance, and Regulations for the Collection and Recycling of Solid Waste in the Chittenden Solid Waste District. Th ese four articles comprise the district’s governing documents. Recycling is mandatory within the district. Th e passage of Vermont’s Act 78 in 1987, as well as federal regulations developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, required the closing of unlined landfi lls. CSWD opened the fi rst publicly-owned, regional, double-lined landfi ll in the state in 1992 in Williston. Th is landfi ll was an interim, short-term landfi ll intended to bridge the gap between the existing unlined landfi lls used by many members and the planned long-term regional lined landfi ll. South Burlington closed its municipally-owned, un- lined landfi ll closed within two months of the opening of CSWD’s interim regional landfi ll. Th e interim landfi ll reached capacity and closed in August 1995. Since the closing of the interim landfi ll, solid waste destined for disposal has either been deliv- ered to one of two transfer stations operating within the district or directly hauled to lined landfi lls located outside of the district. Th e siting of a long-term regional landfi ll has been a priority of CSWD since 1989. It is widely recognized that a local, publicly-owned, long-term disposal option is an essential component of the district’s comprehensive solid waste management system. CSWD identifi ed a site located on Redmond Road in Williston for its proposed re- gional landfi ll as a result of a siting process that utilized extensive public participation. DRAFT 4-58 city of south burlington comprehensive plan In 1992, after numerous unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a purchase of the selected site, CSWD formally initiated eminent domain procedures to acquire the site and became the property owner in 2009. Work on the permitting of the landfi ll is now underway. CSWD currently operates a drop-off center at the city’s former landfi ll site on Patchen Road. Th e drop-off center accepts solid waste, recyclables and special wastes such as tires, scrap metal, leaves and brush. Curbside pick-up of trash and recyclables is avail- able from private haulers. Telecommunications. South Burlington residents and businesses have access to the telecommunications services (land line telephone, cell phone, cable television, and broadband internet) from various providers. Aff ordable and convenient access to state-of-the-art telecommunications services is an important component of the city’s quality of life, economic development strategy and educational opportunities. Natural Gas. Vermont Gas Systems, Inc. (VGS) supplies natural gas to the city. Th e natural gas is imported from Canada via the TransCanada Pipeline, entering Vermont Gas Systems’ main pipeline at the border in Highgate. Th e company has a network of more than 650 miles of underground transmission and distribution lines in its Vermont service area. Natural gas has been the primary home heating fuel for new development since natural gas became available in South Burlington in the 1960s. Electricity. Green Mountain Power Company supplies electrical power to South Bur- lington through a network of transmission lines, substations and distribution lines. It has two 34.5 kV sub-transmission corridors in the city as shown in Figure *. Vermont Electric Power (VELCO) has a 115 kV transmission line that extends south along the railroad tracks from Burlington to Shelburne, then turns east to head toward Williston. VELCO’s Queen City substation is also located in South Burlington off Central Avenue. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Telecommunications. Private utilities that provide telecommunications services should off er state-of-the-art technologies. Given the rate of change in the telecom- munications sector, this will require continuous upgrades to telecommunications in- frastructure. As with infrastructure for other basic services, telecommunications lines, antennas and towers have become part of the city’s built environment. Th e siting of telecommunications infrastructure should consider issues of aesthetics, safety and ef- fi ciency. Th e use of existing structures, sites and utility corridors is preferred over new development. Natural Gas. Better coordination between the city and VGS may be achieved by exchanging future construction plans. Th rough improved communications, construc- tion projects may be implemented at lower costs, with less earth disturbance, and fewer disruptions. In addition, the review of new private development projects should include the eff ects of any necessary gas main extensions.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-59 Electricity. It has been recognized for a number of years that demand is growing and increased electric system reliability is required in the greater Burlington metropolitan area. Th e utilities have been taking action to address the reliability and supply issues. Two recent transmission line projects upgraded the infrastructure serving Chittenden County located South Burlington. ✦Th e Northwest Reliability Project included the replacement of approximately 27 miles of 34.5 kV electric lines between New Haven and South Burlington with a new 115 kV line. In addition, a number of substations were upgraded, including the Queen City substation. ✦Th e East Avenue Loop and supporting projects included various upgrades in South Burlington. A 34.5 kilovolt (kV) sub-transmission line was installed from the McNeil generating plant to the VELCO substation at East Avenue, near Centennial Field. Between the “Essex” substation in northern Williston and the East Avenue substation in Burlington, two 115 kV transmission lines on single poles replaced a single line located on double poles. FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS Solid waste management is and will remain a challenging issue for all communities. As technologies improve, opportunities for increased diversion of “trash” from the waste stream will become economically viable. CSWD presently off ers free recycling of most plastics, paper, glass, and metals. Drop-off composting is also provided free of charge. It is expected that in the coming years, compost will become a viable source of electricity generation in the form of biomass digestion, as will increased compost development. Future trends related to gas and electricity are closely tied to energy needs and supply in the city and elsewhere. See the Energy component of the Plan under Grey Infra- structure for details.DRAFT 4-60 city of south burlington comprehensive plan D. Energy Energy is a major factor in the cost of living and the cost of doing business in the city of South Burlington. Our energy use practices require substantial imports of energy, which expose us to signifi cant economic and geopolitical risks. Further, the cost of imported energy could more appropriately be invested in the local and US economy. Our heavy reliance on fossil based fuels and the CO2 it creates are contributing to global climate change. All of these reasons make it important to look for ways to conserve energy and to support local sources of renewable energy. At the municipal level there are many actions that can be taken: eff ective land use planning and regulation, building codes, programs to promote conservation and effi ciency and improved transportation systems can further eff orts to create clean, reliable, economical and energy effi cient systems. In addition, by working with larger government bodies additional progress can be made on transportation issues. OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to energy identifi ed in this plan include: ✦Transportation is the leading source of energy consumption in South Bur- lington, followed by commercial and residential sector fuels and electricity. ✦In 2008, the City Council signed on a challenge with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce municipal energy consumption by 10 percent. INVENTORY Energy Use. In 2008, South Burlington residents formed a new volunteer energy committee to address energy consumption and production in the community. Th e formation of this committee came shortly after the City Council signed on to the En- vironmental Protection Agency’s 10% Municipal Energy Challenge. In 2009, South Burlington completed a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the entire city. Th is study identifi ed the largest uses of energy and sources of CO2 in the city. Th e major categories of use are here ordered from highest to lowest: ✦Transportation ✦Commercial Electrical Usage and Heating ✦Residential Heating & Electrical Usage ✦Municipal Transportation includes two components: the amount of miles travelled and the ef- fi ciency of the vehicles. Both of these are diffi cult for a single city alone to change. However by working together with larger government bodies progress can be made.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-61 Collectively, the heating and electrical use of residences and commercial buildings is very signifi cant. Th e design and construction of buildings strongly infl uences the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling, as well as the amount of electric- ity needed for lighting. Simple site planning such as locating buildings to maximize southern exposures and providing windbreaks can reduce the amount energy required to light, heat and cool structures. Th e design and location of commercial development and housing subdivisions, orientation of buildings, construction methods, placement and type of windows, and type and location of landscaping can have a signifi cant impact on energy use. Energy Use by City Government. Th e city’s primary energy use consists of electric- ity, natural gas and motor fuel. Th e city’s largest energy expenditure is for operation of the sewage treatment facilities. In the spring of 2010, the city completed energy audits of each of its municipal buildings. Th is information is being used to target investments in renovations to provide energy and dollar savings. Energy Conservation and Effi ciency. While South Burlington will continue to be a transportation hub due to its role as part of Vermont’s largest metropolitan area and the presence of major highway and interstate corridors, work should continue to provide alternatives to single-occupancy commuter traffi c. In addition, much can be done to reduce locally-generated traffi c volumes and residents’ reliance on personal automobiles. Energy Supply. Transportation in the city is primarily fueled by gasoline and diesel from hundreds of independent dealers and suppliers. Natural gas provides the major- ity of heating energy and it is provided by Vermont Gas Systems (VGS). Heating oil is the next largest, although a much smaller, source of heating energy and is supplied by many independent suppliers. Electricity throughout the city is supplied by Green Mountain Power (GMP). Both GMP and VGS indicate that they have suffi cient capacity to adequately serve growth in the city over the life of this plan, although some areas of the city are be- ing geographically targeted for electrical load reductions due to limited distribution capacity. Both companies off er energy conservation programs and incentives to both businesses and residences. Th ere are no conventional power plants located in South Burlington. In 2010, how- ever, several applications for small-and mid-sized solar power generation were submit- ted to the Vermont Public Service Board for review and approval. Following this, in 2011 the largest solar array in Vermont opened in the city, with an estimated output nearing two megawatts annually Small-scale wind energy in South Burlington is limited by the high density of develop- ment and unfavorable climatic conditions. Solar energy generation provides greater opportunities for a renewable, alternative power source for city residents and busi- nesses.DRAFT 4-62 city of south burlington comprehensive plan ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Energy Use. It is now widely recognized that human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases, largely a direct result of energy consumption, are having a measurable impact on the earth’s climate. Increases in global temperatures are believed to already be causing measurable changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and a northward expansion in the range of tropical diseases and pests. Th ese and other results of climate change have the potential to pose local and worldwide economic and environmental threats. Th ere are also signifi cant economic eff ects on the national, state and local economies due to our heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Th e billions per year spent on oil imports nationwide, if invested in the US and local economies, could have signifi cant positive eff ects. As the climate and economic eff ects of our energy use are becoming more ap- parent, local initiatives are beginning to tackle these issues Vermont has a Residential Building Energy Code that sets a minimum standard of effi ciency for new homes and residential additions over 500 square feet and Commer- cial Building Energy Standards (CBES) for all commercial buildings and residential buildings of four or more stories. Th e city could require all new construction to be more energy effi cient through adoption of local building codes. South Burlington’s land use regulations could mandate or off er incentives for increased energy effi ciency. While eff orts to improve new construction are very important, it is even more im- portant to address the existing built environment. While we may add two percent of new space through growth each year, 98 percent of the building stock the following year will be preexisting structures. Programs that specifi cally target effi ciency improve- ments in existing commercial and residential structures must be put in place. Energy savings can be realized by retrofi tting existing buildings with insulation and air seal- ing, more effi cient doors and windows, more effi cient lights, more effi cient mechani- cal systems and more effi cient appliances. Effi ciency Vermont has programs and resources to help customers reduce their monthly electric bills, including information about rebates and tax incentives avail- able for energy-saving purchases. Income-eligible households in can participate in the Weatherization Assistance Program, as well as the Fuel Assistance Program, off ered by the Champlain Valley Offi ce of Economic Opportunity. Vermont Gas Systems also sponsors effi ciency programs to assist their customers with energy conservation. South Burlington can also promote reduced transportation energy use through the development of alternative transportation modes and through appropriate land use planning. For example, the city is attempting to become a more pedestrian-oriented city. Th e development of foot and bicycle paths, greenways and other trails provide alternative ways of accessing the city’s commercial, residential and recreation areas. With the development of City Center, the city is taking steps to make transit use easier. Th e City Center, with its mix of commercial and residential uses, will also promote walking and therefore reduce reliance on personal automobiles.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-63 FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS South Burlington is a very desirable place to live and to grow a business and it is expected that growth will continue at its historical pace as discussed in the Social In- frastructure chapter of this plan. Th e city needs policies to accommodate this growth while maintaining and improving the quality of life for its residents and improving the business climate while working hard to reduce energy related costs and impacts to the environment. Many of the topics discussed above and the detailed strategies in the next section di- rectly address the cost of living and of doing business. More effi cient buildings trans- late to lower annual operating costs. Our eff orts to improve transportation options can reduce people cost of transportation as well as off ering healthy alternatives to automobiles. Local renewable energy can provide owners will provide clean energy at predictable costs for decades to come.DRAFT 4-64 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4.3. Blue Infrastructure Water fl ows throughout the City of South Burlington, creating a “blue” network throughout the community. Similar to the network of roads and utility lines that make up the city’s “grey” infrastructure, the natural and constructed “blue” elements provide a network that sustains human and wildlife populations. The city’s blue infrastructure includes brooks and ponds, drainage ways, stormwater facilities, groundwater resources, potable water pipes and facilities, and wastewater treatment pipes and facilities. The natural and constructed elements of this system are inter-dependent and linked to the city’s two major water resources - Lake Champlain and the Winooski River. Eff ective management and planning for this blue infrastructure can maintain and augment the health of the city’s watersheds while accommodating development and change in the built environment. A. Surface and Ground Water Resources OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the city’s surface and ground water resources identifi ed in this plan include: ✦Protection of water source protection areas. ✦Conservation of highly functional wetland areas. ✦Rehabilitation of impaired waterways in South Burlington. INVENTORY Watersheds. A watershed is the region from which a river or water body receives its supply of water. Th is generally includes the system of streams, tributaries and wetlands that feed into the body of water. Six main watersheds exist within the City of South Burlington. Th e fl ows from all of the surface and ground water systems in the city eventually reach Lake Champlain. 1. Potash Brook Watershed. Th e largest of the city’s watersheds, Potash Brook, covers 43 percent (7.1 square miles) of South Burlington and is the largest drainage area in the city. Th e Potash Brook has its source within the city limits and fl ows southwesterly into Lake Champlain. Much of the developed area in South Burlington drains to Potash Brook and eventually Lake Champlain. Along its primary reach, which follows Kennedy Drive and I-189, signifi - cant natural buff er areas have been established. Many of the brook’s tributar- ies, however, are located immediately adjacent to developed areas, leading the brook’s classifi cation as “stormwater-impaired” by the State of Vermont DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-65 Department of Environmental Conservation. Th e main reach of the brook is paralleled by a pedestrian trail system for much of length. 2. Muddy Brook Watershed. Th e Muddy Brook fl ows northward to the Win- ooski River for approximately 5.7 miles from its headwaters at Shelburne Pond and forms the city’s eastern boundary with Williston. Th e larger wa- tershed also incorporates a series of smaller tributaries that drain into the Pond, some of which have their headwaters in South Burlington. Muddy Brook is listed as an impaired watershed due to elevated levels of toxics, nu- trients, and temperature. Th is is generally attributed to historic development and agricultural practices along the banks of the brook. Th e Winooski Valley Park District manages pedestrian trails and recreation paths along the Muddy Brook and at Muddy Brook Park at the northern delta to the brook. Further south, Burlington International Airport maintains a natural area that is open to the public and accessible from Van Sicklen Road. 3. Bartlett Brook Watershed. Th e Bartlett Brook watershed, which includes the North Brook, drains the southeastern portion of the city, including com- mercial, light industrial, and residential areas. It is listed as impaired due to stormwater loads. It has also been an area prone to fl ooding, especially in the residential neighborhood that bears its name. Th e city enacted a special over- lay zoning district in the 1980s to begin to address the fl ooding issues. More recently, in 2009, the city established this area as a stormwater management overlay district, requiring all larger-scale development to model rainwater runoff and make use of low impact development techniques. 4. Centennial Brook Watershed. Centennial Brook is located primarily within the City of Burlington’s limits, but has its headwaters in South Burlington’s Chamberlain neighborhood. Large portions of Centennial Brook are located within conserved lands: the city-owned DeGraff e natural area and the UVM- owned Centennial Woods. In addition, a substantial portion of the South Burlington portion of the watershed is located on a large undeveloped parcel adjacent to I-89. Centennial Brook also drains the developed areas along Wil- liston Road. Th e brook is classifi ed as impaired due to stormwater runoff from development and impervious surfaces located beyond the buff er areas. 5. Englesby Brook Watershed. Th e Englesby Brook watershed covers a small portion of South Burlington located north of I-189 and east of Shelburne Street. Predominantly located in the city of Burlington, it is impaired due to excessive stormwater originating from both communities. Th e South Burl- ington portion includes residential and commercial properties. 6. Winooski River Watershed. Forming the northern border of South Burl- ington, the Winooski River and its watershed brings South Burlington into partnership with many other communities. Th e area of the city north of the Burlington International Airport drains directly into this river, and includes the Country Club Estates neighborhood, an active farm, light industry, and a mix of residential and commercial uses along Lime Kiln Road. A portion of the Ethan Allan industrial park is located immediately adjacent to the 100- year fl oodplain.DRAFT 4-66 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 7. Lake Champlain Watershed. A small portion of the city drains its water directly into Lake Champlain. Th is includes Red Rocks Park, the Queen City Park neighborhood, and properties west of the railroad tracks that travel parallel to Shelburne Road. Impervious surfaces are a potential impairment problem in the Queen City Park neighborhood; otherwise, the land is rela- tively undeveloped and natural in this area. Rivers and Streams. Th e city’s primary rivers and streams include the Winooski River, Muddy Brook, Potash Brook, Bartlett and Centennial Brook. South Burlington also has a network of smaller streams that includes tributaries to Lake Champlain, as well as streams that drain to Shelburne Pond. Th e Winooski River forms the northern boundary of the city. Th roughout its lower reaches, it is tapped for its ability to produce electric power. Communities along the river use it to carry away treated sewage. Th e agricultural soils of its fl oodplain are still important in our regional economy. Th e river valley is Chittenden County’s central transportation corridor. However, the lower Winooski retains much of the feeling of a natural river. Scenic vistas abound from its banks and spectacular gorges off er access to the drama of nature and to the geologic past. Two parks line the river in South Burlington: a river access point at the confl uence of the Muddy Brook along National Guard Road, and an overlook and natural area adjacent to the Lime Kiln Bridge. Lake Champlain. South Burlington has 2.3 miles of frontage along Lake Champlain, a unique scenic and recreational resource that is widely used by both residents and visitors nearly year-round. Th e lake is the city’s potable water supply through the Champlain Water District and some private water intakes. Th e lakeshore is comprised of a mix of natural parkland (Red Rocks Park), residential neighborhoods (Queen City Park and Bartlett Bay), stream outfl ows, and one large landholding known as Allenwood. While there are great pressures for private and pub- lic access to the lake, a combination of topography and physical constraints, historic land ownership and development patterns, and transportation corridors (particularly the presence of the rail line) have limited the accessibility and suitability of some of the shoreline for development. As a result, a signifi cant portion of South Burlington’s lake frontage remains largely undeveloped. Red Rocks park remains the only public access point to the lake, however, and there are no public boat ramps in the community. Wetlands. Wetlands play an important role in maintaining the quality of surface and ground water in South Burlington. Class II and Class III wetlands are found throughout the community. Wetlands serve as stormwater storage and control the fl ow of streams, are natural fi lters for sediments and surface runoff contaminants, and provide habitat that supports many species of plants and animals including game fi sh in Lake Champlain and various waterfowl. Th ey are typically classifi ed by their func- tions and values. Wetlands are a critical part of open space preservation and cannot be replaced once they have been disturbed. Disturbance of wetlands can include seemingly harmless practices such as mowing, the use of fertilizers, and the use of pesticides. Swamps, DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-67 bogs, and marshes are important ecological systems and resources. At every level of government, wetlands are being recognized for the values they contribute. Even small, incremental reduction of minor wetlands can cause cumulative damage to the wet- lands ability to both fi lter pollution and mitigate storm and fl ooding events. Th ere are several large wetland systems within the city including those associated with Potash Brook, Muddy Brook and the Winooski River. Th ere are also extensive wetland systems between Spear Street and Dorset Street and in the southeast corner of the city near Hinesburg Road (see *Map 4). Aquifers. Groundwater, the water that fi lters into the ground and travels slowly through the pores of soil and cracks of rock, is a precious natural resource. Groundwa- ter is a source of potable water for some city residents. Several homes in the Southeast Quadrant get their water from private wells. In the Queen City Park neighborhood, approximately 80 homes are connected to the Fire District #1 water supply, which is fed by a well at the end of Pavilion Avenue. Th is Fire District well is the only munici- pal groundwater supply in the city. Contamination of groundwater can pose health issues or other water quality prob- lems. Materials such as road salt, hydrocarbons, pesticides, and fertilizer are typical of the water-soluble toxins that can pollute aquifers. Rocks that make for good aquifers are those that allow the free fl ow of water and therefore any other soluble contami- nants including infi ltration of contaminated surface water. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Stream Channels and Riparian Buff ers. Flowing water is a critical aspect of the city’s character and environmental quality. Stream channels are naturally dynamic sys- tems that erode and deposit sediments in predictable patterns based on the velocity and volume carried by the stream. Alterations to rivers, streams and tributaries can often have unexpected downstream eff ects. Upstream activities that change the ero- sion/deposition balance will change downstream dynamics. Th is includes changes in land use and the creation of additional impervious area. Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from impervious area can increase stream fl ows during storm events and cause stream bank erosion. Th e city presently has natural buff er requirements around perennial streams and brooks. Th is strategy has proven somewhat eff ective, but does not take into account changes in stream course over time. As the city and state Agency of Natural Resources continue to develop geomorphologic assessments of the city’s various stream segments, there will be opportunities to develop more advanced stream channel protection stan- dards in the community. Th e city has also established Vermont’s fi rst stormwater util- ity. Th e utility manages stormwater in a cost eff ective way for all property owners in South Burlington and undertakes large-scale stormwater treatment and detention projects to reduce the impact that existing impervious area is having on streams. DRAFT 4-68 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Water Quality. Historically, water pollution has been attributed to two primary sources: point and non-point. Point sources, such as wastewater treatment facilities, have been upgraded in Vermont over the past three decades to where they are today much less of an issue than non-point sources, which can not be identifi ed with any particular location or outfall. Non-point source pollution is diffi cult to control be- cause the source of the pollution is activity that occurs throughout a watershed at homes, parking areas, roads, farms, and businesses rather than at a single point. Non-point pollution, including stormwater runoff , plays a critical role in the quality of waterways. Agricultural runoff and pesticide use also falls into this category. Th e community in the past has explored the possibility of restricting pesticide use. While overall use of pesticide use is governed solely by the state, the city has enacted a restric- tive policy on the use of both fertilizers and pesticides on city property. FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS Water quality issues will continue to be a challenge within South Burlington as the population grows, wildlife is encouraged to be maintained, and stricter standards for water quality are adopted at the federal, state, and local levels. Water quality in South Burlington is closely connected to stormwater management, which is further discussed in the next chapter of this plan.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-69 B. Stormwater OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the city’s management of stormwater identifi ed in this plan include: ✦Maintain the stormwater treatment and conveyance systems currently in place. ✦Repair and replace aging infrastructure. ✦Construct large-scale stormwater improvement projects to remove streams from the State of Vermont 303(d) list of impaired waters. ✦Maintain compliance with state and federal stormwater permits and assist residents with stormwater permit compliance. INVENTORY Stormwater Runoff . Th e City of South Burlington contains all or a portion of fi ve streams (Bartlett Brook, Centennial Brook, Englesby Brook, Munroe Brook and Pot- ash Brook) impaired by stormwater runoff , the highest number of any community in Vermont. Stormwater impaired watersheds cover approximately 61 percent of the city. By the late-1990s, it was widely recognized that unmanaged stormwater was causing water pollution, erosion, fl ooding and unstable stream banks in areas of South Burl- ington and throughout Chittenden County. Stormwater runoff is generated by rainfall that does not soak into the ground. Con- struction of impervious surfaces (roads, rooftops, parking lots, sidewalks, etc.) in- creases the amount of stormwater runoff . Th ese increased volumes of runoff will in turn increase stream fl ows, which results in stream bank erosion and fl ooding. In ad- dition, undersized or poorly maintained public and private stormwater management systems are susceptible to failure and can exacerbate problems related to fl ooding and water quality.. Stormwater management is, for the most part, managed on a property-by-property basis, with the exception of systems within the roadway and certain larger develop- ment areas such as the Airport or newer residential developments. Stormwater Utility. In 2005, the city established the fi rst stormwater utility in Ver- mont with the aim of addressing these issues. Th e utility is an effi cient way to identify and manage stormwater problems, projects, and infrastructure upgrades. Th e utility provides a stable and adequate source of revenue to complete required maintenance and manage stormwater related activities. Th e utility employs full-time staff dedicated to stormwater management and working to develop a comprehensive stormwater pro- gram and plan for needed capital improvements. Presently, the City of South Burlington owns and maintains a stormwater system, separate from the sanitary sewer system. Th e stormwater system includes conveyance piping, storm drains, culverts, stormwater outfalls and stormwater treatment practices DRAFT 4-70 city of south burlington comprehensive plan (e.g. detention ponds, constructed wetlands, hydrodynamic swirl separators, etc.). Th ere are approximately 112 miles of stormwater pipe in South Burlington. In addi- tion, there are over 5,000 storm drains within the city, approximately 3,000 of which are publicly owned. City residents and businesses share the costs of, and receive services from, the storm- water utility. Some of the services provided by the stormwater utility include: evalu- ation, maintenance and improvement of drainage infrastructure, culvert evaluation and replacement, assists residents with state permitting, watershed planning and water quality sampling. Th e stormwater utility also maintains the city’s compliance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. Th e MS4 permit is a federally mandated permit administered by the Agency of Natural Resources in Vermont. Th e MS4 permit requires that the city implement six minimum measures related to storm- water management ranging from public education and outreach to illicit discharge detection and elimination. In order to pay for these services, all properties in South Burlington are assessed a stormwater utility user fee. Th is fee appears on city sewer and water bills. Fees are calculated using a careful analysis of impervious surface area on properties throughout South Burlington. Th ere is a set fee for single-family homes, duplexes and triplexes. All other property owners (includes condominium ownership properties, businesses, institutions, and government) are assessed a fee based on the actual amount of imper- vious surface on the property. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Stormwater is slated to be among the key challenges for South Burlington for the foreseeable future. Federal and state requirements for individual properties - aimed at system-wide improvements - have begun to be applied. In 2009, the Agency of Natural Resources began to issue new, stricter permit requirements for existing devel- opment that discharges directly into streams and brooks. Homeowners throughout South Burlington have worked eff ectively with the city to leverage federal and state grant funding to aid with these eff orts and construct treatment systems that will meet present and future needs for stormwater management. Th e city has been actively engaged in establishing and maintaining stormwater sys- tems to better manage public water fl ows. A key strategy employed by the city in recent years has been to encourage - and in some areas require - on-site stormwater infi ltration through low impact development (LID) techniques. A challenge of this, however, is that while some LID techniques support compact development (such as reduced pavement widths) others may be contradictory (such as leaving large open areas on properties). With a few small exceptions, there are no combined sewers (stormwater and sewer using the same pipes) in South Burlington. Th e result is that heavy rainfalls do not overload the city’s wastewater treatment facilities. Due to this fact, and the existence of DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-71 a stormwater utility, the city is in a relatively strong position as compared with other communities of its size or larger. FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS It is expected that federal and state regulations will continue to apply to an increased number of smaller properties in South Burlington and throughout the country. In the short term, these standards will require substantial retrofi ts at signifi cant expense. In the long term, signifi cant eff ort will be required to maintain infrastructure and stay in compliance with increased federal and state water quality regulations.DRAFT 4-72 city of south burlington comprehensive plan C. Potable Water OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the city’s potable water resources identifi ed in this plan include: ✦Provision of safe water supply at reasonable costs. ✦Maintenance of aging water supply system. INVENTORY Water Distribution System. Th e South Burlington water distribution system serves most developed land within the city boundaries. Th e city water department maintains almost 100 miles of distribution pipeline within South Burlington. Th e water distri- bution system is depicted on *Map 6. Th e South Burlington municipal distribution system consists of two service areas: ✦Th e Main Service area includes the west and northern parts of the city. ✦Th e High Service area includes the southeast part of the city. Most of the city’s residents are supplied water through the distribution system, with notable exceptions being those in Queen City Park (Fire District #1), some residents along the lake front (Bartlett Bay area), and some residents in the Southeast Quadrant whose homes pre-date recent infrastructure extensions. Water distribution lines have been extended into much of the Southeast Quadrant during the past decade as devel- opment has occurred. Maintenance and expansion of the city’s water system occurs in accordance with the South Burlington Water Department Master Plan, which specifi es the location and size of future water mains. Th e cost of expansion is borne by those requesting it, while maintenance costs are paid for by user fees. Water supply plans for new developments are reviewed to ensure adequate fl ows for fi re protection, and, as a result, residential and standard commercial use. Th ree transmission mains (one for the Main Service area and two for the High Service area) extend from the Champlain Water District water treatment plants. Th e distribu- tion piping in the City of South Burlington varies and the department continues its eff orts to replace old, under-sized pipes. Th is is important for provision of reliable and safe drinking water, as well as for improving the quantity and pressure of water avail- able for fi re suppression. Th e water department also seeks to regularly upgrade related infrastructure such fi re hydrants, water meters, valves, etc. as needed. Most recently, remote water meter readers have been installed. Storage in the Main Service area is provided by the South Burlington West Tanks, a twin set of 0.5 million gallon welded steel storage tanks located to the north of Allen Road. Water storage for the High Service area occurs in a 2.1 million gallon tank DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-73 located on Dorset Street, known as the South Burlington East tank. A 2003 planning study evaluated tank sites and recommended improvements for future water storage and distribution system expansion, a number of which have since been implemented. Th is study is regularly assessed in relation to new development and demands on the infrastructure. South Burlington Water Department and Champlain Water District. Th e city’s Water Department was established in 1935 when South Burlington entered into an agreement with the City of Burlington to extend public water along Shelburne and Williston roads. As South Burlington grew, fi re districts were organized to supply water to the developing neighborhoods. Th e districts have ceased operations and been consolidated into the South Burlington Water Department except for Fire District #1 (Queen City Park). Since 1978, the city has contracted with the Champlain Water District (CWD) to provide management, administration and operational services for the city’s water dis- tribution system. Th e City Council sets the water rate for South Burlington water consumers and the Water Department bills customers for water usage, based on meter readings. Connections to the city water system are covered by municipal ordinance. CWD, a regional water supplier serving 12 municipal water systems, provides potable water to the City of South Burlington water distribution system. CWD obtains water from a deep-water source in Lake Champlain’s Shelburne Bay. A second line was re- cently placed into service to provide redundancy and avoid disruptions in supply. To- tal water usage for CWD members has declined during the past decade, due largely to conservation eff orts, ensuring an adequate supply of water for the foreseeable future. Th e water is treated at the Peter L. Jacob Water Treatment Plant with state-of the- art fi ltration, disinfection and corrosion control to provide for safe and high qual- ity drinking water. Th e treatment facility, located on Queen City Park Road, has a nominal capacity of 20 million gallons per day. CWD assures the safety of the water by monitoring its sanitary quality, source quality, disinfectant-by-product quality and aesthetic quality. CWD also works hard to protect water quality in the Shelburne Bay watershed through its Watershed Management Plan for Source Protection. Fire District #1. South Burlington Fire District #1 supplies potable water to approxi- mately 80 households in Queen City Park. Th e water source is a deep rock well and the district has an independent storage tank. Fire service to the Queen City Park area is from a dedicated fi re line served from the South Burlington Main Service transmis- sion main. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Th e key challenge for services such as water supply is to ensure high quality services are maintained at reasonable costs to the users. In South Burlington, substantial portions of the infrastructure are beginning to reach replacement age, notably in the neighbor- hoods built from the 1940s through 1960s. DRAFT 4-74 city of south burlington comprehensive plan In older neighborhoods, relatively compact housing have allowed for greater effi cien- cies of costs than in some other potions of the city that have been developed in a less compact manner. Expansion of the present system must be completed in a manner that does not de- crease water pressure levels below minimum fi re and residential standards. FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS Th e city’s infrastructure management plan predicts when water supply systems will need to be upgraded or replaced. It will remain important to review these plans against future development trends to ensure the system’s capacity is not overburdened. Th e city’s water supply ordinance has set aside 50,000 gallons per day for the future City Center project. It is estimated that upon fi nal building, this will represent only one-quarter of the overall need. Development in general is expected to continue at a rate of approximately 1.5 percent annually. Th e principal challenge for the future will be the maintenance and replacement of the water supply system.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-75 D. Wastewater Treatment OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the city’s management of wastewater identifi ed in this plan include: ✦Provision of safe wastewater treatment supply at reasonable costs. ✦Maintenance of aging collection and pumping system. INVENTORY South Burlington is served by two wastewater treatment facilities: Airport Parkway and Bartlett Bay. Th e service areas for each of the city’s wastewater treatment facilities are presented on *Map 7. Airport Parkway, the city’s largest treatment facility, serves approximately 75 percent of South Burlington households and businesses. Th e Airport Parkway plant discharges to the Winooski River. Th e Airport Parkway plant is presently under construction to increase capacity from 2.3 to 3.3 million gallons per day. As part of this project, the treatment process will be upgraded to maintain or reduce the amount of pollutants discharged while accommodating increased fl ows. While owned by South Burlington, the city has an inter-municipal agreement that allocates 1.0 million gallons per day of treatment capacity (of the 3.3 million gallons per day total that will exist upon completion of the current upgrade project) to entities within the Town of Colchester. Currently, the facility has actual fl ows of approximately 2.0 million gallons per day. It is anticipated that these upgrades will meet with needs for City Center and other development in the community for the foreseeable future. Th e wastewater facility at Bartlett Bay presently serves about 25 percent of South Burlington households businesses as well as the Magic Hat Brewing Company. Th is facility was last upgraded in 1999 and has a permitted capacity of 1.25 million gallons per day. Flows at Bartlett Bay are approximately 1.0 million gallons per day. Th e 1999 project included the diversion of the Eastwoods Area sewer system, which was previ- ously connected to the City of Burlington treatment plant, to the Bartlett Bay facility. Th e wastewater collection system in South Burlington is comprised of a mix of public and private pump stations that feed a network of public pipes. Future sewer main construction will be primarily by private developers. Future main extensions can be allowed beyond the basic service areas only if appropriate improve- ments to the existing network are made. A key element of these future upgrades will be improving connectivity in the vicinity of Dorset Park, Oak Creek Village, and Butler Farms. A small number of city homeowners rely on soil-based septic systems to treat waste- water. Less than fi ve percent of city residents have on-site septic disposal systems, a DRAFT 4-76 city of south burlington comprehensive plan majority of which are located in the Southeast Quadrant and pre-date recent exten- sions of infrastructure to this part of the city. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES At various times, the city has been in a position of signifi cant scarcity at one of its wastewater treatments plants. In the late-1990s, new allocations to the Bartlett Bay facility were only able to be granted upon close scrutiny of fl ows. Th e Airport Parkway facility is nearing this point as well, but this issue should be resolved for the foreseeable future once the upgrades are complete. Th e city’s water supply and wastewater ordinance has set aside 50,000 gallons per day for the City Center area, but this is anticipated to be less than one-quarter of the future need at build out. Th e present upgrade to the facility was critical in the city’s receipt of a New Town Center designation from the Vermont Downtown Board in 2010 and played an equally important role in the designation of Severance Corners in Colchester as a Growth Center in 2009. External factors play an increasingly signifi cant role in planning for future sewage dis- posal. Discharge of treated effl uent from the Bartlett Bay plant into Lake Champlain and into the Winooski River from the Airport Parkway plant is governed by state discharge permits and the Lake Champlain TMDL (total maximum daily load) for phosphorus. Assignment of a water quality designation by the state limits the quantity and quality of the effl uent the city may discharge. Shelburne Bay, which assimilates waste from the Bartlett Bay treatment plant (and Town of Shelburne), is the raw water source for the Champlain Water District. Th e Winooski River is relied upon by abutting communities for sewage plant outfall. Be- cause of state-imposed water quality standards for the Winooski River, it has become apparent the assimilative capacity of the river is limited. However, this limit may be exceeded by the demands of the communities bordering it. Th e city must continue to actively and diligently participate in the waste-load allocation plan for the lower Winooski River. Th e system of private and public pump stations and feeder lines presents challenges for system maintenance at times. Th e city has encouraged development to use public standards for construction. FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS As with all public infrastructure, the need to maintain facilities at a reasonable cost is paramount. With the completion of the Airport Parkway Treatment Plant upgrade, capacity needs in the city should be met for the next decade and beyond. Th e Bartlett Bay facility will have need for equipment upgrades in the near future however, and presents an opportunity for the city to gain substantial energy savings with the use of the newer technologies being employed at Airport Parkway and elsewhere. DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-77 Th e city’s capital budget and plan can estimate time frames for renovations and need- ed line and pump station upgrades. A capital plan that is reviewed regularly can also project time frames for future capacity needs and establish a fi nancial mechanism in advance.DRAFT 4-78 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4.4. Green Infrastructure The City of South Burlington’s open spaces, parks, natural systems and cultural resources combine to create a “green” network throughout the community. Similar to the network of roads and utilities that make up the city’s “grey” infrastructure, and the rivers, wetlands, and water systems that make up the city’s “blue” infrastructure, these “green” elements provide a network that identifi es and preserves the signifi cant ecological, wildlife and cultural resources that contribute to the character of the city. From public parks and wildlife habitats to farmland and historic buildings, the natural and cultural resources that make up the city’s green infrastructure play an important role in the future development of the community. Through green infrastructure planning, priority resource areas can be identifi ed and linked to create recreational and open space systems as well as valuable corridors for wildlife. A. Ecological Resources Th e ecological resources of South Burlington are widely varied for a community of its size located in the heart of the Champlain Valley. Prominent water features, in- cluding Lake Champlain, the Winooski River, Potash Brook, Centennial Brook, and Muddy Brook serve as important wildlife travel corridors and political boundaries (Th ese aquatic resources are discussed in greater detail in the Blue Infrastructure sec- tion of this plan). Geological features ranging from lakeside cliff s to sandy soils play an important role in shaping the vegetation as well as development patterns in the area. Th is chapter includes an inventory, analysis, and overall policy strategy of the natural resources and publicly-owned natural areas of the city. Th is chapter is supplemented by the discussions and analyses within the land use section of this plan. It is further supplemented by the myriad of existing and planned open space, natural area, water quality, and wildlife conservation plans and studies prepared by the city. As of 2010, these included: ✦South Burlington Open Space Strategy (April 2002) ✦A Study of Breeding Birds in the Southeast Quadrant (July 2004) ✦Wildlife and Natural Community Assessment of the Southeast Quadrant (July 2004) & Southeast Quadrant Environmental Resources Map (March 2005) ✦Southeast Quadrant Open Space Master Plan Map (March 2005) ✦Leduc Farm Landscape: A Natural and Cultural History (May 2009) ✦Dorset Park Natural Area [now formally the Wheeler Nature Park] Natural Resource Inventory and Management Recommendations (July 2009)DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-79 OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the city’s ecological resources identifi ed in this plan include: ✦Th e city has retained a number of important natural areas that provide mul- tiple benefi ts to city residents including recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, groundwater recharge, storm and fl ood water storage, etc. However, the city lacks a well-defi ned, coordinated, city-wide open space plan to ensure protection of ecological resources and improved environmental quality as the city continues to grow and develop. ✦Th e Champlain Valley is among the most fertile regions in Vermont, creating opportunities for both agriculture and development. ✦Chittenden County presently meets federal air quality standards, but has in the past been a non-attainment area and could be so again. INVENTORY Th e South Burlington Open Space Strategy (2002) includes a overview of land throughout the city with higher ecological value based on compilations and analyses of the various resources described below and in the Blue Infrastructure section of this plan. Th e Southeast Quadrant (SEQ) Open Space Master Plan Map (2005) includes specifi c recommendations for properties that should be conserved. At present, no such detailed recommendations exist outside of the SEQ. Climate. South Burlington’s northerly latitude assures a variety of weather and a vig- orous, cool climate. Th e average annual temperature is 45 degrees, the average sum- mer temperature is 65 degrees. Th e average annual frost- free growing season of 145 days is largely due to the moderating infl uence of Lake Champlain. South Burlington is one of the cloudiest areas in the U.S. with an average of 199 cloudy days a year. Precipitation is well distributed throughout the year and averages 32 inches annually in the form of rain and 80 inches annually in the form of snow. Winds are predomi- nantly north-south in direction paralleling the Champlain Valley. Winds of damaging force are rare and occur mostly as thunderstorms. Th e climate of the area is documented in the UVM Agricultural Experiment Station publication, Climate of Burlington, Vermont. Th e severity and duration of the winter shorten the construction season. Th e growing season varies somewhat depending upon the crop, but is generally considered to range from mid-April through late-October. Careful design and construction of foundations, utility lines, and roadways become necessary to minimize damage from frost heaving and icing. As learned from the ice storm of January 1998, undergrounding of utilities is important. Air Quality. Air quality in Chittenden County currently meets all basic federal health (attainment) criteria. For some measurements however - notably ozone and particu- late dust from local and national sources– ongoing monitoring is necessary. Th e pri- mary sources of airborne pollutants include automobiles and trucks, industry, and residential / commercial heating. DRAFT 4-80 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Air quality is not a new concern in Chittenden County. During the 1970s and much of the 1980s, air quality in the county did not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Since 1987, air quality in Chittenden County – and all of Vermont – has met these standards. Air quality monitoring confi rms that Chittenden County’s air quality still meets the national standards, but ozone levels are close to the current national standard and fi ne particle pollution (PM) has approached the standard in recent years. Keeping our Air Clean, a report released by the Chittenden County Regional Plan- ning Commission and Metropolitan Planning Organization in 2009, highlights the primary sources of air pollution in the region and presents a series of individual, local, and regional recommendations to maintain and improve our local air quality. In May 2009, the City of South Burlington’s energy committee completed an assess- ment of energy use throughout the community. Th e assessment revealed transporta- tion to be the greatest single source of energy use in the city. With nearly all vehicles fueled by gasoline and diesel in the city, it is also a signifi cant contributor to airborne pollutants. Topography. South Burlington’s landscape is lined by a series of ridgelines and river valleys and punctuated by cliff s along parts of Lake Champlain and the Winooski River. Elevations range from a low of 95 feet above sea level along the shorelines of Lake Champlain to a peak of 473 feet along a ridgeline in the city’s Southeast Quad- rant. Five prominent north-south ridgelines shape the city’s landscape and play an important role in the historic transportation, settlement, and wildlife transit patterns of the community: ✦Along the west side of Spear Street, from Swift Street into the town of Shel- burne; ✦Along the east side of Dorset Street, from Swift Street into the town of Shel- burne with a gap in the vicinity of Cider Mill Drive; ✦Along Hinesburg Road south of Interstate 89 into the town of Shelburne; ✦Between Spear Street and Dorset Street, extending southward from Swift Street a short distance; and ✦Along Old Farm Road from Kimball Ave to Hinesburg Road. Th e high points of these ridgelines reveal in many cases spectacular views of the Green and/or Adirondack Mountains in the distance. Some have been incorporated into the city’s Land Development Regulations as scenic view overlay districts. North of these ridge systems is a fl at, well-drained deltaic deposit. Th is fl at area is drained by a network of drainage-ways towards Potash Brook to the south and tribu- taries of the Winooski River to the north. Burlington International Airport is located in this area. Two other distinctive fl at areas are found in the Southeast Quadrant. Th e smaller area is located to the east of Butler Farms. It contains a large wetland which is the source of Potash Brook. Th e larger area is located to the east of Spear Street. Th is area has a large wetland in its geographic center that drains into Shelburne Pond, a DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-81 designated natural area. Floodplains and wetlands are found in the lowlands near riv- ers, streams and drainage-ways in association with the Winooski River, Potash Brook, Muddy Brook and their tributaries. Bedrock Geology. Much of the Winooski and Champlain valleys’ geologic forma- tions were the result of glaciation. When the ice receded, Lake Vermont was formed which extended from the Lake Champlain basin to the foothills of the Green Moun- tains. Th e resulting valleys are covered with glacial drift and lake sediments. Th e signif- icant bedrock geology laying near to the surface in South Burlington is located in the western portion of the city extending along the Lake Champlain shoreline. Th ese are primarily limestone/dolomite, calcareous clastic, and meta-sandstone and quartzite. Th e bedrock geology of the city relates to planning in many ways. First, shallow depth to bedrock and the presence of bedrock outcrops dictate the location of roads, leach fi elds, underground utility lines, and building foundations. Second, bedrock aquifers supply many wells in South Burlington. Th e quantity and quality of this groundwater must be maintained at least as long as citizens rely on private wells for their domestic water supplies. Th e eff ects of development on recharge areas as far as natural systems are concerned should also be borne in mind. Land development reduces recharge capability at the surface by increasing impermeable surfaces, such as rooftops, paved areas and lawns. Soils. Th e Champlain Valley has long been identifi ed as one of the most fertile regions in Vermont. Within this region, most of the soils in South Burlington are classifi ed as prime soils or soils of statewide important for agriculture by the federal Natural Re- source Conservation Service (NRCS). Th ey meet the criteria for primary agricultural soils as regulated by the state via Act 250’s Criteria 9B and have historically been active farmland. Although much of South Burlington has been developed, there is farmland, especially in the Southeast Quadrant, that remains viable for agricultural production. Th e city’s soils are mapped in the Chittenden County Soil Survey by the Natural Resource Conservation Service of the United State Department of Agriculture. Vegetation. Trees, shrubs, and other soil cover are more than aesthetic amenities. Th ey prevent erosion, improve air quality, provide visual and aural buff ers, and furnish shade and protection from wind. Several remaining large wooded tracts are owned by the city or the University of Vermont and are maintained essentially in their natu- ral state (see discussion on forest lands). Remnants of apple orchards and hedgerows along property lines and abandoned town roads are historic reminders of the city’s agricultural heritage and past land use patterns. Forest Lands. Forest lands are an important natural resource. Due to the urban char- acter of the city, forest lands are more important for their recreational, educational, wildlife habitat and aesthetic amenities as opposed to their use for timber produc- tion. Trees serve as temperature control, wind breaks and noise baffl es, and provide important habitat for various types of birds and wildlife. Th erefore, programs and methods to protect these lands should focus on public access and enjoyment, and wildlife preservation.DRAFT 4-82 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Several important, publicly accessible, forest land areas are identifi ed in this plan in- cluding Red Rocks Park, Centennial Woods, East Wood Natural Area and the Kenne- dy Drive Natural Area. Additional important forest lands include the forested ravine area bounded by I-89, Patchen Road and Williston Road, and the 20-acre forested wetland/bog located in the southern end of the city between Spear and Dorset streets. Th ese forest areas are in private ownership. Wildlife. South Burlington is home to a wide range of wildlife, from insects and worms, to larger mammals like beaver, fox, coyotes, bobcats, deer, and occasionally moose and bear. Many bird species are also present, including some ground nesting species whose populations have declined in Vermont in recent years due to changing agricultural practices. Residents share the densely populated urban and suburban areas and open spaces with this diverse population of wildlife. Th ese two users, people and wildlife, share the natural areas throughout the city. Past studies have identifi ed travel routes - or corridors - most often frequented by larger wildlife. Th ese corridors tend to focus on and include resources such as streams, wetlands, bogs, and undeveloped forest blocks. Natural Areas. Natural areas in South Burlington have been identifi ed by the city and its partners, the University of Vermont, the Vermont Natural Resource Council, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, the Vermont Resources Re- search Center, and the South Burlington Land Trust. Th ese natural areas have generally been historically undeveloped, though most of the land in the region was logged and farmed for some portion of its history. Many con- tain unusual communities of plants and animals, rare species, and exceptional geo- logical features. Two studies, the South Burlington Open Space Strategy (2002) and the Wildlife and Natural Community Assessment of the Southeast Quadrant (2004) document many of the most critical natural areas within the city. Of these, some are publicly owned, others are under private conservation easements, and others are not protected. A comprehensive listing of natural areas, public and private, can be found in the Com- munity Facilities chapter of this Plan. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Th e conservation of connected wildlife corridors and individual pieces of land con- taining unique physical features, together with careful attention to conservation of natural resources on developed properties have become increasingly important as development has continued to take place throughout the city. Whereas in the past undeveloped areas that used for active farm and forestry operations provided habitat for wildlife and scenic views for the public, ongoing development pressure through- out Chittenden County has generated the need to actively conserve important open spaces, forested blocks, and connected wildlife habitat areas.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-83 In order to maintain a balance of conserving important ecological resources and allow- ing for development, city policies will need to consider: Climate and Climate Change. Th e region’s variable climate places signifi cant bur- den on natural communities in the area, further emphasizing the need for important corridors to be conserved. From a land use perspective, winter climate conditions require adequate snow storage on all properties, and place demands for regular plow- ing services by the city and other public and private entities. In addition, rainfall must be properly accounted for in order to ensure that stormwater runoff does not lead to declines in water quality or stream bank erosion. Th e more global issue of climate change poses signifi cant challenges for all communi- ties, both in how they contribute to the change, and how they respond to it. Th e City of South Burlington has substantial opportunities to address both by fostering land use patterns, transportation modes and energy strategies that can temper the city’s carbon footprint. Goals and strategies related to this issue are found through the plan under relevant chapters. Geology. Th e bedrock geology of the city should be closely considered as a part of all development activity. Th e eff ects of development on groundwater recharge areas as far as natural systems are concerned should also be borne in mind. Development reduces recharge capability at the surface by increasing impermeable surfaces, such as rooftops, paved areas and lawns. Soils. Soils information is particularly germane to the future plans for land use. Much of the area contains soils of statewide importance (with limited areas having prime agricultural soils). Historically these soils have been benefi cial to both agricultural operations and development. Today, the presence of these soils provide opportunities for development to be commingled with small-scale agricultural operations, commu- nity gardens, and the continued presence of larger scale operations associated with the University of Vermont and historic farms. Th e geographic nature of the area requires the city to balance small- and mid-sized agricultural opportunities with demands for aff ordable housing and economic development in the core of Chittenden County. Sandy soils along Shelburne Road and near the airport are well drained but of lesser agricultural quality, while soils in the southeast quadrant tend to include less well drained clay and loam soils. Air Quality. As the city continues to grow, and especially as the county around us becomes more urbanized, the community must remain an active participant in ef- forts to maintain or improve air quality conditions. Growth can lead to reductions in air quality, but actions to counterbalance this, as described in the recent Chittenden County Air Quality Plan (2009), can mitigate potential problems and ensure that the region does not become a “non-attainment” area. Land uses and activities with the greatest potential for air quality problems include certain manufacturing uses, quarry operations, congested intersections where vehicle stacking and queuing is substantial, and auto-dependant land uses in general. DRAFT 4-84 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Habitat and Vegetation. ✦Th e presence of important ecological resources, as well as steep slopes, shal- low soils, and extensive bedrock outcroppings should be incorporated into all types of planning for development and conservation. ✦Many of the wildlife corridors within the city begin or extend beyond the city’s boundaries, including the Muddy Brook, Shelburne Pond, Winooski River, Centennial Woods, and others. Coordination with neighboring juris- dictions and regional and state entities is critical. ✦Eff ective wildlife habitat areas include travel corridors for foraging, hunting, nesting and drinking. ✦Unique and historic natural areas can be open to the public and celebrated if carefully managed. Continued evaluation of these resources will be necessary to determine whether any might need to be “off limits” to the public. ✦Conservation of mature and specimen trees is important due to the diffi culty of successfully transplanting these trees; this must be balanced with ensuring that conserved natural areas retain a vibrant forest succession to ensure the future health of these areas. ✦Maintaining a balanced variety of native plant species and actively removing non-native invasive species will help to support a vibrant system of fl ora and fauna. ✦Th e planting of street trees can serve to provide a safer and more pleasant pedestrian experience, calm traffi c fl ow, and contribute to urban beauty, air quality, and noise reduction. Th e city must continue to ensure a balance of diff erent tree types to protect from wide-scale disease (such as the dutch elm disease). FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS Several population and development trends in South Burlington will shape the city’s ecological resources in the coming years. ✦Population and Development Growth. Population growth is expected to continue at a rate of average rate of 1.5 to 2.0 percent annually, with resi- dential construction expected to continue at a similar or slightly higher pace. Commercial development is also anticipated to continue at a similar pace. Th is development will continue to place pressure on existing wildlife habi- tat areas as well as wildlife travel corridors. Th is is especially the case in the Southeast Quadrant. ✦Public Demand for Accessible Natural Areas. Public interest in the acqui- sition, maintenance and accessibility of natural areas has grown steadily in South Burlington over the past decade. It is anticipated that this interest will continue to grow as development continues to take place in previously un- built areas and as public recreational interests grow. ✦At a regional scale, as development continues to take place throughout Chit- tenden County, attention to the need to acquire and maintain habitat cor- ridors for public and wildlife benefi t will likely grow.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-85DRAFT 4-86 city of south burlington comprehensive plan B. Historic and Cultural Resources Historic and cultural resources in South Burlington include scenic views, natural ar- eas, historic properties and structures, and growing community amenities provided by local organizations, individuals, and the city. Th e city’s history has been well documented through annual reports, oral histories, and publications such as South Burlington Vermont 1865-1965 and Know Your Com- munity: South Burlington Vermont 1865-1977. Th ese publications provide a strong background of the city’s formation from the original City of Burlington and describe the majority of buildings that today would be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. As the community’s fi rst subdivisions and commercial development enter their seventh decade, however, the built environment that is considered historic is growing. Cultural resources in the community have long been linked to those in neighbor- ing communities, notably Burlington. Th e resources based in South Burlington have traditionally been scenic views, natural areas, parks, schools, the community library, and places of worship. Th ese have been supplemented years by programming off ered through various community groups, the city’s recreation and parks department, and others. OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the city’s historic and cultural resources identifi ed in this plan include: ✦Scenic views are among the city’s most prominent cultural and historic re- sources. ✦Th ough limited in number, historic homes and buildings dating from the pre-war period dot the South Burlington landscape. ✦Some of South Burlington’s historic resources have not been identifi ed or documented as they were not considered “historic” during the period when statewide inventories of historic resources were compiled (primarily in the 1980s). Key architectural resources that exemplify the city’s heritage should be recognized and protected in order to provide future generations of resi- dents a physical connection to the period when South Burlington became a city. INVENTORY Views and Scenic Quality. Th ere are a number of outstanding scenic views off ered in South Burlington. From numerous locations in the city, one can see spectacular views of the Green Mountains to the east, and the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain to the west. Th e preservation of the scenic qualities of the city are critical to understanding its cultural landscape and heritage. Th rough careful planning, appropriate development design, and through acquisitions and easements, these vistas and viewshed protection zones can be protected for future generations to enjoy.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-87 In the 1990s, vista viewpoints were identifi ed for 17 key locations in South Burling- ton. Of these, Viewshed Protection Zones are now in existence for six views including from the Nowland Farm Road area, Hinesburg Road- north, Hinesburg Road-south, Spear Street and Allen Road, Spear Street at Overlook Park. Historic Sites and Structures. Th e City of South Burlington has diverse historic re- sources, including archaeological resources that are not readily visible. Paleoindian ar- cheological sites, landscape features such as stonewalls, historic farmsteads, Craftsman Style bungalows, International Style buildings, post World War II neighborhoods, and a variety of roadside architecture make up the cultural landscape and history of South Burlington. Th ese cultural resources are visual representations of the city’s heritage. Archaeological sites off er insight into the more distant past when people did not write and provide information about events and activities. South Burlington’s pre-contact and historic period archeological sites and historic buildings, structures and land- scapes, help constitute its unique and diverse cultural heritage. Once these resources are gone, they can never be replaced. For certain time periods of history, these historic resources may be the only clues to our past. South Burlington is unique among Vermont communities as a large portion of South Burlington’s built environment was created during the years following World War II. While most would not consider the mid-20th century architecture of South Burlington to be historic, many of these sites and structures are historically signifi cant. Th ose that are at least 50 years old may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. A number of structures in South Burlington date from the 19th century. Th ese include, among others, the Stone House at Van Sicklen Road and the Wheeler House at Swift and Dorset Streets. Cultural Facilities and Organizations. Cultural facilities in South Burlington in- clude a combination of public and private sector venues, including the city-owned O’Brien Center at Jaycee Park. Th e Recreation and Parks Department manages this facility and off ers a range of community recreational activities and programming year- round. Cultural organization in the city include places of worship, service organiza- tions and community groups. In many cases, organizations off ering cultural program- ming in the area are regionally, rather than locally, based. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Historic Sites and Structures. Care must be taken to appreciate South Burlington’s cultural landscape as a record of the city’s evolution from an agricultural to a booming post-war suburban community. A variety of components that make up South Burling- ton’s cultural landscape must be preserved in order to preserve elements of the city’s history. As the city develops, care should be taken to make development sensitive to the city’s historic and archaeological sites and structures. Destroying historic resources can sometimes permanently destroy opportunities to interpret and understand our DRAFT 4-88 city of south burlington comprehensive plan history. As South Burlington continues to develop, the historic resources that repre- sent the city’s past should be recognized and preserved as we plan for its future. Heritage Landscapes. Nestled within the Champlain Valley, South Burlington’s ag- ricultural landscape is a critical part of the city’s cultural heritage. Th e remaining farm- steads and farmland, particularly in the Southeast Quadrant, represent the historical development patterns of the community and refl ect its strong agrarian past. Whether remaining in active production or becoming conserved areas, these landscapes can become important cultural links in an open space network. Cultural Facilities and Organizations. Th e diverse geography and proximity to Burlington and other historic communities of South Burlington has historically made the presence and operation of cultural facilities and community-wide cultural orga- nizations a challenge. Th e construction of the recreation path network has begun to sew the city’s diverse and well-established neighborhoods together with its commercial areas and parks. Scenic Viewsheds. Th e city has identifi ed a series of scenic viewpoints and estab- lished scenic view overlay districts in the Southeast Quadrant. Opportunities exist for additional overlay districts to be established elsewhere in the community and should be explored. FUTURE NEEDS AND TRENDS Ongoing development will place pressure on historic structures and properties to be renovated or replaced. Until recently, very few building in South Burlington would be considered “historic,” as much of initial development in the community took place beginning in the 1940s. As greater numbers of structures reach 50 years of age, some buildings or neighbor- hoods may become eligible for designation on the State or National Register of His- toric Places.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 4-89 C. Recreation Resources The City of South Burlington is home to an array of recreational facilities and programming. It is in part due to this that the city was named “Best Sports Town in Vermont” by Sports Illustrated in 2007. The challenge for the city - and community - is to balance the need for recreational facilities (developed and natural) with other uses of land, and to provide cost- eff ective services to residents of all ages, interests, and abilities. OVERVIEW Key issues and needs related to the city’s cultural resources identifi ed in this plan include: ✦Th e city has a number of developed parks, but they are heavily used and not fully geographically distributed. ✦Growing interest in undeveloped, natural recreation areas has provided new opportunities and additional acquisition and maintenance demands on the city and other local and regional partners. ✦Recreational programming remains extremely popular and must regularly adapt to changing demographics within the community. INVENTORY Recreational Facilities. Th e City of South Burlington is home to a diverse range of recreational facilities. A comprehensive listing of Parks, public and private, can be found in the Community Facilities chapter of this Plan. Funding. Th e city has used a number of strategies to acquire and upgrade both de- veloped parks and city natural areas. In past years, South Burlington has taken great advantage of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. More recently, in 2000, city voters approved a special dedicated property tax of 1 cent to purchase open space or development rights to open space. Th e tax will yield approximately $160,000 per year. In 2010, the use of these funds was expanded to allow for up to fi ve percent of the annual funds to be used for maintenance of open space. Another implementation measure used to acquire parkland is through the assessment of recreation impact fees on new development. Th e city adopted its Impact Fee Or- dinance, which includes recreation fees, in 1995. Th e payment of an impact fee is preferred where it is not practical to dedicate a park site due to the size, density or location of a proposed subdivision. Th ere is a strict requirement as to how this money can be spent and there is also a time limit as to how it can be spent. A third strategy has been the requirement of dedication of public park space alongside larger development projects via the Land Development Regulations. Recreation Programming. Recreation programs are fundamental to the quality of life of people, our community, and society as a whole. Quality of life for people and DRAFT 4-90 city of south burlington comprehensive plan the community can encompass a number of factors. Among those factors are indi- vidual, community, environmental, and economic benefi ts. Th e mission statement for the city’s recreation and parks department is refl ected in the wide-range of programming opportunities off ered- “To enhance the quality of life for all citizens of our community by providing meaningful and fulfi lling leisure time activities, recognizing that each person is an individual with their own needs, abilities, and goals to be met during their leisure time.” Th e city’s comprehensive list of recreation programs range in age from pre-school to senior citizens activities. Th ere are currently 377 various programs off ered in a number of major groups including: youth programs, family activities, special events, adult programs, camp programs, junior programs, and senior programs. In addition, the city works with area community groups, non-profi ts, neighboring municipalities, and the school district to coordinate and enhance programming available to the city’s residents. To a large extent, public school facilities house the vast majority of indoor programs, while the city’s recreation fi elds and parks provide the majority of the outdoor pro- gramming space. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Recreation Facility Planning. Th e rate, location, and type of new residential con- struction present a variety of considerations for recreation planning. Nationally, a goal of 7.5 acres of developed recreation land per 1,000 population has been established. In South Burlington, residential development over the past decade has brought the city from being well above this target to close or slightly below. In addition, the distribu- tion of community and neighborhood parks, while generally widespread, does not provide for easy pedestrian access for all residents. Maintenance and Safety. As the public path and park systems continue to grow, maintenance and safety are becoming increasingly important issues for the city to address. Maintenance is primarily the responsibility of the Recreation and Parks De- partment, supplemented by occasional volunteer eff orts. Staff repairs, paves, paints, landscapes, sweeps, mows, and plows the city’s paths and parks as necessary and those costs are part of the city’s public works budget. During the summer months, the path and park systems have in the past been patrolled by staff hired and supervised by the South Burlington Police Department. Consideration will need to be given to the level of maintenance and policing, and the associated costs to the city, in future decisions regarding the expansion, design and location of paths and parks. In addition, it will be important for the city to retain a regular upkeep and revitalization plan for its recreational facilities. Recreation Programming. Th e recreation and parks department receives the second highest priority for the use of school spaces, next to school activities themselves. While this partnership is successful on many levels, there are still direct costs involved, lack DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-1 of control in scheduling the spaces themselves, and with the length of a regular school day, the schools are prohibitive in providing recreational activities for preschoolers and the elderly, both signifi cant needs that currently exist in our community. Alternative building space to provide for these types of activities is essential. Th ere remains an additional need for outdoor playing fi elds as well. Over the years, many traditional sports programs have transitioned into three-season sports placing a huge demand on facility spaces. In addition, many spaces are used for multi-sports events. Since there are limited designated fi eld areas, additional playing spaces have developed out of necessity, and do not provide adequate space for the demand. Ad- ditional city parkland is needed to adequately provide facility space for various youth and adult sports programs FUTURE TRENDS AND NEEDS ✦As our population demographics continue to shift, so do our facility and programming needs. Among the trends are towards an aging population that has strong interests in lower-impact recreation. ✦Trends from the past two decades indicate continued strong and growing interest in youth developed recreation facilities; there is an identifi ed lack of lacrosse and soccer fi elds. ✦Balancing needs for open space, developed recreation, and passive recreation space.DRAFT 5-2 city of south burlington comprehensive plan D. Agricultural Resources Agricultural activity in the city has a long and evolving history. Evidence of spear tips and other archeological artifacts indicate settlement and probable small-scale agricultural activity for centuries prior to the establishment of permanent settlements in the late 18th century. From that point forward, several farms were established in the community, focused on the products that were typical of the Champlain Valley: sheep, dairy cows, grains, etc. As substantial development began to occur in the community beginning in the 1930s, the number and scale of farms initiated its decline. South Burlington today continues to have an agricultural presence, but it is one that is physically and economically very diff erent from the past. This chapter includes an inventory, analysis, and overall policy strategy of the agricultural resources within the city. This chapter is supplemented by the discussions and analyses within the land use chapters of the plan. OVERVIEW AND INVENTORY Th e City of South Burlington is a largely urbanized community with only a small number of traditional farm parcels remaining. In recent years, however, new forms of agriculture, from small vegetable farms to backyard gardens and farmers’ markets, have emerged and started to become a signifi cant part of the city’s landscape and eco- nomic and cultural base. Existing agricultural resources in the city include: ✦Large-Scale Farms and Support Fields. Th e city is home to a small number of large agricultural or hay fi eld parcels dispersed throughout the city. Th ose include the dairy, hay, and corn fi elds owned and operated by the University of Vermont adjacent to Spear Street, a dairy farm operation at the extreme northern end of the city, the University of Vermont’s Horticultural Farm off Shelburne Road, and farm and hay fi elds along Old Farm Road, Hinesburg Road, and Cheesefactory Road. Most of these, with the exception of the UVM lands and Belter Farm off Ethan Allen Drive, have reverted from active farm operation to minimal use as hay fi elds over the past generation. Th e city did, however, became host to a new operation in 2009, with the conservation of the former Leduc parcel and the establishment of the Bread and Butter Farm on approximately 140-acres split between Shelburne and South Burlington along Cheesefactory Road. Th is new farm includes dairy and vegetable production and an on-farm bak- ery. ✦Small-Scale Farms and Orchards. A handful of smaller-scale agricultural operations are spread throughout the city. Th ese operations are typically part-time work for those who operate them and vary in the products they off er. Th ey are a relatively new addition to the South Burlington agricul- tural landscape. Of note are a small handful of “backyard” farms operated by DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-3 homeowners and a small farm that has been integrated into the South Village development as a part of its overall mission of sustainability. ✦Community Gardens. At present, there are two sets of public community gardens in the city; one on land owned by the University of Vermont at the corner of Swift and Spear Streets, the other at the National Gardening As- sociation headquarters on Dorset Street. Both of these have waiting lists. ✦Farmers’ Markets. In 2010, the City Council passed an ordinance formally allowing for privately operated farmers’ markets to exist. In response, after a trial run, a private retailer in the city operated a bi-weekly market through- out the 2010 growing season. Th e market included more than 40 vendors, including a handful of operations based here in South Burlington. An online request for feedback from residents provided universally positive feedback. ✦CSA Drop-Off / Pick-Ups. In response to growing demands for communi- ty-supported agriculture programs in the region, wherein households pre-pay for farm products from local growers and received regular deliveries. Th ese programs are so popular that in addition to nearby farms, several farmers in northern Vermont have established local “drop-off ” points in the community. Th ese sites allow for the producers to have centralized distribution and for households to have convenient pick up locations. ✦Private Gardens. Th ough there are no formal records, anecdotal evidence suggests that there is a growing trend within the city for households to use garden space for growing fruits and vegetables. Much of the soil in South Burlington is well suited to growing vegetables. In 2010, the South Burl- ington City Council also passed an ordinance allowing for the keeping of chickens in residential back yards. ✦Non-Profi t Organizations, Vermont Fresh Network and Local Retailers. In recent years, the interest in local agricultural systems has grown substan- tially. Th is has been refl ected in South Burlington by the establishment of non-profi t community groups such as Common Roots, which is dedicated to teaching school children how to grow food and prepare food and make healthy food choices, as well as in the in for-profi t community. An increasing number of local retailers are carrying Vermont-made products to meet con- sumer demand, including some products that are produced or headquartered in South Burlington. In addition, a handful of area restaurants are members of the Vermont Fresh Network of business committed to buying locally-pro- duced fresh foods whenever possible. ✦Changing forms of agriculture for the future include: agroforestry, edible for- est gardens, permaculture design, and rotational grazing. ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES Th e role of agriculture in Vermont, and particularly in larger communities such as South Burlington, is evolving extremely quickly. Not long ago farming and agriculture were considered to have a limited role in the city’s future, with the continued operation DRAFT 5-4 city of south burlington comprehensive plan of a handful of historic farms but little else. Growing public interest in local goods had shifted this trend and resulted in the establishment of several new farms, CSA drop-off s, and a farmers’ market in recent years. Teh STate of Vermont in its Farm to Plate STrategic Plan has stated: “Ongoing conservation eff orts, especially for prime agricultural farmland, are essential to the future viability of farming in the State.... zoning ordinances, town and regional plans, and statewide planning legislation must be reviewed and adapted to encourage local agriculture and food distribution.” Several opportunities and challenges present themselves with this increased interest in local food production. Among them: ✦High Cost of Land. Th e high value of land in South Burlington is among the principal reasons for the decline in large-scale farming operations in the community over time. Th ese same fi nancial circumstances place pressure on smaller operations as well, but could be somewhat be mitigated against through site planning, as in the instance of the South Village community. Land use planning tools including the use of Transferable Development Rights in the Southeast Quadrant may help conserve existing farmland by clustering development and designating agricultural land as non-developable. ✦Agricultural-Residential Interface. Vermont law provides for signifi cant protection for farming activities in the state. In some cases, confl icts can arise between agricultural operations and residential activities, including odor, hours of operations, and deliveries. In South Burlington, the limited scale of agriculture over the past generation has led to relatively few confl icts. Th ese issues are beginning to reappear, however, as some residents express interest in the small-scale keeping of animals and/or sale of products from farm stands. Th e city will need to continue this balance. ✦Shortage of Community Gardens. Existing community garden space in South Burlington is limited and has signifi cant waiting lists. Th e existing gardens are located in the Southeast Quadrant. At present, there is no mu- nicipal mechanism for the creation or management of new gardens in the community. ✦Permanence of the Farmers’ Market. Th e majority of farmers’ markets in Vermont are hosted on municipal land by municipal entities or non-profi t or- ganizations under license from the municipality. Th e recently-initiated South Burlington Market is managed entirely by the private sector upon receipt of a permit from the city. Th e future existence of this market is dependant upon interest from the private sector to continue this operation, and the availability of private open land for its operation. Th e city may want to explore the pos- sibility of a stronger role and/or partnership in the operations in the future. FUTURE TRENDS AND NEEDS Regional and national trends suggest that small-scale, locally produced agriculture will continue to increase in popularity in the coming years. With this will likely be contin- ued interest in identifying ways in which South Burlington residents and businesses DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-5 will have access to local foods. Th e city will need to continue to evolve and adapt to these community interests, balancing the positive and negative impacts for its resi- dents.DRAFT 5-6 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5. REFERENCES AND RESOURCES 5.1. Maps 5.2. Plans and Studies 5.3. Data Tables 5.4. Resource List 5.5. End Notes DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-7DRAFT 5-8 city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5.6. Strategy Table A. Social Infrastructure POPULATION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT Strategy 1. Monitor the rate of population growth and land use development on an annual basis, as measured over 10-year averages. Strategy 2. Determine and maintain the appropriate ratio between the residential and non-residential sectors of the grand list in order to provide necessary municipal services at the lowest property tax rate. Strategy 3. Use growth management techniques, such as development phasing and sewer allocations, to ensure that the rate of development does not outstrip the city’s ability to provide services in a cost-eff ective manner. HOUSING Strategy 4. Provide a range of residential zoning densities throughout the city in accordance with the Land Use chapter of this plan to allow for continued construction of new housing to meet the needs of the region’s changing demographics, including at least some districts that foster high-density housing and some that foster aff ordably priced single-family housing Strategy 5. Foster innovative approaches to housing aff ordability through use of tools such as fl oor area ratio-based density, refi ned accessory apartment regulations, transferable development rights, zero lot line lots, or others. Strategy 6. Form a housing task force whereby city representatives would work with developers, engineers, site planners, architects, business leaders, utility representatives, housing professionals, bankers and residents to facilitate aff ordable housing and explore design standards. Strategy 7. Encourage the presence of high-quality rental housing by considering new locations within or near certain non-residential uses, allowing the rehabilitation of larger, historically signifi cant structures, and using as buff ers between residential neighborhoods and commercial land uses. Strategy 8. Support aff ordable, elderly and/or higher-density housing to be located near schools, parks, shopping centers, employment centers, day care facilities, transportation corridors, emergency services, and public transportation Strategy 9. Investigate tools to promote the conservation of the housing stock in existing residential neighborhoods to maintain the supply of relatively modestly priced homes. Strategy 10. Allow for context-sensitive infi ll housing in older residential neighborhoods, particularly in locations that are centrally located to services, public transportation and places of work. Strategy 11. Examine and revise residential building height standards to ensure renovations, expansions, or new construction is performed in a context-sensitive manner and that height restrictions are in concert with other requirements of the Land Development Regulations. Strategy 12. Explore the establishment of form-based standards for residential buildings throughout the city to accommodate compatible infi ll and expansion of homes in existing neighborhoods and neighborhood-friendly design in new neighborhoods.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-9 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 1. Anticipate and prepare for an average annual growth rate of approx. 1.5%1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community Objectives Community-Wide Goals 2. Foster the creation and retention of a balanced housing stock3. Support existing and new aff ordable housing units to meet regional demand4. Foster suffi cient new and renovated housing to meet demand5. Housing is designed and located in a context-sensitive manner1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community Objectives Community-Wide GoalsDRAFT 5-10 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 13. Encourage the integration of residential and commercial where there is ready access to public transportation and services. Strategy 14. Encourage a variety of housing confi gurations through innovative use of PUD provisions under which lot sizes, frontages and setbacks may be reduced, to meet the needs of a diverse population. Strategy 15. Establish incentives for the maintenance and development of “attainable” housing that has no income restriction but which is within reach of a wide range of the population. Strategy 16. Use the Chittenden County MSA median income fi gures as the baseline for determining aff ordable housing prices and rents. Strategy 17. Continue to partner with regional housing providers to develop new aff ordable housing and continue to expand the range of housing options available at all price and rent levels in South Burlington. Strategy 18. Streamline administrative policy for aff ordable housing and reduce or eliminate impact fees for aff ordable housing. Strategy 19. Create additional landscaping and setback requirements around the perimeter of residential neighborhoods that abut higher intensity, potentially incompatible land uses such as commercial and industrial. Strategy 20. Explore and implement standards for transitions between land uses of diff erent intensities. Strategy 21. Consider the impacts of non-residential uses, such as traffi c, noise and light, on existing residential neighborhoods when designating zoning districts & uses. Strategy 22. Require new developments to install connections to municipal water and sewer systems. Strategy 23. Encourage multiple street and pedestrian connections to and between residential neighborhoods in order to provide adequate emergency access and traffi c distribution, while designing such connections in a manner that discourages through, truck, or high-speed traffi c. Strategy 24. Ensure that adequate emergency access is available to all development and devise ways to prevent emergency accesses from being obstructed to protect public safety. Strategy 25. Provide prompt, equitable enforcement of the zoning ordinance to maintain the character of existing residential neighborhoods. Strategy 26. Explore the costs and benefi ts of adopting and enforcing local building, plumbing, electrical and fi re codes for the protection and safety of the public, employees and property. Strategy 27. Include recreation opportunities to be located within one-quarter mile of housing throughout the city. ECONOMY Strategy 28. Minimize city’s dependence on a single fi rm or business sector and build a diverse economic base that will reduce the city’s susceptibility to cyclical fl uctuations of the national economy by allowing for diversity through zoning.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-112. Foster the creation and retention of a balanced housing stock3. Support existing and new aff ordable housing units to meet regional demand4. Foster suffi cient new and renovated housing to meet demand5. Housing is designed and located in a context-sensitive manner1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community Objectives Community-Wide Goals 6. Promote a stable rate of employment and business development7. Plan for the infrastructure needed to support new and existing employers8. Work cooperatively with others focused on economic development in the region9. Maintain a balanced Grand List1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-12 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 29. Take an active role in strengthening the city’s economy by maintaining quality jobs through the establishment of a community development corporation, continued involvement with regional partners, and pursuing grants and low interest loans for economic development. Strategy 30. Work to ensure that adequate infrastructure and municipal services (e.g., highways, water supply, sewage disposal, etc.) are available to facilitate a rate of economic growth that is consonant with the growth management policies of this plan. Strategy 31. Encourage the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, such as fi ber optic and wireless technologies, in support of economic development. Strategy 32. Maintain a balanced housing stock that will allow those employed in the city to live in the city, and seek to maintain existing and create new jobs that pay wages that allow workers to live in the city. Strategy 33. Work with adjoining municipalities and regional entities to resolve potential spillover eff ects resulting from economic growth and development. Strategy 34. Initiate preliminary planning for future industrial sites in concert with regional partners in advance of actual need. Strategy 35. Foster and encourage small business development through innovative zoning techniques and support for grant opportunities. COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Strategy 36. Develop and maintain a capital budget and program for future public facility and utility needs. Strategy 37. Improve and expand public facilities and services in a manner that supports, complements and reinforces the land use and development recommendations of this plan, which includes a preference for infi ll over expansion of existing service areas. Strategy 38. Build future needed public facilities - specifi cally a city hall and/or community library - in the City Center area. Strategy 39. Improve the coordination among the various public and private utility and service providers to minimize duplication, increased costs and other adverse impacts related to the construction, maintenance or expansion of infrastructure. Strategy 40. Regularly update the city’s All Hazards Mitigation Plan and Emergency Response Plan.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-13 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 6. Promote a stable rate of employment and business development7. Plan for the infrastructure needed to support new and existing employers8. Work cooperatively with others focused on economic development in the region9. Maintain a balanced Grand List1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community Objectives Community-Wide Goals 10. Provide quality public and quasi-public facilities and services11. Provide a K-12 educational system12. Provide opportunities for life-long educational programs13. Provide ease of access to city gover-nance & raise rates of public participation14. Foster strong quality of life for residents & visitors w/ opportunities for social interaction15. Allow for responsible development that positively contributes to the landscape1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-14 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 41. Continue a policy of community policing, a partnership program that relies on ongoing commitment from all involved to establish & maintain partnerships with the community and eradicating the underlying causes of crime. Strategy 42. Maintain adequate staffi ng and training levels for fi rst response departments within the City of South Burlington and continue to develop mutual aid relationships. Strategy 43. Continue to request the input of the fi re department when reviewing development projects to assess their impacts on public safety. Strategy 44. Provide ease-of-access to public information and feedback through tools such as CCTV, the city website, social media, and traditional media. Strategy 45. Maintain a quality public school system, which is essential to the quality of life in the city and provides the city with a community focus and sense of pride. Strategy 46. Continue the neighborhood primary school concept, which is paramount to a continued sense of community, a sense of belonging and affi liation, and encourages strong families and community values. Strategy 47. Continue the shared use of school and other public facilities when possible, which provides the community with a sense of ownership and appreciation for the resources of the city, and which results in responsible use and public commitment to facility maintenance. Strategy 48. Encourage the provision of open space and dedicated park land that accentuates the school district’s educational goals by providing for experiential and applied learning experiences. Strategy 49. Encourage uses that continue an educational and research emphasis on the lands currently owned by the University of Vermont. Strategy 50. Strive for safe pedestrian and bike access to all schools and support eff orts to encourage more children to walk or bike to school. B. Gray Infrastructure TRANSPORTATION Strategy 51. Develop and maintain a capital budget and program to implement transportation improvements identifi ed by the city. Strategy 52. Use the city’s land use regulations to continue to support and encourage mixed-use development, and direct growth to the mixed-use City Center area, to promote pedestrian movement and reduce reliance on the automobile for local circulation. Strategy 53. Adopt a complete streets policy that incorporates sidewalks, crosswalks, crossing signals, bicycle paths, and bicycle lanes as appropriate in funding applications for new roads and roadway improvements.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-15 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 10. Provide quality public and quasi-public facilities and services11. Provide a K-12 educational system12. Provide opportunities for life-long educational programs13. Provide ease of access to city gover-nance & raise rates of public participation14. Foster strong quality of life for residents & visitors w/ opportunities for social interaction15. Allow for responsible development that positively contributes to the landscape1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community Objectives Community-Wide Goals 16. Maintain the existing transportation system17. Provide a transportation network that maximizes effi ciency and safety18. Provide a transportation network that connects neighborhoods & commercial areas17. Provide a transportation network that is integrated into the adjacent land uses1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-16 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 54. Strive to connect all city neighborhoods and all civic and business districts in a safe manner with a recreation path and road system that both are fully accessible to all non-motorized uses to the greatest extent possible. Strategy 55. Work with the private sector to implement transportation demand management techniques such as ride sharing programs, bus vouchers, and fl exible work hours; such techniques should be explored as possible mitigation to potential negative traffi c impacts resulting from new development. Strategy 56. Seek transportation improvements provide equal access for all income levels and abilities, reasonable costs, orderly and continued economic growth, existing and proposed land use, the fi xed supply of land, the increasing cost of energy, and other goals of this plan. Strategy 57. Collect and review data regarding accidents and injuries related to the city’s transportation network to help identify and prioritize future transportation improvements. Strategy 58. Use existing corridors and rights-of-way where possible when developing transportation improvements. Strategy 59. Implement the proposed street and intersection improvements included on the city’s Offi cial Map and/or Capital Budget and Program either as a public project or by private developers as warranted by the scope of new development, and continue to require developers to make any necessary improvements to intersection geometry and signalization as a condition of approval. Strategy 60. Implement access management techniques when planning new roads, improving existing roads and reviewing new development, and continue to require the provision of access management techniques (e.g. limit curb cuts, service roads, etc.) along high volume arterial and collector roadways as a condition of approval for new development. Strategy 62. Connect the city’s road and recreation path networks when planning new roads, improving existing roads and reviewing new development. Strategy 63. Continue to actively advocate for the following improvements to interstate access in the city: modify the Dorset Street/Kennedy Drive/ Interstate 89 Interchange to provide full access; establish an interchange at Hinesburg Road and Interstate 89; and upgrade Hinesburg Road from Interstate 89 to Kennedy Drive as needed. Strategy 64. Pursue upgrades to existing roads and bridges as identifi ed in the Capital Plan and annual Public Works work plan. Strategy 65. Support construction of arterial roads which improve inter and intra-city traffi c. Strategy 66. Continue to work with and press the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization to carry out the funded Environmental Impact Statement work for full interstate interchange at Hinesburg Road and I-89, and to program funds for subsequent years and work into the Transportation Improvement Program. Strategy 67. Work with neighboring communities on cooperative strategies for managing the impacts of travel to and from South Burlington. Strategy 68. Develop a city-wide sidewalk and recreation path plan that identifi es and prioritizes gaps and areas where confl icts between pedestrian and vehicles are most severe, to link various neighborhood and community focal points. Strategy 69. Require, as a condition of site plan or subdivision approval, the construction of recreation paths and dedication of easements in accordance with the city’s Offi cial Map and Land Development Regulations. Strategy 70. Develop and implement a prioritized plan for pedestrian crossings, including dedicated traffi c signals, on all high-traffi c streets, and investigate the use of raised, visually enhanced crosswalks, mini-roundabouts, and other methods of traffi c calming to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety in high-traffi c areas. Strategy 71. Integrate the recreation path, pedestrian trails, on-road paved shoulders, city sidewalks, and road network to the greatest extent possible to encourage non-motorized commuting. Strategy 72. Continue to seek public input into the operation, expansion, and improvement of the city’s transportation network. Strategy 73. Review and, if appropriate, revise the city’s policy on the use of electric vehicles such as segways and electric bicycles on recreation paths and sidewalks. Strategy 74. Continue the city’s membership in CCTA to provide continued bus service in and through South Burlington, and ensure that new routes are implemented to meet the needs of changing populations.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-17 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 16. Maintain the existing transportation system17. Provide a transportation network that maximizes effi ciency and safety18. Provide a transportation network that connects neighborhoods & commercial areas17. Provide a transportation network that is integrated into the adjacent land uses1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-18 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 75. Continue to expand frequent bus service during peak travel periods (e.g., 10 minute headways) along the Williston Road and Shelburne Road routes. Strategy 76. Work with CCTA to plan and implement needed improvements to make Williston and Shelburne Roads more transit friendly such as additional bus shelters, the provision of transit information at most bus stops, adequate lighting at bus stops, and provide safer protections for pedestrian crossings. Strategy 77. Work with CCTA to study the feasibility of bus routes that would provide access to the Lime Kiln Road area, the Southeast Quadrant, and a linkage between the Williston Road and Shelburne Road sectors of the city. Strategy 78. Revise the city’s Land Development Regulations to foster transit and pedestrian site design. Strategy 79. Work with local landowners and public offi cials to implement car- and van-pooling parking lots in order to foster ride sharing and transit park-and-rides. Strategy 80. Support enhanced rail service on the Vermont Railway and Central Vermont Railway tracks and amend the city’s Land Development Regulations to provide opportunities and mitigate against impacts of rail connections in the community. Strategy 81. Explore techniques as an Airport Overlay District (zoning out sensitive uses) to enhance compatibility between the airport, adjacent neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. Strategy 82. Continue to plan for and provide safe and effi cient access to the Burlington International Airport in a manner that does not adversely aff ect adjacent neighborhoods. ENERGY Strategy 83. Establish park-and-rides and increase carpooling and public transit to and from them (for commuting to, through and from the city). Strategy 84. Work to develop the infrastructure (largely communications) to allow more people to work from home. Strategy 85. Begin to establish the electric transmission, distribution, and connection infrastructure to support increased use of electric vehicles at home, work, park-and-ride locations, and downtown parking. Strategy 86. Improve traffi c fl ow through the city by synchronizing traffi c lights and adjusting traffi c light timing based on time of day and traffi c volume while retaining balance with pedestrian needs. Strategy 87. Develop incentives for existing and new buildings to meet or exceed state energy building code, Energy Star, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Strategy 88. Explore the creation of a clean energy assessment district to facilitate residential and commercial fi nancing of clean energy improvements. Strategy 89. Promote energy effi ciency through well-designed buildings, siting and landscaping, and encourage increased demand side management programs and the use of site-specifi c renewable energy resources. Strategy 90. Consider a policy that capital investments by the city include any and all effi ciency investments that are projected to pay back or break even over the lifetime of said investment. Strategy 91. Continue energy upgrades (weatherization and mechanical systems) of school and city buildings for all items that will payback within 10 years; new buildings should be built to at least LEED Silver standards. Strategy 92. Consider energy effi ciency when making upgrades to city utilities such as water and sewage treatment, street and parking area lighting, and traffi c signals so that the more effi cient solution is chosen if they will pay back the higher costs within 10 years. Strategy 93. Maintain the minimum levels of street lighting needed for pedestrian and vehicular safety and security. Strategy 94. Consider fuel effi ciency when upgrading fl eet vehicles for the city and school system and maintain vehicles at peak fuel effi ciency. Strategy 95. Encourage owners and developers to explore the possibility, and feasibility, of cogeneration and/or district energy in higher-density areas, notably City Center. Strategy 96. Pursue a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhoods (LEED-ND) level of effi ciency for City Center.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-19 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 20. Reduce transportation energy use21. Reduce commercial /industrial energy use22. Reduce residential energy use23. Reduce municipal and school energy use24. Increase energy production within the city1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-20 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 97. Encourage installations of photovoltaic electric and solar hot water heating for residential and commercial buildings. Strategy 98. Encourage the development of medium-scale photovoltaic electric generating facilities within the city. Strategy 99. Seek grant opportunities to develop photovoltaic electric production on city and school grounds and building rooftops. Strategy 100. Work to improve the overall sustainability of the community through encouragement of local food production and distribution (e.g. farmers markets and stands). C. Blue Infrastructure WATER RESOURCES AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Strategy 101. Coordinate state and federal wetlands programs to conserve and restore Class II and Class III wetlands within the city. Strategy 102. Require any proposed construction near rivers, or streams, wetlands, ponds or lakes to include adequate buff ers for natural water fl ow. Strategy 103. Continue to provide adequate undisturbed conservation zones and naturally vegetated buff ers along both sides of major rivers and streams, as well as defi ned smaller streams, tributaries, lakes, ponds and wetlands. Strategy 104. Complete geomorphic assessments for all year-round streams in South Burlington. Strategy 105. Develop revised stream buff er requirements based upon completed geomorphic assessments. Strategy 106. Pursue opportunities for acquisition and restoration of open space along year-round streams in South Burlington and actively enforce encroachments to protect these resources. Strategy 107. Pursue reduction of non-native invasive plant species in the city land by: actively removing such vegetation on city-owned land, providing educational materials to the general public, and prohibiting the planting of non-native invasives associated with new development. Strategy 108. Take care to design lakeshore development in a manner that respects and protects the quality of the lake and the aesthetics of the shoreline. Strategy 109. Join in eff orts with other communities to curb non-point source pollution of Lake Champlain through its policies. Strategy 110. Identify locations of aquifer recharge areas and include in future blue infrastructure mapping. Strategy 111. Pursue tools to make use of low impact development stormwater retention facilities in development to allow for the infi ltration of clean water into the city's aquifers. Strategy 112. Undertake a comprehensive inventory of storm drainage (both public and private) and develop a plan for construction of treatment systems and replacement of aging infrastructure. Strategy 113. Pursue stormwater runoff modeling for watersheds, such as Bartlett Bay, that include both erosion and pollution evaluation in reference to the Environmental Protection Agency’s total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). Strategy 114. Continue to undertake education initiatives, use best management practices, and comply with requirements for erosion control measures and illicit discharge monitoring to minimize polluted stormwater runoff , an accordance with the city's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit. Strategy 115. Complete an assessment of the Low Impact Development (LID) standards incorporated into the city's Stormwater Overlay District; adjust and extend the district and standards to a broader scale as appropriate.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-21 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 25. Remove all city waterways from the Impaired Waters list26. Provide ongoing maintenance of the city’s stormwater infrastructure1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-22 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 116. Partner with private property owners to construct and maintain stormwater treatment facilities for existing impervious area. Strategy 117. Monitor and publish results of stream and watershed health on a regular basis. Strategy 118. Work towards the elimination of pesticide use in the community. WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT Strategy 119. Maintain an updated capital budget and program and implement funding mechanisms that refl ect full costs of maintenance and replacement of the city's water supply and wastewater infrastructure. Strategy 120. Continue water system design and improvement planning that would result in improved fi re protection fl ows and circulation. Strategy 121. Continue to require construction and inspect new water lines at standards that will ensure low long-term maintenance costs and the reduction of non-revenue water loss. Strategy 122. Work with landowners through the development review process to implement the infrastructure plan for the city's water supply and wastewater system. Strategy 123. Strive for long-term infrastructure plans limit disturbance wherever possible within identifi ed primary and secondary natural areas throughout the city. Strategy 124. Manage wastewater treatment facilities to meet or exceed state and federal pollution standards. Strategy 125. Work with private-sector developers to resolve wastewater line capacity issues in the vicinity of Hinesburg Road south of I-89. Strategy 126. Promote the use of water conversation techniques such as gray water re-use and reduced fl ow faucets. D. Green Infrastructure ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES Strategy 127. Use techniques available to the city to conserve important and connected natural areas identifi ed in the city’s Open Space Strategy, Southeast Quadrant Open Space Plan, and other research. Strategy 128. Retain existing trees and vegetation, and/or supplement with new plantings along drainageways and property lines, and around building clusters as land is subdivided and developed. Strategy 129. Encourage and require diverse tree planting in areas of new development as well as in established areas.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-23 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 27. Maintain a water supply & waste-water infrastructure system1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community Objectives Community-Wide Goals 28. Conserve the diversity of the living environment29. Conserve important natural areas and open spaces1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-24 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 130. Retain the city’s existing inventory of street trees and increase both the variety and number of street trees through regular maintenance and continued development of the South Burlington tree nursery at Dorset Park. Strategy 131. Encourage public education about tree functions and tree disease inspection in urban areas through cooperation with the UVM Horticultural Farm and Vermont Department of Forest Parks, and Recreation, Urban and Community Forestry Program. Strategy 132. Retain publicly-owned natural areas and woodlands identifi ed in this plan and develop long-range management plans for each to foster their continued health and use. Strategy 133. Make eff orts to maintain the city’s wildlife diversity, including making full use of available planning and legal tools such as buff ers, transfers of development rights, overlay zoning districts, conservation easements and other tools as appropriate. Strategy 134. Allow for development that is well planned and protects the city’s important natural resources, open spaces, wildlife habitat, scenic views, air and water resources. Strategy 135. Enact zoning provisions to provide an adequate buff er at Red Rocks Park to protect it from contiguous development on adjoining land, and ordinances to prevent littering, destruction and other abuses should be enacted and enforced. Strategy 136. Use the city’s land use regulations to encourage development patterns that conserve connected open space areas of suffi cient size in order to maintain important wildlife populations. Strategy 137. Work with adjoining municipalities and regional entities to enact complementary land use policies where wildlife habitat areas cross city boundaries. Strategy 138. Review the city's Land Development Regulations to ensure legal defensibility of wildlife and natural resource conservation standards. Strategy 139. Update and adopt the city's Open Space Strategy as a supporting plan to this Comprehensive Plan. Strategy 140. Foster passive recreational use of natural areas and identify areas that may be appropriate for an "off -limits" designation due to their fragile nature. Strategy 141. Work with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission to monitor air quality at critical locations. Strategy 142. Continue ongoing partnerships in education related to natural areas within the city. Strategy 143. Make use of the city's one-cent Open Space Fund to acquire, conserve and maintain important open spaces and natural areas within the city. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Strategy 144. Protect the city’s important scenic vistas and viewsheds, and preserve the ability of the public to enjoy views, such as of the golf course, Green Mountains and Adirondacks, from public lands and public roads. Strategy 145. Defi ne, monitor and enforce building heights to protect views and viewsheds for aesthetic, environmental and economic reasons.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-25 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 28. Conserve the diversity of the living environment29. Conserve important natural areas and open spaces1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community Objectives Community-Wide Goals 30. Allow for responsible development that positively contributes to the landscape1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-26 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 146. Consider establishing view protection overlay districts in other areas of the city and encourage designs that are visually harmonious with the natural landscape in view protection districts. Strategy 147. Acquire land along the ridge on the easterly side of Spear Street for a multi-purpose park, including view preservation of the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain and Shelburne Point. Strategy 148. Recognize and preserve the historic resources, and associated landscape features, that represent the city’s past as South Burlington continues to develop, while also recognizing that not all historic resources are signifi cant and worth preserving. Strategy 149. Use the state Register of Historic Places listing for the city to help assess the signifi cance of historic buildings, structures & landscapes. Strategy 150. Update and expand upon the state register listing of historic properties within South Burlington, and consider listing road side architecture and post World War II construction as historic properties. Strategy 151. Allow for necessary repair or rehabilitation of historic structures to provide continued use while ensuring changes to historic structures are sympathetic to the structure. Strategy 152. Consider a regulation that would require complete documentation of signifi cant historic or archeological resources before permitting their destruction. Strategy 153. Preserve important archaeological sites to the extent possible for future generations when new technologies can answer important scientifi c and cultural questions. Strategy 154. Conserve signifi cant properties that still serve their historic function, such as farms, through the development review process, conservation easements, or other proactive measures. Strategy 155. Pursue an inventory of the city’s historic resources. Strategy 156. Preserve agricultural heritage landscapes as signifi cant cultural resources by protecting their scenic and historic character through the use of techniques such as conservation restrictions, transfer of development rights and protective easements. Strategy 157. Participate in appropriate reviews such as Act 250 or highway corridor hearings to protect important historical and cultural resources which may be threatened. RECREATION RESOURCES Strategy 158. Maintain a balance between developed recreation areas and natural recreation areas. Strategy 159. Work with private developers to integrate additional public parks into the recreation system. Strategy 160. Strive to make recreation areas accessible to all residents regardless of physical ability consistent with the proposed use of a recreation parcel and activity. Strategy 161. Consider off ering credit against recreation impact fees for development of public parks providing that the size and type of facility meets city approval. Strategy 162. Strive to provide access to a park or open space area within a one-mile safe walk from each neighborhood in the city, and provide each neighborhood with a small park, mini-park, neighborhood park, community green or meeting area.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-27 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 30. Allow for responsible development that positively contributes to the landscape1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community Objectives Community-Wide Goals 31. Provide for the varied recreational needs and interests of citizens32. Strive to maintain approx. 7.5 acres of recreational facilities per 1,000 population1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-28 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 163. Explore alternate uses of the waterfront area at Red Rocks or other property that would facilitate the community’s enjoyment of Lake Champlain. Strategy 164. Maintain Dorset Park as the hub of community activity and pursue development of the community center and aquatics facilities proposed in the 1989 Dorset Street Park Master Plan and updated in the management plan for a community aquatic center approved by the City Council in 1999. Strategy 165. Develop and maintain a Capital Budget and Program for capital maintenance of existing recreational facilities and establishment of new facilities. Strategy 166. Explore the possibility of having the Recreation -Leisure Arts Committee serve as an advisory board to the Development Review Board on potential credits of the recreational impact fees and/or dedication of public parks to the city as a part of development review. Strategy 167. Continue to provide a wide range of recreational programming for residents of all ages and interests. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES Strategy 168. Continue to support small-scale fruit and vegetable production in South Burlington and encourage small-scale sales of products where appropriate. Strategy 169. Continue to make use of the city’s Open Space fund to support the conservation of both wildlife and agricultural lands of various sizes in the community. Strategy 170. Continue to use zoning to foster the continuance of agricultural operations in the city where appropriate. Strategy 171. Explore the active use of city-owned land for educational and/or commercial agricultural purposes. Strategy 172. Explore the provision of incentives for development to include community garden space. Strategy 173. Study the possibility of greater municipal involvement in the creation and management of community gardens and farmers’ markets. Strategy 174. Study distribution of current community garden resources and community need and set goals for future garden distribution to all sections of the city. Strategy 175. Set a goal for city schools to source an appropriate percentage of food from local sources. E. Land Use GENERAL Strategy 176. Encourage, through its zoning and subdivision regulations and capital investment policies, future development and redevelopment to occur in accordance with the general land use pattern depicted on Map 8, Future Land Use. Strategy 177. Direct a majority of development density and new development over the next 20 years to the core area of the city, defi ned as those areas lying north of I-89 and I-189, and lying west of Spear Street. Strategy 178. Maintain a stable and proportional tax for existing and future residents and businesses. Strategy 179. Impose phasing requirements on individual projects as needed to ensure that development occur only in conformance with the city’s ability to provide services. Strategy 180. Participate in Act 250 reviews on both local and regional projects which aff ect the city, especially where local jurisdiction may be inadequate.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-29 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 33. Encourage agriculture, including small-scale farms & community gardens.1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community Objectives Community-Wide Goals 1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-30 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 181. Continue to refi ne the city’s Land Development Regulations to promote the Plan’s goals and objectives. CENTRAL DISTRICT Strategy 182. Work to direct a substantial proportion of the City’s future commercial development to occur in the designated City Center along Dorset Street, Williston Road, Market Street and San Remo Drive. Strategy 183. Conduct a study to design and evaluate a new government complex consisting of a new City Hall and/or a library, state offi ces, and/or a post offi ce (i.e., retail portion only). Strategy 184. Promote through the zoning and subdivision regulations an appropriate level of density (coverage and building heights) to provide a “critical mass” of activity. Strategy 185. Pursue completion of streets and recreation paths as illustrated on the City’s Offi cial Map. Strategy 186. Seek funding and explore public-private partnerships to provide necessary public amenities (e.g. open space, sidewalks, trees, parking, lighting, parking, and public transit amenities). Strategy 187. Develop an effi cient, convenient and attractive parking plan to serve the center area and explore funding and/or partnerships to acquire land and construct public parking facilities. Strategy 188. Create a well defi ned central open space as a focus of a city center district. This should include development of Dumont Park into an accessible, usable passive park to enhance the City Center. Strategy 189. Use design review and/or form-based coding to promote the development of aesthetically pleasing, pedestrian-focused and highly functional environments Strategy 190. Explore such means as transfer of development rights, density bonus program, and parking trust fund to aid in implementing the City Center plan. Strategy 191. Explore the establishment of a non-profi t South Burlington Community Development Corporation as recommended in the 1999 report entitled, “Establishing a Local Development Corporation in South Burlington”, to facilitate development in the City Center. Strategy 192. Work with existing landowners and developers to develop a stream alteration and wetland mitigation plan, and obtain necessary permits to implement such plan. Strategy 193. Refi ne Land Development Regulation standards to conserve existing residential areas and encourage new, mixed use residential development. Strategy 194. Review the parking requirements of the city’s Land Development Regulations, provide credit for presence of alternate means of transportation, and encourage sharing of parking facilities. Strategy 195. Assess and adopt incentives or requirements for the development of diverse and aff ordable housing types. Strategy 196. Foster infi ll development and integration of the built environments between City Center and adjacent commercial areas to the north and west. Strategy 197. Evaluate zoning along Hinesburg Road north of Market Street to foster a harmonious transition in land uses. Strategy 198. Complete Federal, State and local permitting for the Federally- funded Market Street Improvements Strategy 199. Complete and adopt streetscape, open space, and public realm plans for the City Center area, including provision of a central public square. Strategy 200. Establish a Tax Increment Finance District to support development of needed infrastructure improvements to serve the Central District. Strategy 201. Regularly update the City’s Offi cial Map to include the most up-to-date plans for streets, parks, recreation paths, and utility infrastructure. Strategy 202. Update the city’s water and wastewater ordinance to ensure suffi cient capacity is reserved for the City Center and Central District areas.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-31 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT 5-32 city of south burlington comprehensive plan Strategy 203. Pursue incentives or requirements for energy effi ciency in the City Center area, including an evaluation of district heating. NORTHWEST QUADRANT Strategy 204. Explore opportunities to foster smooth transitions and compatibility between infi ll and existing development through the Land Development Regulations. Strategy 205. Complete a long-range plan and undertake appropriate zoning amendments for the future use of the area adjacent to the Burlington International Airport. Strategy 206. Refi ne the City’s Land Development Regulations to allow for appropriately-scaled renovation of existing homes and infi ll development. Strategy 207. Review the city’s Land Development Regulations to encourage or require development along Kennedy Drive to include signifi cant landscaping and/or forested blocks along the roadway in keeping with existing patterns of development. Strategy 208. Seek opportunities to develop additional public parkland in the Northwest Quadrant using tools available to the city, including the Offi cial Map, Impact Fees, and development requirements. Strategy 209. Continue to work with the University of Vermont and Champlain College on land use issues of mutual interest and concern. Strategy 210. Work with the University of Vermont to develop a long-range plan for use of agricultural lands in the city. Strategy 211. Continue to pursue stormwater improvement programs throughout the Northwest Quadrant to address existing impairments Strategy 212. Explore opportunities through use of regulatory tools and fi nancial resources to conserve identifi ed primary natural areas, headwaters of watersheds, and riparian areas. Strategy 213. Promote the conservation of ravines and stream headwaters that exist in the Northwest Quadrant through zoning and possible land acquisition. Strategy 214. Strive to protect existing neighborhoods from incompatible commercial encroachment and traffi c disruption through the Land Development Regulations Strategy 215. Refi ne the city’s Land Development Regulations to improve ease of pedestrian movement throughout the Williston Road corridor through safe crossings and pedestrian/transit-oriented development patterns. NORTHEAST QUADRANT Strategy 216. Complete a study and plan for balancing open space and future development in the southern section of the Quadrant. Strategy 217. Complete a long-range plan and undertake appropriate zoning amendments for the future use of the area adjacent to the Burlington International Airport. Strategy 218. Complete an analysis and determine whether to pursue a potential interstate interchange serving the area; revisit the city’s Land Development Regulations to ensure that the future transportation network and future development potential of the area are consistent with one another. Strategy 219. Review the city’s Land Development Regulations to that land uses within the Quadrant remain consistent with the continued operation of the airport.DRAFT city of south burlington comprehensive plan 5-33 Objectives Community-Wide Goals 1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community Objectives Community-Wide Goals 1. Be aff ordable, with housing for households of all incomes & life stages2. Have a strong sense of community3. Establish a mixed-use city center as a focal point to the community4. Conserve its identifi ed important natural resources5. Support a safe and effi cient transportation system6. Provide eff ective and community-oriented facilities and services7. Reduce nonrenewable energy consump-tion & foster renewable energy production8. Support a diverse & vibrant economy9. Be a supportive & engaged member of the larger regional & statewide community DRAFT