HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Planning Commission - 09/10/2019SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
10 September 2019
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The South Burlington Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 10 September 2019, at
7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Louisos, Chair; B. Gagnon, T. Riehle, M. Ostby, M. Mittag
ALSO PRESENT: P. Conner, Director of Planning and Zoning; C. LaRose, Planner; R. Gonda, C. Forde, T.
McKenzie, K. Braverman, R. Bryant
1. Directions on emergency evacuation procedures from conference room:
Ms. Louisos provided directions on emergency evacuation procedures.
2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items:
No changes were made to the agenda.
3. Open to the public for items not related to the Agenda:
Mr. Gonda raised the issue of his property which technically has 3 front yards and, according to the city,
no back yard. He needs a back yard as the homeowners association says he has to store his camper in
the “back yard.” He is now having to pay for the storage of the camper. He believes here is only one
other property in the city with this issue, and he feels there should be a change to the LDRs to
accommodate this situation.
Members agreed to add this to the list of requests they will consider for possible next steps at an
October Commission meeting.
4. Planning Commissioner announcements and staff report:
There were no Commissioner announcements.
Mr. Conner provided a written report. He added that the City Council will be holding a public hearing on
the amendments proposed by the Commission. He noted there has been a lot of questioning about the
parking amendment.
5. Presentation and discussion of findings to date and next steps on City Center Parking and
Movement Plan Project:
Mr. Bryant showed an overhead photo of what exists with each building having to provide its own
parking. He then showed another slide of a different option with people walking from one store to
another. He noted that almost all parking is privately owned, but in the future, the city will own more
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parking and will have to manage it (i.e., Market Street, Garden street, possible structured parking). Mr.
Bryant also indicated areas where there are already problems.
As part of the project, an inventory of almost all private parking was conducted (about 69,000 parking
spaces). About 69% of those spaces were open at midday on a weekday. The result was about the same
on Saturday. Even at Christmas time, 63% of the spaces were empty, and the parking deck at the Mall
was empty.
Mr. Bryant noted that the benefits of having fewer cars include improved health and reduced noise.
Strategies to achieve this include a transportation network for all modes, mixed use-shared parking
development, and effective communications/management to help people get around. He also noted
that streets can be designed for pedestrians with on-street parking, street trees, signage, banners, art,
street furniture, and crosswalks. Bike racks, public transit schedule information and bus shelters can
also help to reduce car traffic.
Mr. Bryant then addressed the reasons for paid parking including the funding of construction and
maintenance, and allowing for monitoring and reporting. Shared parking has the advantage addressing
parking demand for various uses at various times of day.
Mr. Riehle cited the danger of children biking to UMall, Williston Road, etc. He stressed the need to
plan something safe for kids and the elderly, not just “a picture on the road.”
Mr. McKenzie said they have properties that are underparked, but the problem occurs when people
from other buildings are parking in your lot and your tenants are complaining that their customers can’t
find parking. Building owners might resort to “gated” parking. Mr. McKenzie added that in many cases,
the number of parking spaces provided is part of the lease agreement with a tenant.
6. Update of Chair’s Natural Resources Work Group; consideration of possible assessment of
forest blocks:
Ms. Louisos reviewed the charge of the work group. Their goals have been:
a. Water quality
b. Wildlife habitat
c. Agricultural sustainability
d. Aesthetics
e. Hazards (flooding, erosion, etc.)
Ms. Louisos then outlined how those goals are being examined (see attachment at end of adopted
minutes) which include water quality, wildlife habitats, hazards, agricultural sustainability and success,
aesthetics, and climate changes.
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Mr. Gagnon noted they are committing resources to the study so the commitment is to use what comes
of it. The study will evaluate areas thought to be important and will include connections, availability of
water, etc.
Ms. Louisos said they would also like to assess and incorporate some of the restoration ideas which can
provide simple protection. She noted that there are some properties where habitats encompass the
whole property; on others, there is just a corridor.
Ms. Louisos asked if there should be a formal motion. Mr. Conner noted that this project could result in
another extension of Interim Zoning and having a clear statement of support for the work could inform
Council.
Mr. Mittag moved to proceed with the Arrowwood proposal subject to funding being approved. Mr.
Gagnon seconded. Motion passed 5-0.
Mr. Gonda offered the assistance of the Natural Resources Committee.
7. Consideration and possible approval of 2020 Municipal Planning Grant application for
submission to City Council:
Ms. Louisos noted the decision has been made not to apply for a grant this year because staff is already
overburdened.
8. Committee Liaison Reports:
Affordable Housing: Ms. Ostby said they will be providing information to answer questions from the
last meeting’s presentation. They are getting help on this from Champlain Housing.
Open Space: Mr. Gagnon said they were working on evaluation criteria and evaluated
properties. The question then arose as to “weighting” of evaluation criteria, and they have taken a stab
at that. There is a wide range of opinions. They are using Biofinder and other sites to help with this
effort. Their next meeting is on 25 September.
Mr. Riehle noted a recent article has indicated that the best way to fight global warming is to plant
trees. Ms. Ostby added that in other countries trees are being planted in cemeteries for this purpose.
TDR Committee: Mr. Mittag said they have talked with developers regarding possibly using TDRs
outside the SEQ. Responses have indicated the possibility on Shelburne Road and Williston Road, use of
commercial projects, and in areas of redevelopment.
9. Meeting Minutes of 27 August 2019
Mr. Riehle moved to approve the Minutes of 27 August as written. Ms. Ostby seconded. Motion passed
5-0.
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10. Other Business:
No other issues were raised.
As there was no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned by
common consent at 9:00 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Planning Commission September 24, 2019