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All events held at the CCRPC unless otherwise noted.
JANUARY
1/24, 5:30pm: UPWP Committee Meeting # 1
1/30, 1:00pm: East Allen St. Scoping Study Advisory Committee Meeting
1/30, 5:30pm: ad hoc Committee on Act 250 Commission Meeting
FEBRUARY
2/5, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
2/5, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting
2/5, 12:00pm: Clean Water Advisory Committee MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting
2/6, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting
2/12, 9:00am: Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting (LEPC-1)
2/13, 5:30pm: ad hoc Committee on Act 250 Commission Meeting
2/14, 6:30pm: East Allen St. Scoping Study Public Meeting (Winooski City Hall, 27 West Allen St., Winooski)
2/20, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting
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Click photo to enlarge.
Around the County: Photo of the Month
A Barred Owl rests outside CCRPC Senior Transportation Planning Engineer Jason Charest's Burlington home.
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United Way of Northwest Vermont Winter Volunteer Opportunities
United Way can connect you with hundreds of ways to give your time and make a difference in your community.
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Assessing your energy use in three steps
The average home or business has so many air leaks, it's like leaving a window open all year long. This do-it-yourself energy assessment will give you a sense of where you are losing energy, and set you on a path to saving money.
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Neighbor Rides Program & Volunteer Opportunities
Neighbor Rides is a strategic initiative of United Way of Northwest Vermont supported by a dynamic group of community partners that brings people and places together to help meet the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities.
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CCRPC
Staff
Charlie Baker, Executive Director
Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner
Pam Brangan, GISP, GIS Data & IT Manager
Jason Charest, PE, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer
Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager
Forest Cohen, Senior Business Manager
Bryan Davis, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner
Amy Irvin Witham, Business Office Associate
Marshall Distel, Transportation Planner
Chris Dubin, Transportation Planner
Bernie Ferenc, Transportation Business Manager
Christine Forde, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner
Peter Keating, Senior Transportation Planner
Regina Mahony, AICP, Planning Program Manager
Melanie Needle, Senior Planner
Emily Nosse-Leirer, Senior Planner
Sai Sarepalli, PE, Transportation Planning Engineer
Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager
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Good morning,
In 2017, the Legislature
created a six-member commission to assess the effectiveness of Act 250 and propose 21st century updates. Commissioners held meetings around the state last year to hear Vermonters' priorities, and legislators finalized their report and proposed legislation earlier this month.
We appreciate the hard work of the Commission and Advisors, the comprehensive nature of resource area protections and the acknowledgement that Act 250 jurisdiction should be triggered by location in areas that we want to protect, rather than arbitrary project size. While the proposal expands protection of natural resources, it does not adequately define areas for smart growth. Given the overall lack of job growth, affordable housing, and the need to support our historic centers, there should be more changes made to Act 250 to encourage investment in our smart growth areas -- walkable, transit-friendly, water and sewer serviced areas.
The CCRPC has established an
ad hoc Act 250 Committee, which will develop and provide recommendations for the CCRPC Board to consider in February 2019. These comments will be developed based on our ECOS Plan Strategies and an update to CCRPC's
2014 Recommendations for Improving Vermont's Permitting System. The CCRPC's recommendations will be provided to the legislature for consideration as soon as possible after approval by the CCRPC.
For more information, please review the Act 250 Commission's January 11th
report, visit the CCRPC's ad hoc Act 250 Committee
webpage, or contact me or
Regina Mahony with any questions or suggestions.
Best regards,
Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
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We are pleased to welcome Amy Irvin Witham as Business Office Associate.
Amy joined the CCRPC earlier this month and supports the Transportation Business Manager and Senior Business Manager in all aspects of the CCRPC. You can learn more about Amy on our staff page. Welcome, Amy!
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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Winooski East Allen Street Gateway Enhancements Scoping Study Public Meeting: February 14
Please join us for our first public meeting for the East Allen Street Scoping Study! Come out and share your ideas and concerns regarding the future of mobility, safety, and accommodations for all modes of travel along this gateway into downtown Winooski.
Learn More »
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Downtown Transportation Fund Available - New Clean Water Money - Applications Due: March 11
The Department of Housing and Community Development has approximately $525,000 in Downtown Transportation Fund Grants to support revitalization efforts in Designated Downtowns and an additional $100,000 in Clean Water Initiative funding for eligible storm water implementation projects.
Learn More »
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Vermont Highway Safety Alliance PSA Award Contest for High School Students
The Vermont Highway Safety Alliance is proud to sponsor the second annual Public Safety Announcement (PSA) award contest for high school students designed to change driving habits. Applicants have one clear mission: Create a PSA to encourage young drivers, friends, and peers, to avoid distracted driving, specifically texting while driving. Over time we can enact change and spread the message that texting and driving is unacceptable.
Learn More »
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CCRPC's Regina Mahony and Charlie Baker work on bike repairs at Old Spokes Home in December.
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CCRPC Staff Volunteers at Old Spokes Home to Repair Bikes for 2018 Kids Bike Bonanza
On December 14, CCRPC staff helped repair bikes for Old Spokes Home's December 20 Holiday Kids Bike Bonanza at the Sustainability Academy in the heart of the Old North End. The Bonanza is designed for children from income-eligible families who do not already have a bicycle. That night, 94 children from ages 3 to 8 went home with a new-to-them bike.
Learn More »
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Winooski Avenue Transportation Study Underway
The City of Burlington and the CCRPC, with assistance from Resource Systems Group (RSG), are looking at ways to make this important roadway safe, inviting, and convenient for users of all ages and abilities -- including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation riders. We are studying the entire length of Winooski Avenue, from the intersection with Riverside Avenue to the intersection of Howard Street (at St. Paul Street).
Visit the project website to learn more »
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Transportation Project News & Updates
For a full list of transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee website; a full project list is provided in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly. View the latest TAC agenda »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
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Chittenden County Brownfields Program Accepting Applications
If you own or wish to develop a property that is contaminated or suspected to be contaminated, please apply. To get started, read the information on different types of assistance and fill out and send us a site nomination/assistance request form. Learn More »
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Energy & Natural Resources
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Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
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Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Offering Grants Focusing on Emerald Ash Borer Municipal Planning - Applications Due January 31
These grants will support efforts to prepare for and manage the impacts of emerald ash borer (EAB). EAB is a destructive and invasive forest pest that feeds on all species of ash trees, killing over 99% within four years of infestation. Vermont is home to an estimated 160 million ash trees.
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FY19 Drinking Water SRF Priority List Application Request
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) provides low interest loans to municipalities and privately-owned public water systems for planning, final design and construction of water system improvements that protect public health and facilitate compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The Drinking Water Project Priority List (PPL) is adopted each year to identify drinking water projects qualifying for available funding through the DWSRF Program. Applying to be on the priority list is not applying for a loan and does not guarantee a loan. The priority list application is to be filled out annually and once completed, emailed to [email protected]. Applications are due by February 15, 2019
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Resource: Municipal Enhanced Energy Planning in Vermont
Module 1 of this guide intends to help municipalities develop an enhanced energy plan as enabled by 24 V.S.A. §4352. An enhanced energy element that is consistent with energy planning standards receives greater weight in the Section 248 review process than a typical municipal plan. This guide provides an outline of the required elements of an enhanced energy plan and an overview of the process to receive an affirmative determination of energy compliance.
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The Lake Between Conference: April 8
The Lake Between brings together leading academics, business leaders, and public servants to examine Lake Champlain -- an international body of water that links our histories, our economies and the shared management of our natural environment.
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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Winter Storm Fact Sheets Available in Multiple Languages
The Vermont Department of Health has informational sheets regarding winter storm facts and what to do when the power goes out; these are available in many different languages.
Learn More »
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FloodTraining.vermont.gov is available for administrative officers (AO) of municipal flood hazard and river corridor bylaws. The site features tools and case studies for AOs, members of Development Review Boards and other community officials. The new site complements FloodReady.vermont.gov with its focus on community planning for flood resilience, and the technical materials available at the DEC Rivers page. Learn More »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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News from the CCRPC GIS Team: New Orthophotos to be Delivered to Municipalities; Future Land Use (Planning Areas) Data Now Available
The VCGI Imagery Program acquired black & white, color and color infrared imagery of Chittenden County in the Spring of 2018. CCRPC received the data at the end of December; the quality and clarity of the imagery is fantastic! Learn More »
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The Future of the Moran Plant: January 30 Workshop
Join CEDO and the Parks, Arts, and Culture Committee for a presentation and community conversation on a new concept for Moran - FRAME on January 30, 2019 at 6pm in Contois Auditorium in City Hall 149 Church Street. Learn More »
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Job Posting: New York Regional Census Center for Vermont - Application Deadline: January 31
The New York Regional Census Center for Vermont is seeking to hire a Partnership Specialist. This position is responsible for planning, developing, and coordinating the partnership agreements with federal, state, local, and tribal governments, and/or local businesses and community groups to develop specific strategies to eliminate enumeration barriers in specific regions in support of the Decennial Census. Learn More »
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Burlington City Council Public Hearing on Draft planBTV: February 4
Join the Burlington City Council for an open public hearing for the opportunity to share any additional thoughts and feedback on the draft plan. Learn More »
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Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development Awards $464,920 in Municipal Planning Grants
The Municipal Planning Grants support a range of projects around the state intended to stimulate economic development, grow housing opportunities, and ensure adequate public infrastructure. Learn More »
Recipients in Chittenden County include:
Bolton | Bolton will create a shared vision for ways the town and the resort can improve and sustain the infrastructure and services that support the Bolton Valley Village area. |
$21,195 awarded.
Winooski | Winooski will help people navigate its changing downtown through a comprehensive signage and wayfinding plan to improve safety, accessibility and economic vitality. | $22,000 awarded.
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CCRPC Approves 2018 Richmond Town Plan, Grants Affirmative Determination of Energy Compliance
At their January Meeting, the CCRPC Board approved the 2018 Richmond Town Plan, confirmed Richmond's planning process, and granted an affirmative determination of energy compliance for the Plan. This determination of energy compliance is the first instance of CCRPC granting a determination of energy compliance to a municipality. The determination of energy compliance now gives Richmond's Town Plan substantial deference (essentially greater weight) in the Vermont Public Utility Commission's review of whether an energy project meets the orderly development criterion in the Section 248 process. The Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies (VAPDA) maintains a statewide list of towns with enhanced town energy plans. Learn More »
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Vermont Housing Finance Agency Releases 2018 Annual Report
Since Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) was established in 1974, it has helped more than 137,000 Vermonters through a variety of programs. VHFA's activities in 2018 continued its mission to finance and promote affordable, safe and decent housing opportunities for low and moderate income Vermonters. Learn More »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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Do Your Part: Vermont's Prescription Drug Disposal System
When you properly store and get rid of unused medications, you're doing your part to keep Vermonters -- and Vermont -- healthy and safe. The Vermont Department of Health has many resources available, and the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27, 2019.
Learn More »
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Save the Date: Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility Spring Conference: May 15
Workshops will be designed to help CSR-minded professionals find new opportunities through values-led work. Attendees will enjoy a localvore menu, visit with 40+ exhibitors, and enjoy a cocktail reception and networking opportunities with more than 300 forward-thinking business professionals.
Learn More »
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