Town Meeting Day has come and gone, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Burlingtonians for giving me the opportunity to continue this administration’s work to ensure our city remains a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. It has been an honor serving you for six years, and it will be a privilege to continue together our efforts to address the housing crisis, further the City’s new Early Learning Initiative, turn the tide of the opioid crisis, move towards a net zero energy city future, and steward our core infrastructure, parks, and public buildings over the next three years.
On March 6, voters also approved a number of important ballot items. One advisory ballot item that received support from voters inspired a City Council resolution that was approved 10-2 on Monday, March 26, requesting the Secretary of the Air Force provide an alternative mission for the Vermont Air National Guard at the Burlington International Airport. The decision now fully before me as a result of that City Council vote is potentially consequential for the people of Burlington, the Burlington International Airport, the region, and the Vermont Air National Guard. I welcome that the Council made clear that it does not support the cancellation of the F-35 basing in Burlington and voted down an amendment to request the cancellation, which I would not have supported. Pursuant to the City Charter, I have until the April 16 City Council meeting to decide what action I will take on the resolution, and I will use that time as needed to continue the further work on this issue that I promised, and to make this decision with care.
Second Season of Sustainable Infrastructure Plan Construction to Commence
Now that spring has arrived, our Department of Public Works team is preparing to commence the second Sustainable Infrastructure Plan construction season to improve our City’s streets, sidewalks, aging water mains, and more. In 2018, the City should meet or exceed its historic year of reinvestment under the Sustainable Infrastructure Plan in 2017. Planned work includes:
- Over 3 miles of drinking water infrastructure rehabilitation.
- Over 5 miles, and possibly more, of paving.
- This paving list was expanded to respond to the unforeseen winter deterioration of our major arteries, including North Ave., Pine Street, and Colchester Ave., and will be paid for in part by an allocation of existing resources as well as Sustainable Infrastructure Plan bond funding. This work will begin as soon as weather conditions allow asphalt plants to reopen (typically in April or May).
- Over 3 miles of sidewalks.
- Continuing preventative maintenance with crack sealing and sidewalk cutting.
In the New North End, work will include:
- North Ave Paving: 1.06 miles from Lakeview Cemetery to Ethan Allen Parkway.
- North Ave Patching:
- 0.52 miles from Ethan Allen Parkway to Shore Road.
- 0.25 miles from Strong to Crowley.
- Ethan Allen Parkway Water Main Replacement: North Ave to Lopes.
- This work has been scheduled for school recess, stipulated as part of the contract.
- Robust sidewalk reconstruction.
- Fall construction of 5 mid-block North Ave crosswalks, includes flashing beacons.
You can view all these projects and more on the Department of Public Works Sustainable Infrastructure Plan Construction Portal here: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/construction. The DPW webpage and social media is also a great place for updates during construction, or to share any questions or concerns.
Bike Path Rehabilitation Project Resumes
On a snowy morning last December, I was very proud to reopen over 3 miles of newly rebuilt Bike Path, and happy to announce Burlington Parks Recreation and Waterfront’s (BPRW) new Greenway Plowing Policy. We have heard a positive response to BPRW keeping a travel lane free of major snow while actively maintaining the other lane for cross country skiing.
With spring comes the return of the construction season. The contractor is gearing up for a quick finish to the remaining work on Phase 2 ahead of the Vermont City Marathon on May 25th. I look forward to running this section with some of you as a participant in the 30th Marathon. Intersection work at North Ave., Starr Farm, Staniford, Shore Rd and Driftwood/Beachcrest begins in early April, as well as a new pedestrian/bike connection at Killarney Drive.
Once asphalt plants reopen in May, top coat paving will be installed from North Beach to Shore Road, followed by line striping, and landscaping. During this time, this section will close completely to allow the contractor to complete their work, and the North Ave detour will be in place for this brief period. Thank you to all Burlingtonians and visitors for your patience as the City completes the final touches on this legacy project.
As always, I encourage you to join me at the Bagel Café on Wednesday mornings from 8-9am to share any thoughts or questions. You can also visit my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MiroBTV/, or follow me on Twitter at @BTVMayor for information on the work of the Mayor’s Office and our City Departments. I look forward to seeing you soon.
