As always, there is a lot happening in Burlington.  I’m spending much of my time as a business representative on various task forces, and ask for your advice and input.  I invite you to call (863-1175) or e-mail me (NancyWoodBBA@aol.com) with comments on any of the following issues:

Downtown/Waterfront/Marketplace Transportation Infrastructure Planning (see article

on page 1 and below).

Relocation and redesign of the Downtown Transit Center from Cherry Street to a new location.  The City’s Municipal Development Plan identifies St. Paul Street between Cherry and Pearl as a potential site.

No Idling  - The City ordinance that prohibits idling of vehicles between April 1 and November 1 was passed in 1990. New signs are being designed to be placed around the City, and a public education campaign about the impact

on air quality will begin soon.

    In addition to these issues, please let us know what’s on your mind by filling out our Fall Survey on the next page. It will help us plan for events and focus our research and advocacy efforts this  year. Thanks!

- Nancy

(Continued from page 1)

have been earmarked for this area. The following strategies and ideas have been suggested during past discussions:

1. Integration of Side Streets into Church Street Marketplace design

· Using Church Street as a model for success, the goal is to increase “walkability” on side streets.

· Amenities could include enhanced lighting for pedestrians, trashcans, benches and trees to the creation of special overhead gateway treatments where South Winooski Avenue intersects with College, Bank and Cherry Streets.

· The bricks used on Church Street may be cost-prohibitive on side streets, but efforts should be made to find alternatives (such as concrete pavers) that can enhance a side street’s unique character and complement Church

· Street.

· Side streets would remain open to vehicular traffic.

· Designs would be individualized to suit the character of each street.

· Where feasible, green belts may need to be widened and enhanced.

Capital improvements should be made with the costs of long term maintenance in mind – this is an operating (not a capital) expense and will impact city budgets if not fully considered.

2.  Comprehensive Wayfinding Signage

Recent customer and business owner surveys have identified the need for

a) improved wayfinding signage that directs shoppers, diners and visitors, from entry corridors (Main Street, Ferry, Battery, College, Pearl) to available parking in the downtown and b) signage that guides pedestrians from garages to shopping, dining, etc.

3.  Integration of Burlington Town Center (General Growth Properties).

General Growth Properties plans

capital improvements to increase pedestrian traffic and strengthen its “sense of place” by enhancing its Church Street entrance and corridors along Bank and Cherry Streets. Opportunities to complement and enhance private improvements with streetscape investments and improvements are recommended.

4. Improvements that are inviting, integrated, cohesive, comfortable, interesting and exciting.

The unique character of our downtown must continue to be enhanced so that we can compete effectively against suburban destinations in the county.

What are your ideas? Join the discussion at the next DAG meeting: Noon - 1 PM, Tues, Nov 7, Merchants Bank on College Street . Also, the City is holding two  public meetings on the improvements to the Church Street Marketplace at City Hall on Oct 25: 8:30-10 AM and 7-8:30 PM.

DAG is focusing on improvements to the streets adjacent to the Church Street Marketplace