PROJECT SEEKS UNION FINANCING -- UNION WAGES, BUT NOT ENOUGH AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOUSING.

Note: Hotel and Office space deleted, but still no neighborhood, no family housing, no affordable space for small retail and service businesses. 20% not enough!!!

CityPlace developers pursue labor union money; impasse with city remain. Dan D'AmbrosioBurlington Free Press

The first phase of CityPlace will involve building 181 apartments, 14,500 square feet of retail space and a 424-car parking garage, at a cost of $70 million. Sinex said 20% of the apartments built throughout the project will be considered "affordable."

Phase 2 will bring 175 more apartments and an additional 7,500 square feet of retail. The third and final phase will add 70 more apartments, for a total of 426 units, plus 20,000 more square feet of retail, for a total of 42,500 square feet.

"No office space," Sinex said. "Office is dead. COVID took care of all that."

There will also be a rooftop restaurant and public observation deck, and most critically, St. Paul and Pine streets will be reconnected to Bank and Cherry streets, restoring the downtown grid blocked by the construction of the Town Center Mall in the 1970s.

https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2020/11/18/cityplace-burlington-afl-cio-provide-construction-loan-union/6315587002/

No Amendments to Just Cause Eviction Charter Change

 I urge you to demand of the committees so informed (ChaCha and CDNR) that they revisit the Charter Change and, if not without any changes, forward this language to the city council for a clear and empowering mandate to address the needs of tenants and landlords for a clear and just regulatory framework. 

Stephen Marshall, Burlington Vermont. 

Advocate for People Without Homes.

Charter Change Proposal to Empower the Burlington City Council to Regulate the Conditions Under Which Evictions From and Non-renewal of Leases for Residential Properties Shall Occur. 

Commentary: 

To call for a charter change requires good cause and clear language, and it must be empowering to the City Council, providing the broadest possible discretion within the limits of its purpose. 

NOT ENOUGH OF WHAT WE WANT -- A REAL NEIGHBORHOOD WITH MIXED HOUSING

 "This one takes into account public criticism of the design."  Does it?

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/local-owners-unveil-new-plan-for-cityplace-burlington/Content?oid=31636551

NO TO SINEX/WEINBERGER PLAN.

Where do we go from here? The Pit is now a blank slate.

Let's start with reviewing what was torn down to make way for the mall -- an urban neighborhood with mixed housing and small businesses, locally owned and operated .  

The documentary is available online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCKj58HHWEs

Brookfield Abandons City Place Pit

“I think the fundamentals of the project as designed and envisioned by Mr. Sinex were deeply flawed,” Brian Pine said to a VT Digger reporter.

Brian's response to Brookfield's announcement that they would return management of the City Place Project to Don Sinex and Devonwood Investors  mirrors the long time position of the Coalition for a Livable  City. No confidence.

MAYOR'S PRESS CONFERENCE

Construction vehicles showed up in the CityPlace Burlington pit downtown on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.

Aug 11, 2020 Primary Endorsements

Endorsing 

Kesha Ram, Steve May, 

Curt McCormack, Scott Pavek, 

and Brenda Siegel

Primary Election Aug. 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—July 7, 2020

BURLINGTON, VT—The Coalition for a Livable City (CLC) announces the following candidate endorsements for the August 11 Primary. CLC, with 200 members, is a union of nine volunteer civic organizations seeking to implement social justice and a progressive municipal agenda in Burlington VT.

Candidates were sent a questionnaire on the following important Burlington issues—

• Removal of Everybody Loves a Parade mural by the end of August; 
• F 35 nuclear bomber based at Burlington Airport in a residential area;
• Holeintheground City Center (aka The Pit) ;
• Unsafe,obsolete design of Champlain Parkway, 
• Municipal Government structural reform such as city manager form of management;
• Railroaded City Hall Park design with splashpad and cement; 
• Absence of affordable housing (30% income max rent); 
• Management of Covid-19; and
• School bonding entirely at City expense.

For Lieutenant Governor

• Brenda Siegel, Democrat

For State Senate, Chittenden County

• Kesha Ram, Democrat
• Steve May, Democrat

For State Representative

• Curt McCormack, Democrat (Chittenden 6-3)
• Scott Pavek, Democrat (Chittenden 6-5)

Organizing to Meet Community Needs!

Staying home does not mean isolating ourselves! Not at all! There is a lot of community organizing going on that we can access and amplify. For starters:  

Burlington Tenants Union has started a petition to stop evictions during coronavirus. Moritorium on utility bills and rent,   https://www.change.org/p/governor-scott-and-vermont-senate-and-legislature-call-on-the-state-of-vermont-to-postpone-evictions-and-rent-during-coronavirus

AFL-CIO has a set of demands that include healthcare for all, paid medical leave, paid family leave, and pre-K -- asking people to write letters and email governor, mitzi, tim, and legislators. Facebook: Vermont State Labor Council AFL-CIO. https://www.facebook.com/vtworkers/

Ali Dieng urges people to sign up for Quarantine Delivery. If you are feeling ill or find yourself stuck at home, needing something from the outside world? We're here to help. Volunteers in and around Burlington have agreed to bring you the goods/groceries you need!   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdic_eBjoA-4_yqDEDoAqvsn3YGgQQK-InOVI8lRyOg3zimBw/viewform

BTV Copwatch - Community Mutual Aid.  BTV CopWatch is raising funds to help those most vulnerable stay healthy, fed, housed, etc. If you have some extra cash, please consider giving some! If you need some cash or supplies, give a shout! We will respond to various needs and requests as they arise and will also do some street outreach during our upcoming copwatch shifts, especially to reach those who don't necessarily have access to housing/shelters. You can venmo @jazmojica or paypal jazmojica@gmail.com.  https://www.facebook.com/events/145645966698255/

UVM Students 2020-2023 living on Campus - UVM Sophomore Ben Bieri posted a form on Facebook and Instagram to document the concerns of students who must return to live in the residence halls. Bieri’s form consists of three sections, labeled "concerns, fears you may have, and things you need clarified." You can find the form on the "Bieri4prez" instagram! 

Big Heavy World/105.9FM The Radiator - artists or people with anything to share or talk about are welcome to drop onto the airwaves. Email Jim if you’d like to spend any time on-air.   James Lockridge  jim@bigheavyworld.com  The Cherry Coal  

Front Porch Forums - residents are forming care networks via their FPF. If your Forum hasn't done this, start it!

HANDS: (Helping And Nurturing Diverse Seniors), in partnership with Heineberg Community Senior Center and others, is setting up a "buddy system" to support homebound seniors during this uncertain time. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScA34Xj3CSnK9EutllAZCWeMb6v0JwINTeEV_TZqnZN2Y0KdQ/viewform  https://gem.godaddy.com/p/ff86601

Peace & Justice Center - There are many mutual aid systems being put in place around the state. These are opportunities for people who need support and services to get them directly from people who can provide them.  We list many of them here on our website.

Ren Weiner set up a VT website for folx to connect on needs etc. in these times- free- sign up via foodfightvt.com and post your haves/needs on the newsfeed

Phoenix Books is offering free shipping on orders. It's a good time to catch up on reading.  info@phoenixbooks.biz

Vision Quest - a new group is forming to create the vision for a real downtown neighborhood in The Pit. These folks are working via google docs, with people from all over the world. They have circulated a report on ending homelessness in Finland:    https://getpocket.com/explore/item/it-s-a-miracle-helsinki-s-radical-solution-to-homelessness

Reunion at Nunyuns

Burlington Town Center group announces
reunion at Nunyuns.

Watch email from your group 
for date and time.

Not a substitute for public engagement at NPA. 
Contois, Friday at noon, is not convenient for residents 

NOTICE

Pursuant to Sec. 3.2.1(d) of the Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance, which requires a Pre-Application Public Neighborhood Meeting prior to submission of a Zoning Permit Application, BTC Mall Associates, the owner/developer of CityPlace Burlington, will hold a public meeting at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, February 27, 2020 in Contois Auditorium at City Hall to present and discuss the proposed CityPlace project located at 75 Cherry St., a 763,200 sf mixed-use project.

CITY COUNCILORS’ QUESTIONNAIRE 2020

Survey of candidate positions on issues that are important in the city today.

he Coalition for a Livable City is an alliance of Burlington, Vermont community

groups working to restore public processes in defense of the environment, quality

of life, transparency in governance, and democratic participation in our city.

We are a volunteer organization composed of eight grassroots groups with over

300 individual members in our collective member groups.

Save Memorial Auditorium 

Downtown Neighborhood Association

Pine Street Coalition 

People for Peace and Security

Save Open Space-Burlington

South End Alliance

Save Our City

Off the Wall

Keep the Park Green

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Would you vote to put all petitioned resolutions on the ballot that have wording
approved by the city attorney and that meet the 5% requirement?
Yes _____  No ______
Your comment:

Go See and Hear Brookfield's New Plan

If you missed Brookfield's presentation at Noon, try to make the 7pm show. You will be pleasantly surprised to see that many of the concerns of the Downtown Neighborhood Association are addressed in the new site plan.



Alex did a nice job of summarizing where DNA stands today -- support with caution. He struck the right note of respect and willingness to give credit where it is due.

This project must not be seen as the mayor's project. If anything, it is a clear acceptance of the vision CLC member Downtown Neighborhood Association tried to impart to the former developer. This is a new project. The warmth and mutual respect in Contois Auditorium today was thoroughly enjoyable -- and the mayor was not there.

  


Caryn Long and Steven Marshall voiced the hopes and concerns felt by many residents. Individuals who were on different sides of the project in the past were blended on this occasion. Caryn asked why August start date (A. Permits), and whether financing is secured (A. No). Steven advocated for maximum community integration in the space. Carolyn asked for more greenery on the rooftop. Carefully paying attention to the details, Councilor Sharon Bushor came with a detailed list of comments. She always does her homework and comes prepared.


One sour note: a shrill misinformed person claimed the city loved Don Sinex and CLC lawsuits defeated him. It would have been a dismissive eye roll in another setting. This attempt to create division in the room was welcomed by a mere smattering of applause.

Fact check: The city did not love Don Sinex any more than the Abenaki loved Champlain. There was a mutually beneficial relationship bound by trust, until it was broken.  And, CLC was not party to any lawsuits. That blame has been used to create a scapegoat and avoid facing the real reasons the project failed -- lack of financing, too big, too tall, and too far out of character of the community, character that is Burlington's brand and attraction as a destination.

Brookfield demonstrated that they have wisely heeded all the concerns voiced by the DNA, because it makes good business sense for them. Hopefully all can work together for the good of our community and the success of this project.

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2019/11/25/cityplace-burlington-to-be-fully-built-in-2023-new-docs-show

CityPlace Public Meeting Jan 30

Thurs. Jan 30, 2020.
Noon and 7pm.
Contois Auditorium, City Hall.  

60-90 minute presentation to the public about the most recent plans for City Place.  



https://www.brookfieldpropertiesretail.com/properties/property-details/cityplace-burlington.html

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2019/10/29/cityplace-burlington-developers-unveil-scaled-down-proposal

NEXT CLC MEETING; Wed. Jan 29, 5:30-7:30. Fletcher Free Library.

COALITION FOR A LIVABLE CITY

​The Coalition for a Livable City is an alliance of Burlington, Vermont community groups working together to restore threatened public processes in defense of the environment, quality of life, transparency in governance, and democratic participation in our city.

NEXT MEETING; Wed. Jan 29, 5:30-7:30. Fletcher Free Library.

Agenda - Moderator: Lea, Notetaker: Caryn, Timekeeper: Andy

	5:30 - 6:15	Mission Statement,  Agenda, Sign in sheet  James Lockridge, Save Memorial Auditorium  Welcome: Perri Freeman, Max Tracy, BTV CopWatch, Proposition Zero
	6:15 - 6:45	Old Business - Discuss & vote on Off the Wall membership, others? Round 1 - Introduce yourself and describe what  you/your group are doing, why?
	6:45 - 6:55	Round 2 - What can allies do to support you?
	6:55 -  7:10	Financial & Legal Report - Steve Goodkind Report Organizational Meeting, Jan 11, Library - Lea
	7:10 - 7:25	Survey of Candidates - Charles Simpson, Charlie Messing (Endorsements on Feb.19 agenda)
	7:25 - 7:30	Next meeting - Agenda/Facilitator Caryn Long, Date, Time, Place                            Confirmed: Feb 19, P&J, 5:30-7:30
		Coalition Save Memorial Auditorium Downtown Neighborhood Alliance (DNA) Keep the Park Green Pine Street Coalition (PSC) F35 Ballot Item Group Save Open Space-Burlington (SOS-B) South End Alliance (SEA)  Save Our City (SOC)

The bait -- and construction update: the pit.

    CLC addressed flaws in a risky Burlington Town Center plan that the Mayor, Finance Board, City Council, DRB, and Planning Commission failed to acknowledge. CLC was right to question the financial backing of the project, and several controversial aspects of the project itself, like height, parking, housing mix, and TIF commitment (general fund liability). 

Blaming CLC for project failure is classic "blame the messenger."  See WSJ article below. The counter-suit is deflection theater, and the name of the show is "Slap and Chill." 

Let's all move on, jointly supporting an improved project that , yes, incorporates many of the suggestions CLC made originally. Brookfield needs to get on with  public engagement. It's beginning to look like they are afraid to reveal their plan to the residents of Burlington.

AN INVESTMENT GIANT [BROOKFIELD] DEFENDS CONTRARIAN STRATEGY AS THINGS GET WORSE FOR MALL OWNERS

By Miriam Gottfried and Esther Fung
December 22, 2019

Brookfield Asset Management Inc.’s BAM 0.21% big bet on malls last year, the firm’s latest wager on an out-of-favor asset, is looking riskier than ever as other investors increasingly sour on the sector.

CityPlace Burlington Developers Countersue Project Opponents

POSTED BY COURTNEY LAMDIN ON FRI, JAN 10, 2020 AT 5:02 PM

The counterclaim stems from a June 2017 settlement that required the developer to include more parking spaces in the project design, to not lease housing to college students and to contribute $500,000 to a charitable fund, among other agreements. ... the developers argue, they should not have to make the charitable donation. 

CityCenter Goes to Technical Review Committee. City Attorney says it will be closed to the public!

Update on Brookfield's City Center progress, in Executive Session. Two updates Glassberg shared with public: previously posted Brookfield Developer has no plan for public engagement, and then this announcement:

Glassberg reported that Brookfield will be meeting with the Technical Review Committee on Jan. 9 at 5:30 in Room 12. City Attorney jumped in to say that meeting will be closed to the public. Requested explanation, here it is:

"The meeting on Thursday is a technical meeting between the applicant and City staff to get a preliminary

Brookfield Developer has no plan for public engagement. 

January 6, 2020, City Council Meeting: Report on City Place project. Complete lack of community engagement. Weekly requests from City for fulfillment of commitment from Brookfield for a plan to engage the public in discussion outside the regulatory process have been ignored. 

Public engagement that council and residents expected would be an opportunity to talk about options and possibilities, a chance to build relationship, an opportunity to ask for what we think would benefit the city, and a chance for Brookfield to explain if not, why not. If this kind of engagement had taken place before Sinex went for permits, if he had listened to Coalition for Livable City members, an agreement on 10 stories could have been reached three years ago and the project would be built now. 

Brookfield Evades Public Engagement -- WHY?

​No community engagement. WHY is Brookfield unwilling to engage the public?

August 2019, Brookfield pledged to involve the public in its evolving plan; they didn't. 

Mid November 2019, at a council subcommittee meeting, Brookfield reps were supposed to propose a schedule of community meetings about the downtown development project; they didn't. When pressed, they again agreed to propose a schedule of community meetings — before year's end.

Year has ended.

CityPlace Burlington developers scale back plan

Mayor Weinberger: "The revised plans that Brookfield presented would achieve all of the major goals that the City has held for this site from the beginning, including restoring lost public streets, creating hundreds of much needed new homes and downtown jobs, and generating substantial new public revenues. While I welcome this overdue progress, Brookfield still has substantial work to complete before the end of this year to preserve the project, and get this effort to fix a long-troubled part of the downtown back on track.”

The scaled back plan also drops the controversial height of the project from 14 stories to 10. It also retains the former Macy's building, which will be redeveloped as a mixed use commercial/retail/office space. 

Oct 28, 2019, Read full statement of Mayor Weinberger here.

CityPlace Burlington Developers Unveil Scaled-Down Proposal

BY COURTNEY LAMDIN ON TUE, OCT 29, 2019 

    "Gone are the soaring 14-story structures originally proposed. 

     In their place are two towers.     One, on the Cherry Street side of the property, would rise 10 stories  and hold 280 to 300 apartments — the same as the original proposal. Twenty percent would be "affordable," as required by Burlington's inclusionary zoning ordinance.

     A 175-room hotel of similar height would occupy the Bank Street side of the downtown parcel. Retail space would fill the first floor of each building, and levels of parking would fit between — and below — the structures.

     The new plans would also incorporate the former Macy's building, which would house retail, commercial and office space. The remnants of the Burlington Town Center mall, which opens onto Church Street and extends west, would remain intact.

click to enlarge