Final decisions rest with City Council

The Burlington Planning Commission January 14 approved a bylaw amendment report recommending the establishment of performing arts centers in some parts of the city, including Pine Street. The proposed amendment now goes to the City Council. 

This amendment comes after discussion about a proposed Performing Arts Center on Pine Street.

While the commission generally supports the idea of a PAC, concerns were raised by Sharon Bushor, a member of the public, about the size and potential impact on surrounding neighborhoods, particularly regarding noise and late-night activity.

Commissioner Erhard Mahnke also voiced concerns about parking, and the potential burden caused by the PAC, especially given existing parking challenges such as those created by the Farmers Market.

City staff noted that Higher Ground, the organization proposing the PAC, acknowledges parking as a challenge, but suggested that they may be able to form agreements with nearby daytime businesses to share parking. (Higher Ground photo by Vermont.com.)

Despite these concerns, the amendment was unanimously approved and moved to City Council.

Champlain College Bed Cap Amendment Approved

The commission also approved the proposed municipal bylaw amendment regarding Champlain College bed caps, with a correction made during the meeting, and recommended that it be moved to City Council.

This amendment provides flexibility to the college by eliminating a cap on the number of beds allowed. Bushor voiced her support for the amendment, praising the college’s ability to grow within a small space. However, she also highlighted the issue of parking constraints in the South Willard and Maple Street areas.

Commissioner Alexander Friend questioned if the change was sufficient to meet the college’s long-term needs, to which Nic Anderson replied that the elimination of the cap provided needed flexibility.

The commission agreed that the amendment would help prevent the college from encroaching into surrounding areas, and rather increase density within the campus. This measure was also unanimously approved and moved to City Council. – Edited version of 1/14/2025 minutes