CCRPC Logo-large
Regional Notes
 
October 2013
In This Issue
Of Note
Transportation News
The ECOS Plan in Action
Energy & Natural Resources
Emergency Preparedness
Save the Date
Quick Links
Upcoming Events

OCTOBER

10/29, 7pm: North Ave. Corridor Study Public Meeting [Learn More]

10/30, 6pm: CIRC Alternatives Task Force [Learn More]

NOVEMBER

11/7, 6pm: CIRC Alternatives Task Force [Learn More]

11/14, 6pm: Vermont Board of Transportation Public Hearing [Learn More]

11/21, 6pm: CIRC Alternatives Task Force [Learn More]

DECEMBER

12/2, 4pm: Public Participation Plan Advisory Committee Meeting

12/4, 6pm: CCRPC Commission Meeting

12/7, 9am: 6th Annual VECAN Conference [Learn More]
Traffic Alert Program

Our weekly Traffic Alert E-mails are your source for roadway and construction work in Chittenden County.

Sign up today:
Vermont Ranks First in Opportunity Index

Earlier this month, Opportunity Nation released the 2013 Opportunity Index, the nation's most comprehensive measure of economic, educational, and civic factors that influence the upward mobility of Americans. In 2013, Vermont ranked #1 out of all 50 states and Washington, DC. Vermont had the highest score in both the education and community categories. [Learn More]
National Leadership Academy for the Public's Health

Are you a leader working across sectors? Do you learn by doing? Do you want to advance your leadership practice? The National Leadership Academy for the Public's Health is now accepting applications for the 12-month 2014 program. [Learn More]
October Incentive for Giving Blood
Giving Blood
Give blood during the month of October and be entered to win a $200 Visa gift card.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 7:30am-1pm

Call or go online to schedule an appointment today. [Learn More]
October Newsletter Header
Greetings! 

As temperatures drop and we begin hearing about the first snowfalls of the season, we hope you're enjoying autumn in Chittenden County!

Earlier this month at the CCRPC Commissioners' Meeting, the CCRPC approved recommendations to improve the state designation program, particularly for growth centers. The recommendations focus on better utilizing the existing planning system, decreasing redundant permitting processes, increasing opportunities for financing municipal infrastructure, and encouraging employment growth. They will now be submitted for consideration by the Commissioner of the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development, and the Legislature.

These recommendations for planned, sustainable growth in Chittenden County will help implement our ECOS Plan Strategy to achieve 80% of new development in the 15% of our County planned for growth. We look toward the future with a continued focus on working with the state, public, and all stakeholders to achieve these goals.

Best Regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director
Chittenden County RPC
Of Note

Chittenden County RPC Welcomes New Hires
The CCRPC welcomed two new hires in October: Lee Krohn joins as Senior Planner, and Emma Long joins as Communications Manager.

Lee Krohn
Lee joins the CCRPC as a Senior Planner after 24 years of service to the Town of Manchester, VT in many different roles as Planning Director, Zoning Administrator, Tree Warden, E911 Coordinator, Service Officer, Roundabout Project Manager, Interim Town Manager, emergency management, volunteer firefighter and more. He looks forward to this new chapter in his career, serving the Regional Planning Commission and its member communities in ways small and large.

Emma Long
Emma's work for the CCRPC focuses on facilitating communication between the many stakeholders involved in regional planning, as well as working to engage communities in each stage of a project. Emma graduated from St. Michael's College in 2008 with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, and comes to the CCRPC with five years' experience in all facets of marketing, including graphic design, project management, creative and technical copywriting, and social media.

Chittenden County RPC Celebrates Peter Keating's 25 Years of Service
Peter Keating

The CCRPC staff, Board and committees have been celebrating Peter's tenure with the organization and his contributions to local and regional transportation planning. Be sure to congratulate him next time you see him!

Transportation News

CCTA Launches New Jeffersonville-to-Burlington Commuter Route

The Chittenden County Transportation Agency (CCTA) is pleased to announce the launch of its newest service, the Jeffersonville Commuter. CCTA has planned bus stops in Jeffersonville Village and Cambridge Village, as well as a new Park & Ride in Jeffersonville. [Learn More]

 

Richmond Park-and-Ride Update

Construction continues at the Richmond Park-and-Ride, with an expected completion date of June 2014. While this project will temporarily result in fewer spaces for users, when completed, it will provide an additional 52 spaces, a new bus turnaround, traffic lights, a new bus shelter, and several other improvements designed to increase safety and convenience. For up-to-date information, sign up for our weekly Traffic Alerts!

 

CIRC Alternatives Process Nearing Completion

Many projects associated with the CIRC Alternatives Process are coming to a close. [Learn More]

 

State of Vermont Transportation Board: Upcoming Public Hearings

This fall, the Vermont Transportation Board will hold six public hearings at various locations around the state for the purpose of gathering public comment about transportation-related issues that face the State of Vermont. The hearing closest to Chittenden County will be Nov. 14, 6 p.m. in St. Albans. [Learn More]

 

Transportation Projects: Click for the Latest News
 
The ECOS Plan in Action

ECOS in Action

New Episode: ECOS in Action TV Show
ECOS in Action hosts GBIC President, Frank Cioffi, and GBIC Business Development Director, Seth Bowden, for a discussion about economic development and the workforce in Chittenden County.
 
Please note: If your town or organization is contributing to the ECOS mission of a healthy, inclusive and prosperous community, we want to hear from you! [Submit a Story]
Energy & Natural Resources

 

CarShare VT Expands to Winooski  

CarShare VT
On October first, CarShare VT celebrated the opening of its first pod in Winooski, on Winooski Falls Way in front of the Champlain Mill. Bike parking abounds and CCTA transit service is only steps away - so this is truly a multimodal hub, making it easier than ever to use all types of transportation. [Learn More]
 
Updating the Vermont Stormwater Management Manual
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's Stormwater Program is preparing to update the Vermont Stormwater Management Manual (VSMM), which was developed in 2002. An important step in this process is to engage Vermont's stormwater stakeholders in a series of workshops to discuss a range of potential changes to the VSMM. More information and a full schedule can be found on the DEC's Web site. [Learn More]
 
Efficiency Vermont Home Energy Tip of the Month

Swap your old incandescent bulbs for CFLs and use 75% less energy! Today the choices in energy efficient lighting are greater than ever. Ranging in color, brightness, and size, there is a bulb for any application in your home. Efficiency Vermont has created an interactive tool that makes finding the right bulb easy. [Learn More]

 

Contact 

For questions about energy planning, contact Melanie Needle in the CCRPC office.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Notification System Launched in Vermont 
Vermonters have a new, free tool at their disposal to stay informed of pending disasters, weather conditions, public health notifications, and countless other alerts that could affect themselves or their loved ones. Vermont Alert allows the public to sign up and receive notifications through a number of delivery systems, including text, e-mail, telephone, or even a game console. Municipalities will also be able to use the system to issue local alerts, but will first need to work with the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to receive training.

 

Money Available to Vermont Communities for Hazard Mitigation

The State of Vermont has received an extension from the federal government to distribute Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds in connection with Tropical Storm Irene. The Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) is now accepting a new round of HMGP applications from towns and agencies in all Vermont counties. The application deadline is November 18, 2013. [Learn More]

 

Contact 

For questions regarding Emergency Preparedness, including LEPC 1 or 5, please contact Paul Luciano in the CCRPC office.
Save the Date
Regional Events
 
Thursday, November 14: Vermont Transportation Board Public Hearing, 6pm
The Vermont Transportation Board will hold six public hearings at various locations around the state for the purpose of gathering public comment about transportation-related issues that face the State of Vermont. [Learn More]
 
Saturday, December 7: 6th Annual VECAN Conference

Designed to inspire, support and grow the statewide network of town energy committees and other energy-ambitious Vermonters, this one-day conference emphasizes clean energy and climate action strategies that can be implemented locally. [Learn More]

 

2014 TRB Tools of the Trade Conference: July 21-23, 2014

The CCRPC is the local host for the 2014 Transportation Research Board's conference focusing on small- and medium-sized communities. Join us for 2 ½ days of presentations, interactive sessions, and panel discussions to enhance your transportation planning practice in small and medium sized communities. Room registration now open. [Learn More]

If you have questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, we'd love to hear from you! Please contact us at any time.
CCRPC Logo