REGIONAL NOTES
August 2015
Quick Links
Looking for something specific?

Click on a category below to be brought right to that section.
Table of Contents
 
CCRPC
CCRPC Calendar of Events

August

8/27, 10:00am-3:00pm: CCRPC Blood Drive

September

9/1, 9:00am: CCRPC TAC Meeting

9/2, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

9/7: Labor Day (CCRPC Office Closed)

9/8, 9:00am: LEPC-1 Meeting

9/16, 6:00pm: CCRPC Commission Meeting
 
CCRPC 
Commission Representatives

Bolton: Joss Besse

Buel's Gore: Garret Mott

Burlington: Andy Montroll, Chair

Charlotte: Jim Donovan

Colchester: Marc Landry

Essex: Jeff Carr

Essex Junction: Dan Kerin

Hinesburg: Andrea Morgante

Huntington: Barbara Elliott

Jericho: Catherine McMains

Milton: Lou Mossey

Richmond: Chris Granda

Shelburne: John Zicconi

South Burlington: Chris Shaw

St. George: Jeff Pillsbury

Underhill: Brian Bigelow

Westford: Dave Tilton

Williston: Chris Roy, Vice Chair

Winooski: Michael O'Brien

For more information, including Commission agendas and minutes, schedule and resources, click here.
 
CCRPC Weekly Traffic Alert

Sign up today to stay in the know about roadway and construction work happening in Chittenden County.

 
Around the County: Featured Photo of the Month
Click photo to enlarge.

Waiting out a summer shower at the Bread & Butter Farm Burger Night in Shelburne, 8/14.

Photo by Lee Krohn
 
Colchester Featured in Money Magazine

The Town of Colchester was listed #40 among the "Top 50 Best Places to Live in America" in Money Magazine.

 
Burlington Waterfront February

NYTimes Travel Feature: 36 Hours in Burlington, VT

Check out this NYTimes feature on how best to spend 36 hours in Burlington.
 
How Much Does Your Car Really Cost?

Use this calculator to better understand the personal costs of owning and driving a vehicle.

 

United Way Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for ways to volunteer this fall? Check out short-term and special event volunteer opportunities with the United Way for the coming months.

 
Survey for Burlington Residents

We all take medicine, but how do we dispose of it - and where does it end up? If you are a Burlington resident 18 or older, please help researchers at UVM study pharmaceutical pollution in Lake Champlain by filling out this anonymous survey.

 

The people of Chittenden County care deeply about Lake Champlain. It is central to our high quality of life, our environment, and our economy. On August 14, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new pollution reduction targets for Lake Champlain and its tributaries as part of its final draft plan for phosphorus Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The TMDLs are targets for the maximum amount of phosphorus that is allowed to enter various segments of the Lake to meet water quality standards.

CCRPC has been closely engaged in this conversation and the development of the TMDLs, particularly with regards to the new responsibilities proposed for our municipalities. A 30-day public comment period began on August 14, and the EPA and the State of Vermont are holding a series of public meetings to discuss the plan and encourage feedback. Provide your input at the Chittenden County-based meeting:

August 27, 2015, 10:00am-12:00pm
DoubleTree Burlington Hotel, 1117 Williston Road, South Burlington

If you're unable to make it on the 27th, try one of the other two meetings (in St. Albans and Rutland) -- or submit written comments to Stephen Perkins at the EPA: perkins.stephen@epa.gov. For more information or for a copy of the latest TMDL, visit the EPA website or Vermont's Restoring Lake Champlain website.

Although it will be a challenge, working together to reach these new targets will also mean positive, lasting improvements to our Lake, region, and quality of life.

Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director
 
Of Note
Remembering Bill Aswad
William N. "Bill" Aswad passed away on August 13 at the age of 93. As one of his many public service contributions to the region and state, Bill served on the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission for 30 years, including five years as chair. Bill also served in the Vermont State Legislature for 18 years, representing Burlington's Old North End, and on the Burlington Planning Commission for 15 years, 12 as chair. Bill will be missed by a great many, and the CCRPC sends our condolences and best wishes to Bill's family and friends.
'We Are Public Works' - New Video from Colchester Public Works Dept.
Get a glimpse inside the Colchester Public Works Department, which provides a variety of public services to the community, including the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of the community's infrastructure. [Watch the Video]
South Burlington Celebrates 150th Anniversary
In celebration of its 150th anniversary, the City of South Burlington and the South Burlington Rotary Club planned and held CityFest 2015 on August 15th. The event included a wide range of activities, events and entertainment. Happy 150th, South Burlington! [Learn More]
Last call: Sign up for the CCRPC Blood Drive on 8/27!
The CCRPC will be hosting its second American Red Cross Blood Drive on August 27 from 10am-3pm. [Sign Up]
 
Transportation News
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
PlanBTV Walk Bike Project Underway; Take the 5-Minute Survey
Plan BTV Walk Bike is a citywide planning effort to enhance safety and increase active mobility in Burlington. The project will culminate with the creation of the City's first Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan, as well as scoping of priority projects for implementation. This project kicked off in early July with two public events, and feedback is being requested via a short online survey. [Learn More & Take the Survey]
VTrans Environmental Internship - Application deadline: 9/1
VTrans is seeking candidates for the agency's climate change and transportation internship program. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply for this paid internship that runs October 2015 through April 2016. [Learn More]
Construction Update: Addison Rutland Natural Gas Project
Construction is underway on Vermont Gas' Addison Rutland Natural Gas Project. The company will complete the first 11 miles of the project this year, constructing in Colchester, Essex and Williston. The entire 41-mile project will be completed in late 2016. [Learn More]

Transportation Project News & Updates

For a full list of transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee website; a full project list is provided in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly. [View the latest TAC agenda]
 
Economy
Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
New Solar Jobs Brought to South Burlington
SolarCity announced it will bring its rooftop solar energy systems to Vermont -- and with it, about 100 jobs. [Learn More]
Mercy Connections' Women's Small Business Program
Mercy Connections will be hosting a number of exciting classes this fall as a part of their Women's Small Business Program. [Learn More]
 
Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
Public Meetings to Discuss Final Draft Plan to Restore Lake Champlain
The EPA and the State of Vermont are holding a series of public meetings to discuss new pollution reduction targets to prevent pollution from flowing into Lake Champlain and its tributaries. Written comments are also encouraged. [Learn More]

Chittenden County public meeting details:
August 27, 2015, 10am-12pm
DoubleTree Hotel, 1117 Williston Rd., South Burlington
Promoting Green Infrastructure in Chittenden County
The CCRPC will host two discussions in September to dive deep into the issue of Green Infrastructure in Vermont. Please save one of the following dates: Wednesday, September 23, 12-2:30pm or Tuesday, September 29, 6-8:30pm. Stay tuned for more details; contact Dan Albrecht with any questions.
Community Solar Toolbox Available
More Vermonters are going solar to help stabilize their energy expenses, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and support local jobs and the State's economy. The Vermont Natural Resource Council with its partners created an online Community Solar Toolbox that provides up-to-date resources and information for anyone exploring solar energy. [Learn More]
CCRPC, Partners Receive Special Achievement in GIS Award 
The Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies, with the CCRPC, the VT Agency of Natural Resources, and Stone Environmental, developed a Green Stormwater Infrastructure Municipal Outreach Toolkit, as well as a prototype stormwater calculator specific to Vermont. These efforts resulted in a Special Achievement in GIS Award, presented at the Esri International User Conference in July. [Learn More]
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Municipal Planning Grants: Online application now available; applications due 9/30
Awarded annually, the Municipal Planning Grant (MPG) program encourages and supports planning and revitalization for local municipalities in Vermont. A wide range of planning activities are eligible for funding. See the FY16 MPG Program Description for details on eligibility, funding and the competitive criteria. [Learn More]
Richmond Town Plan Update Underway: Our Town, Our Future
In 2015 and 2016, Richmond's Town Plan Committee and Planning Commission will host a series of activities and events designed to gather broad public input about Richmond, build a 20-year vision for the future, facilitate conversations and critical choices, and lead to a new community-supported Town Plan. [Learn More]
VT Downtown Action Team Releases 'Design Toolkit'
Designed to help any Vermont municipality, this Toolkit provides an overview of why downtowns and villages matter, the elements that define them, and offers ways to improve them through design, education, planning and implementation. [Learn More]
New Website: Thriving Communities: Building a Vibrant, Inclusive Vermont
This new site will provide resources, information and thought stimulating blogs sponsored by a statewide campaign of partner organizations coordinated by the Fair Housing Project of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity. Its purpose is to promote thriving, vibrant, inclusive and affordable planning, zoning and housing development patterns in Vermont. [Learn More]
 
Social Community
Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
Community Education Event on 9/10: Understanding Opioid Addiction
Howard Center will launch a Community Education Series on topics of interest and relevance in our community, beginning with Understanding Opioid Addiction: 6-7:30pm, September 10, at Dealer.com (1 Howard St., Burlington). [Learn More]
Vermont Worksite Wellness Resource: Creating a Healthier Worksite
A project of the Worksite Wellness Workgroup, this resource provides employers with the steps and supporting information to aid in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating a worksite wellness program. [Learn More]
New ECOS in Action TV Show: Community Health Needs Assessment
The UVM Medical Center routinely conducts community health needs assessments to understand current health trends. Watch Amy Malinowski of the VT Department of Health and Penrose Jackson of the UVM Medical Center speak with host Mike Cohen about the Community Health Needs Assessment. [Watch the Video]
 
Emergency Preparedness
Implementing ECOS Strategy 5
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Applications Due 8/28
The submission deadline is August 28, 2015 at 3:00pm for FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs: Flood Mitigation Assistance and Pre-Disaster Mitigation.
Contact
For questions regarding emergency preparedness, including LEPC 1, please contact Lee Krohn in the CCRPC office.
 
Save the Date
Upcoming events in Chittenden County and beyond
State Government Municipal Day: September 9
When Governments Cooperate: State Government Municipal Day is an all-day event that will include poster presentations and workshops, and the opportunity to engage with municipal colleagues from across the state. [Learn More]
NNECAPA Annual Conference: October 1-2
The Northern New England Chapter of American Planning Association is having their annual conference in Portland, Maine. The theme this year is Resource, Engage, Succeed. [Learn More]
Envisioning Vermont Conference: October 6
The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board conference will include a mixture of workshops, discussions, field trips, and speakers to provide fresh perspectives and inspiration around themes that cross the boundaries between housing and conservation such as energy, climate action, and food access. [Learn More]
Renewable Energy Vermont Conference and Expo: October 8-9
This year's conference, Leading the Energy REVolution, will be held at the Sheraton in Burlington. [Learn More]
Vermont Development Conference: November 4
Join more than 275 development and real estate professionals for a full day of networking, seminars and workshops. [Learn More]
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Emma Vaughn, CCRPC Communications Manager: evaughn@ccrpcvt.org or (802) 846-4490 x21.