Are you interested in a specific topic?
Click on a category below to be brought right to that section.
|
|
All events held at the CCRPC unless otherwise noted.
MAY
5/31, 6:00pm: Essentials of Land Use Regulations & DRB Summit
JUNE
6/6, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
6/6, 11:00am: CCRPC Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting
6/6, 12:30pm: CCRPC MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting
6/7, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting
6/13, 8:30am: CCRPC Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting
(Double Tree Hotel, 1117 Williston Rd, South Burlington)
6/15, 8:30am: CCRPC Long-Range Planning Committee Meeting
6/20, 5:00pm: CCRPC Long-Range Planning Committee Energy Sub-Committee Meeting
6/21, 5:30pm: CCRPC Annual Meeting & Dinner
(Catamount Country Club, 1400 Mountain View Road, Williston)
|
Around the County: Photo of the Month
|
Click photo to enlarge.
Charlotte/Shelburne firefighters participate in a live burn training exercise
Photo by Lee Krohn
|
Chittenden County Traffic Alert Program
Construction season is here! Sign up for the CCRPC's Chittenden County Traffic Alert to stay in the know about all the latest construction projects, possible delays, and other important alerts throughout the busy construction season.
|
Volunteer with Neighbor Rides
Neighbor Rides is a strategic initiative of United Way of Northwest Vermont supported by a dynamic group of community partners that brings people and places together to help meet the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. This partnership uses volunteer drivers to leverage government and community-funded transportation programs and help more people by decreasing the cost per ride.
|
CCRPC
Commission Representatives
Bolton: Joss Besse
Buel's Gore: Garret Mott
Burlington: Andy Montroll
Charlotte: Jim Donovan
Colchester: Marc Landry
Essex: Jeff Carr
Essex Junction: Dan Kerin
Hinesburg: Andrea Morgante
Huntington: Barbara Elliott
Jericho: Catherine McMains
Milton: Henry Bonges (Alt.)
Richmond: Bard Hill
Shelburne: John Zicconi
South Burlington: Chris Shaw
St. George: Jeff Pillsbury
Underhill: Brian Bigelow
Westford: Dave Tilton
Williston: Chris Roy,
Chair
Winooski: Michael O'Brien,
Vice Chair
For more information, including Commission agendas and minutes, schedule and resources,
click here.
|
Charlie Baker, Executive Director
Cathy Aikman, CCOA Project Director
Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner
Pam Brangan, GIS Data & IT Manager
Jason Charest, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer
Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager
Forest Cohen, Business Manager
Bryan Davis, Senior Transportation Planner
Marshall Distel, Transportation Planner
Chris Dubin, Transportation Planner
Bernie Ferenc, Transportation Business Manager
Sam Francis-Fath, CCOA Data Manager
Christine Forde, Senior Transportation Planner
Peter Keating, Senior Transportation Planner
Lee Krohn, AICP, Senior Planner
Regina Mahony, Planning Program Manager
Melanie Needle, Senior Planner
Emily Nosse-Leirer, Planner
Sai Sarepalli, Transportation Planning Engineer
Michelle Thibault-Hatch, Finance Assistant
Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager
|
|
|
|
|
Good morning,
The CCRPC extends a sincere thank you to all of the Vermont legislators for their hard work and long hours to advance many important initiatives. Some of the key bills that we've been following include: a housing bond that would help address the affordable housing needs of low income Vermonters; funding for water quality investment; a commission to develop improvements to Act 250 and the rest of the State's permitting system; economic development tools such as new tax increment financing (TIF) districts in other parts of the State; and of course, the transportation funding bill. Thank you for your continued efforts to improve the quality of life for Vermonters.
Also, June 21st is the CCRPC's Annual Meeting at the Catamount Country Club in Williston. This special event is an opportunity for Elected Officials, Board members, staff, partners and others to reflect on the impact of our work over the past year, and to set the tone for next year's projects on behalf of our member municipalities, residents, employers, and visitors. Click here to register or for more information.
Best Regards,
Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC |
|
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
|
I-89 Exit 14 Bike/Pedestrian Crossing Study Survey
CCRPC is working with South Burlington and Stantec to identify possible crossing improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists in the I-89 Exit 14 area. Following a public meeting in November, four possible alternatives were developed for consideration. Your input and comments on each alternative is needed.
Take the Survey »
|
Free Bike Racks for Circ Communities
Thanks to a special, one-time funding source,
Local Motion is offering free bike racks to businesses, schools, and other organizations in Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, and Williston. They have approximately 75
Dero Hoop Racks to extend to the community (2 max/organization). Each rack is constructed of thick metal pipes and provides high security parking for two bikes.
What's the catch? In order to receive racks, you'll work with Local Motion to offer two or more FREE bike skills workshops through your organization. They'll deliver the racks in summer 2017 and hold the workshops around your schedule. For more information contact Local Motion.
|
CarShare Vermont Partners with AARP to Get More Seniors Sharing
As they age, more and more Vermonters in Chittenden County are letting go of their cars in favor of public transit, walking, and biking. At the same time many retirees are downsizing and moving to urban settings where they rarely need a car. To support and encourage this lifestyle shift, AARP and CarShare Vermont are partnering to waive application fees for new members. Learn More »
|
VTrans Announces its Bike/Ped Grant Program
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has issued its annual solicitation for new bicycle and pedestrian projects. The intent of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is to improve access and safety for bicyclists and/or pedestrians through the planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects. Typical projects include sidewalks, shared use paths, crossing improvements and bike lanes. Last year nearly $4 million in projects throughout the state were initiated under this grant program. For a copy of the VTrans 2017 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Guide and Application and other supporting materials, visit the VTrans Bicycle and Pedestrian program website. Applications must be received by 1PM, Friday July 14, 2017.
|
Go! Vermont Community-Based Grants
Vermont-based communities are eligible to receive $500 in general operating support for promoting the Go! Vermont program of the Vermont Agency of Transportation. Vermont communities chosen for this round of Smart Commute will promote Go! Vermont as part of the Smart Commute program and thus be automatically eligible for the Go! Vermont small grant. While there is no match requirement, this is federal funding passed through the State and cannot be used as match for federal dollars. Learn more about Go! Vermont.
|
|
Operation Safety Corridor: I-89 Exits 12 to 17
VTrans is establishing interstate Safety Corridors throughout Vermont where a combination of high traffic volume, high speeds and a high rate of crashes demands an increased level of enforcement. These areas are where Vermont drivers are most at risk. In our region, the Safety Corridor includes I-89 exits 12 to 17. The focus is to reduce speeding, distracted, aggressive and impaired driving, and to increase seat belt use. The hope is to reduce the number of crashes and tickets issued through increased police presence. Operation Safety Corridor will include the efforts of the Vermont State Police, Department of Motor Vehicles, and local law enforcement agencies.
Learn more here or contact
Bruce Nyquist, Director of the Office of Highway Safety.
|
CATMA and Partners to Launch Bike Share System in 2017
CATMA, in partnership with UVM and Champlain College, are working to launch phase I of a regional bike share program this summer, which will include 100 bikes for each of three phases, 25 of which will be electric-assist bikes. Gotcha Bike was selected to operate the system, and their smart bike technology offers an affordable, scalable and eco-friendly mode of transportation for everyone. Learn More »
|
|
Rivers & Roads Tier II Roads Scholar Workshop - Multiple Dates & Locations
Participants will gain the skills needed to develop riverside infrastructure maintenance and repair to increase the stability of rivers and the lifespan of infrastructure. This two-day workshop includes lectures and related field work to help accomplish river infrastructure maintenance and development goals.
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 »
|
|
Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
|
|
Chittenden County Brownfields Program Accepting Applications
If you own or wish to develop a property that is contaminated or suspected to be contaminated, please apply. To get started, read the information on different types of assistance and fill out and send us a site nomination/assistance request form.
Learn More »
|
|
Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference: June 8
The Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development presents the Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at the Barrette Center for the Arts in White River Junction. The conference will highlight White River Junction's success adding new housing, businesses and jobs downtown. This year's conference features nationally recognized keynote speaker Joe Minicozzi, who has done the math that proves investing in downtowns improves our quality of life and economy all while saving taxpayer dollars. For more information visit the conference website or contact Gary Holloway. Registration includes a full day of sessions and tours, light breakfast, lunch, and appetizers at the reception.
|
|
Energy & Natural Resources
|
|
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
|
Town Forest Recreation Planning Community Assistance Program: Applications Due June 1
The Vermont Urban Community Forestry Program is seeking to work with 10 communities to support the development of town forest recreation and stewardship plans. This program will provide technical planning assistance to Vermont communities interested in addressing issues and opportunities in the use and stewardship of their town forest, a value of up to $10,000 per town. Participating communities will receive technical assistance from a multi-disciplinary consultant team for the development of a town forest action plan.
Learn More »
|
Rethink Runoff Campaign Launched
Nine Chittenden County municipalities and three other entities are launching Rethink Runoff, a new multi-year public education and participation campaign focused on reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff. The campaign, with technical assistance from the CCRPC, is a combined effort of Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Milton, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston and Winooski, plus Burlington International Airport, the University of Vermont and VTrans.
RethinkRunoff.org, the campaign's website, combines these efforts into a one-stop shop by providing data, educational resources, tutorials and engagement opportunities that teach residents about the effects of stormwater and the steps residents can take to help keep Lake Champlain clean. For more information, please visit
RethinkRunoff.org or contact Dan Albrecht, CCRPC Senior Planner, at
dalbrecht@ccrpcvt.org .
|
Vermont's Aging Sewer Systems
News stories about the impacts of pollution and runoff to our rivers and lakes are familiar to us all. But how does our aging wastewater and stormwater systems handle storm events to prevent further impacts? VPR recently hosted a segment to explore this topic further.
Read/listen here »
|
|
Timber Harvest Guides for Landowners
To help you answer important questions about your woodland management, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has created timber harvest guides for landowners. These simple and concise guides discuss topics including: Overview of a timber harvest; Water; Wildlife; Economics; and Working with Foresters and Loggers. Downloads available at VTCutwithConfidence.com.
|
|
New Videos Highlight Soil Protection by Farmers
|
|
Vermont Clean Water Initiative Brown Bag Lectures
These lectures on the Vermont Clean Water Act and its implementation occur monthly and can be attended in person or via Skype. View the full schedule »
|
|
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
|
Bolton Planning Commission Receives Award
The Town of Bolton Planning Commission received the VPA Citizen Board of Year award for the outstanding community engagement process it led in connection with the 2017 Bolton Town Plan update. With funding from the CCRPC, this process included numerous neighborhood meetings, a pizza party, a business forum, a senior forum, a children's art contest, a community survey, even a neighborhood meeting held in a horse barn. The Commission's extensive outreach resulted in more than 10% of Bolton residents being engaged in the process.
Read more »
|
Essentials of Land Use Regulations
& DRB Summit: May 31
This presentation will be relevant to members of local development review boards, zoning and planning commissions that do development review. This is being held after Town Meeting Day to provide an introduction for any new board members; but this will also be relevant to veteran members as we will combine this with the DRB Summit - a peer to peer exchange and discussion. This will be held on Wednesday, May 31st from 6pm to 8pm at the CCRPC Offices.
RSVP »
|
Free Vermont Planners Workshops: June 7 & 8
The workshops will focus on protecting current and future sources of drinking water in your communities. The first series was held in 2007 and in 2015 and 2016 there were four shorter workshops to learn from planners what they would like to know about protecting drinking water supplies.
View the flier or
contact Kira Jacobs for more information.
|
VLCT Planning and Zoning Forum: June 14
This workshop is for all local officials involved in the planning and development review process. Zoning administrators, planning commissioners, DRB/ZBA members, town administrators and managers, municipal planners, and regional planning commission staff are encouraged to attend. The sessions will provide a dynamic mix of legal information, practical solutions, and policy discussions with opportunities to discuss pressing issues in municipal planning and zoning with knowledgeable officials from across the state.
Learn More »
|
Vermont Smart Growth Summit: June 16
AARP VT and VNRC invite you to the Smart Growth Summit, which will be held June 16th at Champlain College in Burlington. We're bringing together local officials, planners, policy makers, developers, and business people for a dynamic and interactive summit aimed at raising and addressing a variety of issues that present challenges and opportunities in the field of community development. Learn about Vermont's smart growth accomplishments, gain practical tools from colleagues and discuss ways we can harness smart growth to provide housing choices, transportation options, and a high quality of life for all Vermonters.
Learn More »
|
Discover Vermont's Roadside Historic Markers
Feed your inner history buff by using a new mapping tool to explore the historic site makers along Vermont roadsides. Handy and simple to use, the new web tool pinpoints the location of each marker and helps you learn about Vermont's rich and diverse history and visit places associated with Robert Frost, Norman Rockwell, Red Sox players, the founder of Cadillac and many more. Learn More »
|
|
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
|
Vermonters Prepare for Tick Season
|
|
Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
|
CCOA Hires New Staff
The Chittenden County Opioid Alliance (CCOA) welcomes Tori Houston as the CCOA's new Communications and Administrative Coordinator (part-time) as well as the GE Healthy Cities Working Recovery Project Coordinator. She comes with a wealth of marketing and project management experience and will be a great asset to our team.
Learn more about the CCOA »
|
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Nearly 1-in-5 Americans suffer from mental illness each year; however, everyone is affected or impacted by mental illness through friends and family. If left untreated, this illness can be fatal. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 10-24 year olds, and more than 90% of those victims suffered from mental health conditions. Get the facts on mental health and take the pledge to #stampoutstigma.
|
Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Presentation: May 25
Dr. Michael Goedde and Dr. Sanchit Maruti of the UVM MC Addiction Treatment Center present "Addiction, Treatment and Recovery," a presentation focusing on understanding addictions and the process of recovery from a biological perspective. This event will take place on May 25th, 10:30 - 12:00pm at the Davis Auditorium at UVM MC. Please RSVP directly to Vanessa Berman at vmberman@howardcenter.org.
|
The Opioid Epidemic and Dental Health
Patients recovering from addiction may be prescribed medications--and have personal habits--that are affecting their oral health. The CCOA recently connected the Turning Point Center and UVM Medical Center to host a clinic to screen patients for urgent dental needs and offer education about oral health. Read More »
|
|
|
|
|
