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Planning
& Community Development 2003 Annual Report
This year's budget process has been especially challenging in the face of fiscal realities and the proposed elimination of an unspecified staff position in our department as part of the City Manager's no-tax-increase FY05 budget package to the City Council. To help understand what the impacts of such a staff reduction would be, we showed the range of projects and activities that would no longer be done if either the Community Development Specialist or the Planner positions was eliminated. Either scenario would have quite different outcomes, would mark a shift in the direction of the department, and have a significant impact on the delivery of services to the community. With the master plan update under way and pivotal questions being asked about Montpelier's future, our planning needs are at an all-time high. At the same time, there is tremendous need for affordable housing, job creation and retention, and downtown redevelopment. A copy of the slide presentation made at the December 10 City Council meeting can be viewed or downloaded from http://www.montpelier-vt.org/planning/2003_report.cfm. After the City Manager did some more number crunching, the Council voted in December to restore the position in the budget to 80%, with the remaining 20% to come from other non-general fund sources. 2003
Overview Slide Presentation
(May load slowly) We've had a glimpse of what a staff reduction would do to the level of service in our department because we've been without our Administrative Officer, Ken Sweester, since mid-August and intermittently before that due to medical issues. In her back-up role as Acting Administrative Officer, Planner Stephanie Smith has been doing the Administrative Officer's job since then and a number of duties needed to be rearranged. As a result, the level of service we could provide to the boards and committees dropped, projects fell behind, and some activities were dropped or postponed entirely. On December 16, 2003, after it was determined that Ken would not be able to return, the Administrative Officer position was declared vacant and has been advertised. Our fingers and toes are triple-crossed with the hope to have the position filled by mid-to-late February 2004, if not sooner. Another wallop came in December, when, after 14 years as Montpelier's part-time GIS Specialist, to which Web site development was added in 2000, Sara Moulton left the City in December to work full time at Vermont College. Our loss was their gain. The need for on-going GIS and Web site services has been affirmed and we are recruiting to fill her position. Each year the budget process rightly prompts people to wonder what the planning department and its staff do. The following summary of this past year's activities and benchmarks will help illustrate some of our accomplishments, despite the staff capacity challenges. PLANNING
Bylaw Updates. The Planning Commission held public hearings on the following bylaw amendments that were ultimately adopted by the City Council: Additional bylaw amendments are in the works to address minor as well as substantive details in the regulations. Master Plan Update. The Planning Commission began a series of master plan forums in May to become familiar with and engage citizens in exploring a range of topics associated with the Master Plan. Many of the other initiatives described below will intersect with the Master Plan and influence the direction it takes. Public involvement will continue to be an essential part of defining a vision for Montpelier's future and developing the Master Plan that will help achieve it. The present plan expires in September ‘05, which gives us a year and a half to further develop and refine the vision, identify goals and priorities, and develop the strategies to implement Montpelier's desired future. The Planning Commission has set a target of September ‘04 to begin public hearings on a draft Master Plan. For more information, go to http://www.montpelier-vt.org/pc/masterplan. Density Workshop. Nationally-recognized landscape architect Julie Campoli conducted a density workshop in September featuring slides she and Alex MacLean developed to help planning commissioners and citizens visualize and better understand the concept of "density". Transportation Plan Update. Smart Mobility, Inc. of Norwich Vt. was hired to help develop an updated citywide transportation plan for Montpelier, which will be a component of the 2005 Master Plan. A visioning forum was held on October 21 and will be followed up with a mail out survey to Montpelier citizens for feedback on transportation and other issues. Citizen involvement remains an important part of this process, as well as making the connections between Montpelier's transportation system and impacts on land use, economic development, and other issues. Downtown Traffic and Circulation Micro-Simulation Study. Wilbur Smith Associates was hired to develop a computer model that will simulate the traffic and circulation impacts of various downtown development scenarios. The first step was to develop the present day conditions baseline to illustrate how traffic and circulation function today, which was presented to the public on October 29 and has continued to be refined. The next step is to develop a future conditions baseline to 2020, which will show how traffic and circulation is expected to change based on current growth trends in Montpelier and surrounding areas. Once set-up of the models is complete, we will use them to test scenarios like the build-out of the Capital District Master Plan, or how changes in intersection controls or circulation patterns (i.e., introducing a one-way street) affect movement through the downtown (see http://www.montpelier-vt.org/wip/trafficsim). City Hall Rear Lot Parking Structure Study. Though it took a while for this project to get off the ground, Wilbur Smith Associates was hired to study whether a parking structure could functionally fit in either or both of the Pitkin or Blanchard lots behind City Hall and, if so, how they might look, how many spaces might be gained, if any, how they might impact the area, and what they are likely to cost per space. Preliminary findings show that a structure can fit in either lot. In the coming year, we will be looking at this more closely, and perhaps including a third option on the Pitkin Lot (see http://www.montpelier-vt.org/wip/rearlot). Open Space Planning Projects. Stephanie worked with the Conservation Commission and Parks Department to help move the natural resources inventory and Views and Vistas study forward. She also worked on an effort to develop a riverbank management plan for the Winooski River along the Capitol Complex area, which was taken over by the Vermont Buildings & General Services office and is expected to be unveiled in early 2004. Municipal Planning Grant for Fiscal Impact of Growth Study. We received full funding ($15,000) of our application to examine the fiscal impacts of growth in Montpelier. Next steps will be to refine the scope of work and put an RFP out to bid to hire someone to help us with the research and analysis. The results of this are expected to help us sort out fact from fiction about whether new housing or other types of development are likely to have a positive or negative fiscal impact on the community. GIS. Sara Moulton, our GIS/Web Specialist worked closely with other city departments, the Conservation Commission, the Planning Commission, and citizens throughout the year using the City's geographic information system to conduct spacial analyses, develop new data layers, and display information in specially-produced maps. Some of the maps and data she produced are now available on the Web at http://www.montpelier-vt.org/gis. Most folks who have used the maps our GIS system can produce know how important the property line base map is. Unfortunately, that information had not been updated or corrected in over 15 years, which made it more and more difficult for us to rely on for planning or other purposes. Finally, after years of no funds in the budget, we got the correction and update of Montpelier's property line base maps (also known as tax maps) under way. Sara was the project manager and oversaw the selection process that lead to Information & Visualization Services (IVS) of Burlington being hired for the job. The correction of the line work has been completed, which was a major task. The next task is to fix the dozens of properties that have been identified as "problem parcels." After this, we will need to budget for regular maintenance of this property line map information to make sure that all new subdivisions and lot line adjustments are reflected. Certified Local Government. We moved a step closer to becoming a CLG this fall when the City Council adopted the ordinance we prepared to create a new Historic Preservation Commission whose focus will be on historic preservation planning, protecting historic resources, and a number of initiatives related to strengthening our downtown. Because of our staff situation and the uncertainties for next year, we were not in a position to create and staff a new board, so the next step of actually forming the new Board and seeking members was put on hold. Consequently we also have not yet executed the agreement between the City and Vermont Division for Historic Preservation that will enable us to compete for CLG grants and technical assistance in the future. We look forward to launching this exciting new initiative in 2004.
http://www.montpelier-vt.org. Montpelier's official Web site continues to evolve and some parts of the site are taking shape better than others. We hope to make it a reliable, useful tool for citizens and visitors to find the information they need, whether it's planning a visit, relocating a business, or keeping in touch with local affairs. In addition to the site statistics that show hundreds of people from all over the world visit the Web site every month (see http://www.montpelier-vt.org/stats ), we continue to receive comments and inquiries by e-mail from all over the country from people planning trips to people seeking to relocate or start a business. The Works In Progress page (http://www.montpelier-vt.org/wip) continued to grow with more information posted about more activities going on around the city. Dickey Block. We have worked with various parties to develop a redevelopment plan, but the limited availability of parking and difficult financial analyses have been stumbling blocks. We continue to work with the Dickey family on how to approach the next steps and develop a project for implementation. Alley to Alley Fire Protection Project. Well before the terrible fire in May that destroyed one major, historic downtown building and has severely threatened another and displaced local businesses, the City has been taking active measures to protect our citizens and buildings from fire by encouraging the installation of sprinklers. The City received a $100,000 grant in 2001 through the Vermont Downtown Program to help cover the costs of installing sprinklers in the 32-64 Main Street block. The project was delayed for a number of reasons, and we took it over in 2003 in order to move it ahead and get it done. In the end, only one property owner of the three remained committed to the project and the sprinkler installation is currently under way in the Dickey Block. Sprinkler Fact Sheet. As part of our on-going efforts to protect our building stock, we prepared a sprinkler fact sheet handout that can also be found on the City's Web page at http://www.montpelier-vt.org/fire/sprinklers.cfm. Post-Fire CDBG Grant. With the help of consultant Jeff Staudinger, we were able to secure a $27,000 emergency community development block grant from the Vermont Community Development Program to help the Shouldice family develop a redevelopment plan for their site at 68 Main Street as well as possibly the now-vacant site at 66 Main Street. A team of designers and number-crunchers was hired and 6-story concept was presented to the City. Unfortunately, negotiations for the purchase of 66 Main Street have fallen though and the future redevelopment potential of the site(s) remain unknown. Turntable Park. The Vermont Downtown Board awarded the City an $11,575 grant from the Downtown Transportation Fund and $33,362 sales tax reallocation grant in March 2003, conditioned upon their receipt of the amended lease between the City and the AOT authorizing the development of the park. We have been working with the AOT for over a year, but have not yet received the amended lease. As a result, the project has not moved forward. AOT Enhancement Grant Application. We received word that the planning grant application we submitted to the Vermont Agency of Transportation Enhancement Grant Program over a year ago seeking $40,000 for the design and engineering of the North Branch RiverWalk and Langdon Street improvements might yet see some light. The program was revived this year and the applications re-reviewed. We've received informal word that our application may have survived and received approval. Carr Lot Redevelopment. The Carr Lot Committee successfully obtained two federal earmarks for more extensive planning and environmental analysis of the Carr Lot Redevelopment project: approx. $2 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and $1.5 million from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). With FHWA funds, Wilbur Smith Associates was hired to investigate the replacement parking component of this project, which is currently under way. Before we can use the FTA funds for the environmental analysis and design process, however, we must first complete the FTA application process, which has stalled considerably because of our staff situation. We are currently scoping out alternatives to contract this out in order to get it done. More information can be found on the Works in Progress page at (see http://www.montpelier-vt.org/wip/carrlot). Community Rating System Benefits. Though Ken Sweetser, our CRS Coordinator, was on medical leave for much of the year, our on-going flood hazard mitigation activities helped us to maintain Montpelier's reduced flood insurance rating through the Community Rating System (CRS) for the coming year. Our rating reduction from Class 10 to Class 9 lowers both the City's flood insurance premiums, as well as those of all property owners in the flood plain, by five percent. Montpelier is one of only three communities in Vermont to achieve this lower rating (see http://www.montpelier-vt.org/flood). Montpelier Business Loan Program. We continue to make business loans available to new and existing businesses in the downtown who are unable to obtain sufficient financing from conventional sources. Two loans were made last year: Somers Hardware and Paseo Shoes.
River Station Apartments CDBG Application. George worked closely with the partners of River Station Apartments to submit a community development block grant application to the Vermont Community Development Program for over $600,000 to assist the development of affordable housing at 221 Barre Street. It was not funded in the December round because of some issues about readiness, but we will be resubmitting the application for the February ‘04 round, where it may stand a better chance. Housing Inventory and Need Analysis. The housing inventory and needs analysis was completed this year and presented to various groups. A copy of the report can be found at http://www.montpelier-vt.org/docs. The need for this study has been cited for many years in the city's Master Plan because the city lacked adequate housing data to help us better understand existing conditions, past trends, and factors that are contributing to what many percieve as a housing crisis in Montpelier. We hope the data in the report will be a starting point for the ongoing compilation of housing data and tie in with the present and on-going Master Plan processes. Housing Preservation Grant Program. The HPG loan program provides low or no interest renovation loans to moderate income Montpelier Homeowners. Since 1987 we have processed approximately 100 loans. The city received an additional $50,000 grant which, when combined with $90,000 of the city's own community development funds, will allow 10 new loans. Four loans were made in 2003 and 6 are pending (see http://www.montpelier-vt.org/cda/hpg.cfm). Central Vermont HomeShare. After resubmitting our CDBG application to the Vermont Community Development program late in 2002, it was funded and the Central Vermont HomeShare program is now up and running. Betsy Reid was hired as its coordinator and is managing its new office in Barre. The goal of the program is to match elderly or disabled homeowners with individuals who are seeking a place to live in exchange for helping with household chores, providing companionship or a protective presence in the home. In addition to all the start-up and outreach necessary for this new venture, 19 applications have been received and, to date, one match has been made–not bad for its first six months. For more information, see http://www.montpelier-vt.org/cda/homeshare.cfm.
Permit Activity. Approximately 190 applications were processed in 2003, a notable increase over the 167 from 2002. Of those, approximately 20 required site plan review, 4 required conditional use approval, 42 required design review approval, and 32 required variance approval. In addition, the DRB considered 8 sketch plan reviews, 3 subdivisions, 4 PRD amendments, and 5 appeals. Of these, three were appealed to the Environmental Court. The high volume of requests for variances is a clue that the dimensional standards in various districts need to be re-evaluated. Design Review Committee. Margot George continued as chair this year. Vicki Lane was re-appointed to a full term and Andrea Stander joined the group as an Alternate (see http://www.montpelier-vt.org/drc). Staff Support. The Technical Review Committee (TRC), comprised of representatives from the Planning, Police, Fire, DPW, and Parks departments and the Conservation Commission, continued to meet in the Planning office twice a month on Tuesday mornings to jointly review applications, evaluate site plans, and provide comments and recommendations to the applicants and the DRB. Staff reports are prepared that correlate the relevant details and issues of an application with the appropriate review criteria and distributed to the DRB, the DPW, the applicants, and others prior to the meetings. A more preliminary staff report is provided to the DRC and applicant prior to their meetings. Permit Review Committee. At the suggestion of the MDCA, the City Council appointed an 11-member permit review committee in March to thoroughly review every angle of Montpelier's permit process and provide a report of recommendations. The group has met at least twice a month since. After an intensive information-gathering stage, the committee is now in the process of reviewing their findings and drafting the report, which will be presented to the Council early in 2004. Public Outreach. Though our public workshop in May called "Demystifying Montpelier's Development Review Process" was modestly attended and Ken had to step in as the cable TV camera guy, it was an opportunity to review the process, answer questions, and distribute a first draft of the permit guidebook we are putting together. We hope to get it and other helpful materials on the Web site in 2004.
To help inform neighbors and the public of development activities that might affect them, we've implemented a number of measures: Valerie Capels, AICP, Planning & Community Development Director Page updated January 16, 2004 |
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