Tuesday, January 30, 2018
The rock-climbing center finalized a deal Monday to buy 1.7 acres from City Market, said co-owner Andrea Charest. Petra Cliffs will construct a new gym about double the size of its current 6,000-square-foot facility, said Charest. The new gym will have higher climbing walls as well as a childcare facility and space for fitness programs.
Charest would not disclose the purchase price.
Tags: Petra Cliffs , City Market/Onion River Co-op , Image , Web Only
The Town Meeting Day ballot question is advisory, and is not likely to prevent the planned 2019 arrival of the F-35s. The crux of the debate during Monday's meeting centered not around the vote itself, but around language F-35 opponents used conveying "strong support" for the Vermont Air National Guard.
The original question, on a petition signed by 2,700 city residents, asked:
Three councilors — Jane Knodell (P-Central District), Dave Hartnett (D-North District) and Kurt Wright (R-Ward 4) — proposed an amendment to delete the phrase, "as part of our strong support for the men and women of the Vermont National Guard, and especially their mission to 'protect the citizens of Vermont.'"
Shall we, the voters of the City of Burlington, as part of our strong support for the men and women of the Vermont National Guard, and especially their mission to 'protect the citizens of Vermont,' advise the City Council to:
1) request the cancellation of the planned basing of the F-35 at Burlington International Airport, and
2) request instead low-noise-level equipment with a proven high safety record appropriate for a densely populated area?
Col. Hank Harder, the guard's 158th Fighter Wing Vice Wing Commander, agreed with the proposed amendment, saying Monday that it would be "disingenuous and misleading" for F-35 opponents to frame their question in terms of support for the guard.
Tags: Kurt Wright , Jane Knodell , Dave Hartnett , F-35 , Eileen Blackwood , Chip Mason , Burlington , Vermont Air National Guard , Hank Harder , Air Force , Peggy Luhrs , Eric Maier , Image , Web Only
Monday, January 29, 2018
Councilor Ali Dieng (D/P-Ward 7) has condemned the mural as "racist" and is asking the city to remove the offending artwork and convene a commission that would replace it.
In a separate resolution, Councilor Joan Shannon (D-South District) put forward a more ambiguous solution. Her proposal, which is supported by Mayor Miro Weinberger, would create a task force to "consider a wide range of options that leads to a more inclusive outcome."
The 124-by-16-foot piece of art called "Everyone Loves a Parade!" depicts a host of Vermont leaders and personalities — almost all of whom are white — including Weinberger, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Grace Potter, John Deere, Madeleine Kunin and Maria von Trapp.
The mural, which was unveiled in 2012, stretches along Leahy Way, an alley that runs between Church Street and the Marketplace parking garage.
Tags: Ali Dieng , Max Tracy , Joan Shannon , Miro Weinberger , mural , Church Street Marketplace , Image , Web Only
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Burlington opioid policy manager Jackie Corbally, Deputy Police Chief Shawn Burke and Fire Chief Steve Locke will make up Burlington's new safe response team, which will launch February 1 as a four-month pilot.
The team will visit within 24 hours of an overdose — ideally on the same day, Corbally said. At each home, the team will offer resources for treatment, contact information for Corbally and the overdose-reversing drug Narcan. Corbally said she expects the team will respond to two to five calls each week.
“We’re going to be relentless,” she said. “We are going to find folks and let them know we care.”
Tags: Jackie Corbally , Shawn Burke , Steve Locke , Burlington Police Department , Image , Web Only
Friday, January 19, 2018
The Washington, D.C.-based Our Revolution announced its support for Driscoll in a press release Friday that praised her experience and political approach. "If elected, Carina will push for more transparent government, protect community assets, and invest in Burlington schools," the release read.
Driscoll is going up against Democratic incumbent Miro Weinberger and independent Infinite Culcleasure in the Burlington mayoral race.
Both Driscoll and an Our Revolution spokeswoman denied that the endorsement constituted nepotism.
Tags: Senator , Carina Driscoll , Miro Weinberger , Infinite Culcleasure , Bernie Sanders , Town Meeting Day , Our Revolution , Rights & Democracy , Image , Web Only
The advisory question, which must be approved by the city council to be on the ballot, asks voters to "advise the city council" to cancel the planned basing of F-35s, which are scheduled to arrive at the airport's Air National Guard base in 2019. The ballot item asks if voters will "request instead low-noise-level equipment ... appropriate for a densely populated area."
Tags: Jimmy Leas , F-35 , Air National Guard , Rosanne Greco , Rachel Siegel , Charles Simpson , Image , Web Only
Thursday, January 18, 2018
In the nine-square-block area known as the city's downtown core, drivers will pay to park between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Previously, enforcement there began at 8 a.m. and extended until 10 p.m.
Parking costs $1.50 an hour in the core Monday through Saturday, and is free on Sundays.
Tags: Burlington , Chapin Spencer , parking , parking meters , Image , Web Only
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
The 56-year-old political novice faces Democratic incumbent Karen Paul and Progressive candidate Charles Simpson in the Ward 6 race.
FitzGerald, a 20-year Burlington resident, decided to run after Paul, citing a last-minute conflict of interest, recused herself from a vote on the sale of Burlington Telecom in October.
"That was the final straw," FitzGerald said. "We got no input, no feedback" on the recusal, he said. "We deserve more than that."
Tags: Karen Paul , Charles Simpson , Joel FitzGerald , Burlington City Council , Town Meeting Day , Ward 6 , Image , Web Only
"Stop Importing Problems," the text on the flyers read, and listed crimes next to each man's photo.
UVM police are investigating, as is the UVM Bias Response Team. UVM president Tom Sullivan and other top administrators issued this statement on Tuesday:
We regret to inform you that a small number of flyers espousing offensive, racist, anti-immigration views were found yesterday in the vicinity of the UVM Green, posted by an as-yet unknown individual or individuals. These abhorrent views are an assault on our values as an institution, as articulated in Our Common Ground. We condemn these flyers unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms. Our University strives to maintain a welcoming environment for all members of our community.The Vermont Cynic student newspaper first reported on the flyers. They were discovered as UVM prepared to kick off a series of events to honor King and explore civil rights topics during the coming week.
Tags: University of Vermont , racism , immigration , Tom Sullivan , Image , Web Only
Monday, January 15, 2018
The lakefront expanse in Burlington's South End will feature changing rooms and storage space for paddleboards, wind surfers and small boats. Yoga and other movement classes will be offered at an open-air pavilion-style building.
That's according to Russ Scully, who, with his wife, Roxanne, purchased the industrial Blodgett property last year for $14.3 million. He also said plans are percolating for potential new office and commercial uses in the manufacturing buildings on the 16-acre Blodgett property.
The Surf Club will offer paddleboard and windsurfing lessons, as well as Hobie Cat sailing. The new business will allow the Scullys to centralize rentals and lessons they have been offering elsewhere through their store WND&WVS.
Tags: Russ Scully , Roxanne Scully , Burlington Surf Club , Blodgett Oven , Image , Web Only