Spring 2023 Update

Presentation to the City Council on 5/24/2023

The project team, led by project consultant Stephanie Clarke of White + Burke, presented the findings and results of Phase 1 to the City Council on May 24, 2023. The project team put forward the consensus reached through the extensive Phase 1 public engagement process. The City Council ultimately endorsed the goals as outlined in the project team's recommendations.

o Address the high housing need by providing a mix of housing product with affordable, workforce, and market rate units.
o Address the need for indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities, including a comprehensive recreation and community facility, as well as fields, courts, and other such uses.

Balance the above with:
o Conservation / open space,
o Incorporate of spaces for Abenaki recognition, celebration, and education,
o Amenities for the new residential communities (i.e. community gardens),
o Trails,
o Gathering spaces (i.e. amphitheater, playground, gazebo, etc.)
o Connection of wildlife corridors;
o Connection to surrounding parcels and City infrastructure (i.e. bike path,
traffic patterns, public transit, and potential future vehicular access north
or west)

o Minimize impact on climate by utilizing and leveraging technologies and best practices for energy efficiency and energy generation.
o Minimize impact to taxpayers.

These are the most essential elements of the Phase 1 planning, as they will need to act as
the guiding rudder for the City Council and staff in directing and navigating the
development of this project.