On Thursday March 21, Burlington’s Mayor Miro Weinberger hosted a press conference about proposed zoning updates, coined the Neighborhood Code.
Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity hosted the event at the Manhattan Drive build site, which will soon be home to two families who will live in the duplex.
The Neighborhood Code is a policy that reforms the current zoning policy to “expand opportunities for new homes to be created in every neighborhood in ways that reflect the character of these parts of the city,” according to a report from Burlington’s Office of City Planning.
The Neighborhood Code will make it easier for developers to build multi-family homes, mixed-used buildings, and subdivide lots. Overall, the Neighborhood Code makes it easier for denser housing to be constructed in the city of Burlington.
“The Neighborhood Code enables the city to allow older adults, younger couples, low-income families, and people of color to live in this community,” said David Mullin, CEO of Green Mountain Habitat. “Green Mountain Habitat says ‘yes’ to the Neighborhood Code.”
CEO of Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, David Mullin, speaks at the Neighborhood Code press conference.
Speakers included Meagan Tuttle, Planning Director of the City of Burlington; Andy Montroll, Burlington Planning Commission; David Mullin; Kelly Stoddard Poor, AARP Vermont; Bob Duncan, local architect; Michael Monte, CEO of Champlain Housing Trust; Kelly Divine, Burlington Business Association; Jak Tiano, member of Vermonters for People-Oriented Places; and Tino Rutanhira, Executive Director of the Vermont Professionals of Color Network.
This code would address zoning laws that were enacted in the 1970s and 1990s, according to many speakers. These codes often limited construction to single-family homes in many areas of the city.
Burlington currently has a rental vacancy rate of 1%, which is far below the national vacancy rate of 6.6%, according to the US Census Bureau.
“Unlike our neighbors in Chittenden County, we can’t grow out,” said Tuttle. “We have to grow in our dense city centers and by providing more housing choice in our existing, vibrant neighborhoods.”
The Neighborhood Code is part of the city’s 2021 Housing Action Plan and planBTV, which aims to Incrementally evolve neighborhoods to meet the needs of the community.
Speakers talked about the impacts of the code for older individuals, businesses, and young people. Members of the community were also in attendance to show support for this legislation.
Mullin noted in his speech that several cities and town across Vermont face similar problems, and we need to address this issue to help Vermonters of all situations.
Weinberger highlighted the importance of the Neighborhood Code for the current situation in Burlington. He explained that many of these changes are long overdue, and that the need for more housing is urgent and prominent.
The Neighborhood Code is going to be voted on during the Monday, March 25 City Council meeting.
For more information about the Neighborhood Code, visit the city of Burlington’s website.
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