Seat seeker
North to South
Julian Keenan joins crowded race for city council elections
Haitian-born artist brings vibrant painting to SB public art gallery
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VOLUME 48, NO. 5
City may explore a registry on short-term rental units Council schedules public hearing for next month COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
The South Burlington City Council last week held a first reading of an ordinance to create a registry of all rental units in the city, which proponents of the law say would ensure proper safety protocols are being met while adding regulations onto short-term rental units. Last week’s meeting was the sixth time that city fire Chief Steven Locke was before the council, making tweaks and discussing the specifics of the ordinance. It’s been a year since the law was first presented to the council. According to city council chair Helen Riehle said, the ordinance since its inception has sought a dual function: to try and make sure safety standards in an apartment anywhere in the city are up to code, and to ensure “that people are in a safe place when they rent.” Most municipalities do that by setting requirements when new buildings or structures are permitted. This ordinance, by collecting fees from property owners in the city, would, over time, self-fund an office and dedicated staff in the fire department for an inspection cycle. See RENTAL REGISTRY on page 13
PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR
Book Nook creator and curator Jacques-Paul Marton, also known as “JP” seated next to his wife Wendy at Le Marché in Shelburne, a favorite date spot for the duo. The French-style cuisine brings Marton fond memories of his upbringing and offers a good opportunity to brush up on his French.
‘The best books in the world’ SB resident strengthens community through UVM Book Nook LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
Jacques-Paul Marton slid a pastry across the circular table at Le Marché in Shelburne. “La vie en rose,” he said, noting the name of the pink sponge cake in a mastered French accent. “To see life through rose-colored glasses.” His own tortoise shell frames hold lenses that help him see the world just that way. Folks around the University of Vermont campus better know the South Burlington
resident as “JP.” He has been the campus custodian for over a decade and a half, and more importantly, the backbone of the university’s Book Nook, a free library located in Brennan’s Pub, on the first floor of the Dudley H. Davis Center. What began as a tiny “free” bookshelf, has blossomed into an entire corner dedicated to accessible free books for students on campus — an initiative that would have been nearly impossible without the dedication of Marton over the past 14 years. “Someone put an empty bookshelf at the
cafe, and it was left empty for a couple of weeks,” he said. “I started bringing books from home and putting a free sign there. When books started to leave, I went to Student Life and I said, ‘Students are reading, and they’re interested in books. I think we’ve got something here.’” As interest grew and as his own personal library collection was dwindling due to his constant restocking of the shelf, he knew See MARTON on page 10
Page 2 • February 1, 2024 • The Other Paper
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Several people have announced their candidacies for the three open seats on the South Burlington’s City Council. One of them is Julian Keenan, a member of the city’s Natural Resources and Conservation Committee. He is running for the two-year seat that has been held by councilor Meaghan Emery for the better part of 14 years. The council will look very different after Town Meeting Day, with two of the three longest-tenured council members, Chair Helen Riehle and Emery, announcing their retirement. Another two-year term is up for grabs after Tyler Barnes, elected in March last year, resigned from the position in October. Elizabeth Fitzgerald has announced plans to run for the remaining year in that term. Laurie Smith and Linda Bailey have announced bids for the council and are seeking the three-year seat vacated by Riehle. Keenan will face off against Mike Scanlan, a former U.S. diplomat, for the two-year seat. Keenan moved to South Burlington three years ago with his wife. They were “captivated by the warmth of this special community as an ideal environment to raise our son,” he said in his announcement. “We chose South Burlington for its natural beauty, quality schools, close-knit community, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, and I quickly joined the city’s Natural Resources and Conservation Committee,” Keenan said. He formerly interned with former Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, and has had a career in software implementation and consulting. Keenan was interviewed by The Other Paper on his candidacy and position on issues facing the city. He can be reached via email at julian@keenanforcouncil.
Julian Keenan
com, or by visiting his website, keenanforcouncil.com. The paper will interview all candidates on the ballot, and has already published talks with Smith and Fitzgerald. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. You mentioned in your announcement that you interned with former Sen. Patrick Leahy. Can you tell me about that, what sort of experience that was, and what you learned from that? My time spent working under Sen. Leahy really taught me a lot about public service, and how impactful that work can be, and how it could make a positive difference in people’s lives. My experience there was mostly in a supportive capacity. I helped manage the various judiciary hearings, with various people coming through that were very well-known public figures, like Eric Holder, who eventually became the attorney general. I really got to see the American political process and democracy in action, and seeing how there were a See KEENAN on page 3
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KEENAN
continued from page 2 lot of players and a lot of people that were supporting that important work. So, it was inspiring to me, and it showed me that individuals can really make a difference and make things better. Can you talk about your tenure on the city’s Natural Resources and Conservation Committee, and specifically maybe you could talk about what work you’re most proud of? I haven’t been there for too long. I started last year. I was involved in the creation of a tree ordinance that we’re working on with the City Council, and I think that work will really benefit the pathway forward when it comes to balancing conservation and preserving our green spaces with responsible and sustainable development. This is going to almost an entirely new council once the dust has settled in March — one big question the council will have to face is deciding on the charter committee’s recommendations, which took a broad look at South Burlington’s governance structure to figure out if any
changes needed to be made. One change they’re already making is expanding the school board from five to seven members. But they’re also looking at expanding the number of council members, and the big issue is wards versus at-large elections. Where do you fall on that? What is your opinion, or what would your vote be on that if elected? I really care about the future of the city. I love this community and will do my best to represent all the residents. I think I actually bring a unique voice in that I’m a young father, and I don’t think we have a lot of young fathers on the council, or that are running for council. So, I think it’s important to have that diversity. But I do think the idea that someone from the southeast quadrant, or someone from this area — I actually live in the southeast quadrant — but the idea that someone from this area will be more or less committed to working for the city, I think that just creates more division at time when it’s
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Bailey the latest candidate for South Burlington council seat running” on city council. One of the issues that concerns me is budget creep. I want us to use proactive, Linda Bailey strategic approaches to look at our budgets I’m Linda Bailey and I am running for for the long term. I believe in an honest the three-year seat on the South Burlington dialogue with the public on the long-term financial implications of major policy deciCity Council. I moved to the Chamberlin district with sions. One of places I would like to see the my husband twelve years ago and am lucky city council revisit is the Open to have many family members in Space Fund, to ensure its impact the South Burlington area. I was is positive for the city as a whole. raised in Vermont with a rural, For example, seven out of seven working-class background and my of the Open Space purchaspolitical positions are informed by es have been in the Southeast the common sense, frugality and Quadrant. Are there no possiclose community of my upbringbilities in the rest of the city? ing. I hope that Vermont and South We collect a 1 percent local option Burlington will be places where tax on retail and restaurant busimy grandchildren will remain and nesses. I would like to explore thrive. I’m an honest, collaboraways that our city can attract more tive and responsive leader who Linda Bailey of these businesses here to help brings a pragmatic and informed support our infrastructure and tax approach to the issues. Almost all the city councilors in recent base as well as the vitality of our city. There are exciting possibilities in our years have been from the Southeast Quadrant, so sometimes it seems other parts of future. Our region has recently been declared our community don’t get the attention they one of thirty-one Tech Hubs around the deserve. As a city councilor, I will work to country. This Hub is meant to design techdraw participation and perspectives from nologies to use a new type of computer chip every part of the city into the decisions that — the GaN chip. This designation can bring 50 to 75 affect us all, and to grow and sustain interest million dollars in investment to our region in council activities. I will work to ensure that no one in South and state. The city council needs to actively Burlington feels ignored or unheard in the support this and other green technologies to decision-making process. Everyone in our thrive in South Burlington. I would like to see our city work at a city deserves to have a voice. What will get you and your neighbors regularly involved? policy level with the other towns and cities Over the last two years I have served in our region. Together we can have a greaton the natural resource and conservation er effect on our joint concerns, from retail committee, as well as attending many city theft to climate change. Tell me what are your hopes, dreams and council and other committee meetings. I now have a wealth of background infor- concerns for us? Write to me at: LindaBaimation and will be able to hit the ground ley4SB@gmail.com.
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Page 4 • February 1, 2024 • The Other Paper
OPINION More questions than answers with women’s prison and Seven Days, and conversations with three members of that same committee to round out my Rep. Brian Minier impression of the current facility. Last month I took a walk with a The picture painted is bleak. couple of neighbors who wanted to Per VTDigger, “Past reporting by talk about the Chittenden Regional Seven Days and VTDigger, as well Correctional Facility. as a series of investigaSince 2011, it has served tions, have documented as the sole women’s unsanitary living condiprison in Vermont. tions and an array of This facility is sexual misconduct and located at the intersecretaliation allegations at tion of Swift and Farrell the site.” streets, about an eight- or A review by Downs nine-minute walk from Rachlin Martin noted, my house. Plans are in “DOC (the Department the works to replace of Corrections) did not Rep. Brian Minier the facility, which is provide thorough and fifty years old and is comprehensive training universally viewed as being not to the staff at CRCF when the only physically decrepit, but also women’s prison population was outdated in terms of its design. transferred there in 2011. Had that I wanted to see the conditions occurred, the history of CRCF as a for myself, but a scheduled tour women’s facility might look much for me and some fellow legislators different.” was canceled at the last minute Further, the report deplored due to a widespread COVID-19 “the small outdoor space available outbreak among the inmates. for residents; the limited facility Consequently, I have had to space available for vocational rely on testimony to the House programming similar to what is Committee on Corrections & Insti- available at the men’s facilities; tutions, reporting from VTDigger dilapidated living conditions for
From the House
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residents that include sanitary problems in bathrooms and showers.” There is no room for a prison library, and inmates must share sneakers for time outside. Prison is meant to serve numerous functions: punishment for bad behavior; separation of dangerous people from the rest of society; and rehabilitation for transgressors. It is this last function where the prison is failing. Because of the aforementioned horrid conditions, all three of my fellow legislators are in favor of building a new facility. One referred to the current facility as cruel, and another referred to his hope that the planned new facility would be “the last prison we ever build.” Yet there are individuals — including my neighbors — and groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and Free Her (an advocacy group for the de-incarceration of women) that argue against building a new facility at all, preferring that the money a new facility would cost be put into alternative approaches like diversion, counseling, job skills training, housing, and reintegration. If you accept that some number of offenders will need to be separated from society for a time, and if you believe that one of the goals of imprisonment should be rehabilitation, then it would seem to be necessary to build some sort of new facility. Even without improvements in programming, a feasibility study put together by the design firm HOK in 2021 suggested that $5 million dollars would be needed immediately to address infrastructure needs at
the South Burlington prison, with another $5.5 million in the next decade. If a new facility is to be built, how should it be done? Concerns have been expressed by the ACLU, Free Her, and current inmates that whatever capacity you build, the system will find a way to fill it. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Vermont Department of Corrections found a way to release approximately one-third of its female inmates to reduce crowding and slow the spread of the disease. Since then, the inmate population has stabilized at that new, lower level. So, how big should a new facility be, if it is to be built at all? The initial HOK report recommended 194 beds, and yet the same report speaks of a pre-pandemic average daily population of 146 inmates, with a pandemic (and post-pandemic) average daily population of approximately 90. Per VTDigger’s reporting, Rep. Alice Emmons, chair of the House corrections and institutions, agreed with advocates that the initial proposal of 194 beds was “way out of whack.” “She expects the number of incarcerated women in Vermont to hover around 100 to 120,” VTDigger wrote. “But Emmons said she’s also concerned about the state’s prison capacity in the future. ‘Whenever you build a correctional facility, it’s going to be there for 50 years at a minimum,’ Emmons said. ‘So do you under build?’” Correspondingly, there is the question of who belongs in prison in the first place. Again, per VTDigger’s reporting,
“Most incarcerated women in Vermont are in prison not because of a new conviction, but because they violated a condition of supervised release. Between the 2017 and 2019 fiscal years, 85 percent of women entering Vermont prisons were there due to supervision violations.” And then there is the question of cost. As the ACLU reports, The Scott administration is requesting $15.5 million over the next two years as a down payment for future prison planning and construction. According to the ACLU, “Though the administration’s initial cost estimate for a new women’s prison is $71,500,000, according to the administration’s own figures, total costs could be double that amount,” Further, the organization states, “the continuing cost of incarcerating someone in Vermont is approximately $95,000 per year. By contrast, the cost of supervising someone in the community is approximately $9,000, a difference of more than $85,000 per person, annually.” I don’t pretend to have all the answers to such a complex question, but one of my favorite parts of being a representative is the learning involved. Citizen involvement guides our work, and I love hearing from you. I can always be reached at bminier@leg.state.vt.us, and participate in a legislative forum at the South Burlington library on the fourth Monday of each month during the legislative session. Brian Minier, a Democrat, represents South Burlington in the Chittenden-11 House district.
Secure housing is the key to addressing underlying woes From the House
A few of my top priorities for this session include:
Rep. Emilie Krasnow
Housing
The 2024 legislative session began Jan. 3. Representing the Chittenden-9 House district continues to be an honor and an opportunity for which I am incredibly grateful. There are so many issues facing Vermonters today, and with one full session under my belt, I’m even more energized to take them on with my colleagues in the General Assembly.
My committee (General and Housing) is working hard this session on several important housing-related initiatives. Vermont is experiencing a housing crisis. This seemingly intractable issue is connected to the intersecting crises in our workforce. Since adjournment last spring, I have been meeting with stakeholders and community members to build
on our successes. The Housing First initiative has emerged as a beacon of compassion and innovation in addressing homelessness. This approach, gaining traction across the nation, prioritizes providing stable housing as the first and fundamental step toward helping individuals break the cycle of homelessness. Housing First challenges the traditional linear approach to See KRASNOW on page 5
The Other Paper • February 1, 2024 • Page 5
KRASNOW
continued from page 4 dementia risk. This legislation aiding the homeless population, will ensure we utilize all existing which often requires individuals opportunities to educate providers to address underlying issues like and the public about brain health, substance use or mental health the importance of early diagnoconcerns before gaining access to sis, ways to reduce the risk of permanent housing. By securing dementia, and the value of the care stable housing first, individuals partner as part of the health care are better positioned to address team. other challenges in their lives, Our state is indebted to many such as mental health, substance organizations that work tirelessly use, or unemployment. Vermont’s to support our aging commitment to this population. They need approach reflects a our support, both finanprofound understanding cially and legislatively. that having a place to Older Vermonters and call home is a founservice providers have dational element for expressed that they did personal stability and not know where to go well-being. with questions regardI’ve introduced ing what programs or H.686, an act relating services are available in to measuring progress Rep. Emilie Krasnow their towns or regions toward statewide and (e.g., transportation, regional housing targets. food, housing, volunH.686 is, first and foremost, a government accountability teers), and have suggested that more resources be created to share bill relating to the recently estabthis information both locally and lished Act 47, the final product statewide. of last session’s HOME bill. The purpose is to establish procedures Vermont Baby Bonds for measuring and evaluating the progress toward those 2030 goals I joined Vermont State Treasurannually. er Mike Pieciak at a press conferThis bill tasks the Housing ence in Burlington to announce Division of The Department H.769, legislation that would of Housing and Community establish a Baby Bonds program Development to develop metrics in Vermont. Treasurer Pieciak for measuring progress against unveiled the policy alongside the statewide needs assessment bill sponsors Sen. Kesha Ram required under the HOME Act. Hinsdale and Rep. Dan Noyes, This work would be done in coornationally recognized baby bonds dination with Regional Planning expert Dr. Darrick Hamilton, Commissions. Connecticut Treasurer Erick It requires the Housing DiviRussell, and Spectrum Youth & sion to publish annual reports Family Services Executive Direcon progress within one year of tor Mark Redmond. publication of the housing targets Baby Bonds are part of an and continues through 2030. innovative policy to address If the Housing Division can’t intergenerational poverty, support develop a metric for a specific rural economic development, and housing goal, they have to say retain young people in Vermont. why it can’t be measured. For The policy would invest $3,200 housing targets the Division deter- for every Vermont child born mines are not readily measurable, on Medicaid into a trust fund the Division is still required to managed by the state treasurer’s give a description of the status of office. any progress toward that target. Children could access their The Housing Division is tasked baby bond between ages 18-30, with assessing whether annual with the initial $3,200 investment progress toward goals is satisfacprojected to grow to $11,500 by tory, in relation to the complete age 18 and $24,500 by age 30. timeline. Progress is measured The funds would be dedicated against the housing targets set out to wealth-building activities like in the housing needs assessment. purchasing a home in Vermont; starting or investing in a local Alzheimer’s Education Bill business; pursuing higher educaBy 2025, the number of tion or job training; and saving for Vermonters living with dementia retirement will increase by an astounding With about 2,000 babies born 30.8 percent from 2020. To meet each year in Vermont on Medicthe growing demand for diagnoaid, a $3,200 investment for each sis, treatment, care, and support child would amount to a $6.4 of both those with the disease million annual appropriation. and their care partners, we must To cover the program, Treasureducate providers and the public er Pieciak suggests using the about dementia. Unclaimed Property General Fund This year I introduced H.535, Transfer, a prescribed percentan act relating to public health age of unclaimed property funds outreach programs regarding transferred annually to the state’s
General Fund. This funding mechanism would ensure the Vermont Baby Bonds proposal does not require any new fees or taxes for Vermonters.
Sending Love
Climate Resilience Climate resilience in Vermont will be a critical focus as the state grapples with the impacts of climate change. Historic flooding this summer had a deep impact on our state. It has been heartbreaking to see the damage inflicted on people’s homes, businesses, and our landscape. One key aspect of Vermont’s climate resilience strategy involves adapting infrastructure to withstand the changing climate. This includes upgrading roads, bridges, and utility systems to better endure extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, floods, and storms. Through policy focused on equity, we have an opportunity to improve Vermonters’ health, safety, and quality of life, while saving working people money. We will be helping everyone in this state while doing our part in the global challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero. These policies are working their way through the Vermont Statehouse. We need investments in weatherization and converting existing buildings to electric and/ or geothermal. And we know we need to make massive investments in sustainable transportation solutions, including expanded and fare-free public transit, safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, statewide transportation demand management policy and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. A commitment to these investments is important, but equally as important is the ability for Vermonters to afford to make these changes: the affordability of green energy will be the key to allowing all Vermonters to do their part in reducing our carbon footprint. Everyone I talk to wants their voice included in the process and I will continue to work hard to make space and invite you in. I am committed to transparency in the legislative process and being accessible to all of my constituents. I will always strive to have one foot in the State House and one foot in our community. Please join your South Burlington legislators every fourth Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the community room on the second floor of the library. As always, reach out anytime with ideas, questions, and concerns at ekrasnow@leg.state. vt.us. Emilie Krasnow, a Democrat from South Burlington, serves the Chittenden-9 House district.
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Page 6 • February 1, 2024 • The Other Paper
Letters to the Editor City and state should do better with taxes To the Editor: I find it painstakingly necessary to point out some numbers I have seen in the news of late that effect all South Burlington tax payers. I’ve not seen this in my 28 years of living in South Burlington. They raise many questions that really need to be further studied and investigated if I got them right: First, the Vermont Legislature is asking for a 40 percent increase in salary? Really? While I support raises for their work, this is excessive. We’ve been in an inflationary time but where is the data to support this? Our economy is still trying to avoid a recession and, by most forecasts, will experience a slowdown this year. Second, the South Burlington property tax rate increase proposed is in the vicinity of 18 percent? Really? While I know we may need to keep up with inflation, this also is extremely excessive, unprecedented and unaffordable. Third, our local South Burlington school budget, apparently due to various state mandates, is asking for $71 million, which will result in the 18% property tax increase? While I always support our schools, this “ask” is also excessive and needs to have further study and work from our local legislators and the state to fix this. These rates would definitely make it difficult to upgrade our school infrastructure, which is already in desperate need of upgrades. Fourth, are we going to use precious city
budget funds, estimated at greater than or equal to $1.4 million to purchase the Long Property from the Northeast Agricultural Trust, if what I read in The Other Paper is correct? This city purchase would be mostly redundant if most of the Long Property is already conserved land. Why would we want to duplicate conservation with South Burlington tax dollars? Let’s go, South Burlington and Vermont. Let’s do better than this. We’re going to hurt our town and state with taxes that our continued aging population can’t afford — and you’ll also scare away the precious young people we need to move to our town and state to support our future growth and vitality. Kudos to our city council in recently reducing its budget submission (down from an 8.2 percent plan, now asking 5.82 percent) by using some of the federal money left over from the American Rescue Plan Act. Linda J Norris South Burlington
Plenty of questions about land trust and Long Property To the Editor: The South Burlington Land Trust’s president, in her Jan. 25 guest perspective, voices no concern about the absence of transparency and answers to reasonable questions vis-à-vis the city’s proposed purchase of the
WINSTON
2023 Top Cat
Long Property. She appears to take a “by any means necessary” approach to advocating for the potential purchase of this property. Consider the unanswered questions: 1. What justifies the opaque process by which the city is seeking to make this purchase? 2. Is the goal to conserve more than 70 percent of the Long Property (current land development regulations require the permanent conservation of at least 70 percent)? 3. What is the city’s goal regarding the number of houses to be built on this property? 4. What are the anticipated sources of funding for purchasing the conserved property and purchasing the to be developed property? 5. What is the anticipated cost? 6. Did the city pay for the recent appraisal of the property? 7. What justifies the city’s direct involvement in housing development? 8. What was the Northeast Agricultural Trust’s original plan for this property and what caused them to abandon this plan? 9. How is it fair and equitable to continue the pattern of using open space fund dollars to purchase land located only in the Southeast Quadrant? 10. What makes the purchase of a property located less than one-quarter mile from the city-owned Hubbard Recreation and Natural Area a priority? None of the “city goals” cited in the Jan. 25 guest perspective are dependent on city ownership of the Long Property since none
of these committees’ missions mentions the Long Property. While the writer is correct that land development regulations can change, she ignores the fact that the direction of changes in land development regulations over the years has been to protect more land from development as opposed to erasing regulations that require conservation of land. Finally, it troubles me that the writer includes the baseless allegation that “Others say we need to build houses on every developable piece of land in the city.” I know of no one who supports this position. Where’s the beef in the Jan. 25 Long Property Guest Perspective? Sandy Dooley South Burlington
Fitzgerald’s school board work good preparation for city council To the Editor: I was delighted to learn that Elizabeth Fitzgerald has announced her candidacy for the one-year seat on the South Burlington City Council. I have known Elizabeth for a dozen years and have long admired her strong leadership, good judgment and common sense. Having watched her preside over multiple school board meetings and having served briefly with her on the city charter committee, I know her to be calm, level-headed, and See LETTERS on page 7
IT’S TIME! Register your furry friends before April 1, 2024. All dogs and cats, ages 6 months or older, must be registered. Why? To ensure that the necessary vaccinations are current for the protection of South Burlington citizens — complying with state law.
REGISTER YOUR DOG OR CAT ONE OF THREE WAYS: — In person at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall. We are open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Return form below and payment via mail or after hours in the City Hall dropbox. — Online at www.southburlingtonvt.gov. Look for Winston and Sunny on our homepage to register. Checks should be made payable to City of South Burlington. Mail to City Clerk, 180 Market Street, South Burlington, VT 05403. Registration fees increase after April 1, 2024.
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11th Annual “Top Dog” and “First Feline” Drawing Register by April 1, 2024, and your furry friend will be entered into the 11th Annual “Top Dog” and “First Feline” drawing. “Top Dog” receives tag #1 and “First Feline” receives tag #2 — along with goodie baskets. Sponsors have included: Pet Food Warehouse, Guys Farm & Yard, Brown’s Animal Hospital, Green Mountain Animal Hospital, Hannafords, Target, Walmart, and Price Chopper.
The Other Paper • February 1, 2024 • Page 7
Sitting on the lap, standing 2024 WINTER/SPRING REGISTRATION on the shoulders of a legend NOW OPEN! ambassador, federal undersecretary and, now, author, poet and movement founder. Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale It occurred to me over dessert that it was Holocaust Awareness Perhaps more than any other Vermonter, Madeleine May Kunin Day, and that my daughter was being doted on by someone whose is someone who needs no introfamily had escaped Nazi duction. She holds many Germany and who went well-earned titles and on to become the first has received countless Jewish woman to serve hard-fought accolades. as a U.S. governor, as At the same time, she is well as repatriating so humble, so acceswealth to families of sible, and so authentic Holocaust victims when that we might forget she served as ambassawe’re in the presence dor to Switzerland. of someone who has We in Vermont are had a global impact for Sen. Kesha Ram beyond privileged to nearly three quarters of be able to claim her Hinsdale a century. as our own. To know As I sat in the dining she found a life here room at Wake Robin and was able to thrive and give this past weekend, watching Gov. Kunin bounce my nine-month-old voice to others should make us feel proud and want to continue on her knee with unabashed joy, I to give all comers a seat at the was certainly guilty of forgetting that I was with a former governor, table. But, most importantly, as I
From the Senate
sat there and watched her enchant my daughter, I was reminded that she is the embodiment of a life well lived. She has stayed close to the people, and is counted on as a neighbor, a friend, a grandmother, a trailblazer and a mentor. I can only hope that my daughter will be able to understand that the woman whose lap she sits on has allowed her to dream bigger and achieve more. Either way, we all stand on the shoulders of this legendary Vermonter, and we owe her our deepest gratitude for lighting the way now and well into the future. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, a Democrat from Shelburne, serves the towns of South Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Milton, Burlington, St. George, Westford, Underhill, Jericho, Richmond, Winooski, Williston, Essex and Bolton in the Legislature.
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continued from page 6 thoughtful. Elizabeth has clearly demonstrated her dedication to public service and local government over the years. Elizabeth brings extensive expertise to the critical subject of budgeting, having overseen the preparation of thirteen budgets of the South Burlington School District. She is also well-versed in complicated planning initiatives. As a long-serving former director on the South Burlington School Board, Elizabeth is quite familiar with the intersection of the needs of the school district and the city as well. Her presence on the Council would be a significant asset and I urge the citizens of South Burlington to vote for her. Anne LaLonde South Burlington
Warren warrants vote to continue on school board To the Editor: It is my pleasure to support Tim Warren in his candidacy for the balance of the term on the school board, which he currently occupies by appointment. I have watched Tim attend board meetings over the past year as a parent and community member. Tim has consistently asked thoughtful questions, identified issues affecting the quality of public education and actively
participated in dialogue with the board on various topics. He stepped up last fall when a vacancy occurred on the board, offering to fill the four-month term that was left open. He transitioned into that role quickly and has become a steady hand on the rudder for many of the policy governance discussions, budget development conversations, and operational challenges facing South Burlington. He is volunteering to serve in
one of the most tumultuous times in recent history, as legislative actions are impacting the education funding model in Vermont. He has demonstrated that he invests in being prepared, balances the needs and wants of the district with the community, and is willing to listen. Tim has my vote in March. I hope you will join me in supporting him on the school board. Elizabeth Fitzgerald South Burlington
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Page 8 • February 1, 2024 • The Other Paper
Community Notes
ENERGY AUDIT
PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA MANLEY
Pievy Polyte, “Landscape of Peak Macaya” (2022), acrylic on canvas, 48” x 56”
Public Art Gallery presents “From Haiti to Vermont”
Burlington-based artist Pierrevy “Pievy” Polyte was born in the south of Haiti and grew up supporting his father’s coffee farm. Inspired by his brother and uncle, who were artists, Polyte eventually enrolled in the Ecole Nationale des Arts in Port-au-Prince. His paintings are inspired by Haiti’s people, landscapes, shipyards, spiritual traditions, and music. In addition to his work as an artist, Polyte is an agronomist, chef, and teacher, and he is the founder of Peak Macaya, a coffee cooperative and school in Haiti. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew destroyed Polyte’s farms and
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schools. His sources of livelihood destroyed, he moved to Burlington for opportunities to make money that he could send back home. In Vermont, Polyte started working as a landscaper with Gardener’s Supply, sending money back to Haiti to help rebuild. Eventually, he left landscaping to focus full time on his art and nonprofit work. Proceeds from Polyte’s art sales go to Peak Macaya Cooperative, which grows coffee, cocoa, fruit, and vegetables while aiming to promote the biodiversity of Haiti’s second tallest mountain. The Gallery, located at 180 Market Street, is free and available to the public whenever the Public Library, City Hall, or Senior
Center are open: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (closed Sundays). The exhibition will run through March 13, 2024. A reception will be held in February, with a date and time to be announced. For more information, please contact gallery@southburlingtonvt.gov.
AARP offers free tax help clinics at SB senior center AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation assistance with a special focus on See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 9
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taxpayers who are over 50 and have low-to-moderate income. The help is open to both AARP members and non-members. Trained and IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteers will provide secure and confidential Federal and Vermont tax preparation at the South Burlington Senior Center, City Hall, 180 Market Street. This service begins Tuesday, Feb. 6, and continues every Tuesday and Friday until April 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To take advantage of this free service, contact Rebecca Isham at risham@southburlingtonvt.gov. to schedule an appointment. Plan on arriving fifteen minutes early to fill out needed paperwork. Things to bring: a photo ID for taxpayer and spouse; Social Security or ITIN numbers for all persons on the tax return; last year’s tax return if available; all forms W2, 1099 R, SSA1099, other 1099 forms or self-employment records; brokerage and bank statements; mortgage interest, medical expenses, charitable donations; educational expenses Form 1098 T; current property tax bill (or a copy); voided check for direct deposit of refund or debit of balance due; and any correspondence from the IRS.
SB High School debate team hosts candidate forum On Feb. 15, two and a half weeks ahead of Town Meeting Day, the South Burlington High School Debate Team will be hosting an evening forum with the candidates for the open positions on both the school board and city council, providing an opportunity for them to come together and answer questions about their candidacies.
Students will ask questions of the school board candidates from 6-7 p.m., followed by the city council candidates from 7-9 p.m. The event will be held in the city auditorium and will be available electronically. South Burlington residents Vince Bolduc and Anne LaLonde are coordinating the effort.
Obituary
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Page 10 • February 1, 2024 • The Other Paper
MARTON
continued from page 1 that the Book Nook was meant to be more than just a few shelves full of free books. He began a partnership with Wake Robin and frequented the yearly tag and book sales to snag first pickings of reads for the shelves. With a growing collection, the need for more space came much quicker than he initially imagined. “Summers became very important for me to gather more books,” he said. Since he had already formed a strong bond with some of the team at Shelburne Farms after consistently volunteering there for over a decade, he reached out to Marshall Webb, the farm’s first woodland manager and founder of the educational nonprofit that owns the farm, for a wood donation to make the first iteration of the nook’s shelves. The Wake Robin woodworking team helped construct nearly seven shelves by the end of the nook’s 10th anniversary. And by that time, Webb had also made his last wood delivery for the Nook. “Marshall brought the wood over, and then a week later he passed away,” said Marton. “It was crushing because Marshall was a very big influence on me. The legacy of the Book Nook, Marshall is part of, Shelburne farms is a part of, and also the Wake Robin woodworkers.” Over time, Marton has developed partnerships with five local libraries that donate regularly to the nook, and through that, he has found an even greater sense of community. “My first experience was meet-
ing with the friends of the libraries, who are the volunteers. This was just after I retired and they’re all my age, and I was like, I found my people,’’ he said, with a wide grin spread across his face. “Being retired, I’m no longer around the young people on campus every day. But I realized this is my new world now.” Although Marton has been a mover and shaker in the South Burlington community since he and his family settled there in 1999, the Book Nook is a whole new type of passion project. For him, the space has always been about “enlightenment,” especially for 20-somethings just stepping into the world for the first time on their own. “These young adults are going from adolescence jumping into the beginning of adulthood, creating their own values and finding their own identity outside their home,” he said. “It’s one of the greatest moments for a young person to experience a real college or university experience.” Marton is choosy about what makes it onto the shelf, he said, focusing on books that evoke emotion and help people ask some of life’s biggest questions. He noted prioritizing books that focus on the environment, gender studies, and critical race theory as movements accelerate across the nation to bar access to this sort of literature. The Nook is filled with what he calls some of the “best books in the world.” “Give students the greatest
PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR
JP Marton aims to fill his Book Nook at the University of Vermont with “the best books in the world.”
literature in the world: international authors, books on the environment, books on women’s studies, books on race and culture, fiction, great nonfiction,” he said. The most popular section lately has been the poetry section, which he said doesn’t really come as a surprise. But where exactly did Marton’s fascination for books come from? It wasn’t until his junior year of college that he grew a love for books centered around sociology, philosophy, and social sciences. The hobby would grow to become more of a means for survival during his time at the graduate school for social research at the New School in New York City, when he said his life began to take a drastic turn.
“I had a nervous breakdown,” he said, adding that he was forced to spend most of his time focusing on his treatment. “It was Wendy, who convinced me to go just finish,” he said, motioning to his wife sitting next to him, a woman he calls his “champion.” “I was diagnosed with chronic major depression and anxiety,” he said. “My whole adult life from that point on was just struggling to live.” Books, he said, became a way to fill his life with good things about humanity and it also helped to identify with certain characteristics found in fictional characters in some of his favorite novels, like Heathcliff from Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights.
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“I fell in love with books because they were like my medication,” he said. “I was always interested in the human condition, and I think my parents were a very big influence on that because of the different people that would often come to my house,” adding that his time spent growing up in different countries and cultures added to his love for people. Since his retirement, the Book Nook baton has been passed on to the students’ care, a move he said has always been the goal from the start. But still, every Friday, like clockwork, he visits the Nook to fill in any gaps, check the donation box, and hang artwork on the walls — curating the space to be as welcoming as possible. “I’m going to be there the rest of my life until I can’t, and the students will carry this on. I really want the students to know that,” he said through a few emotional voice breaks. Possibilities for the Nook are endless, he said, adding that even bigger opportunities lay on the horizon, including talks about a monthly speaker series. All efforts he made sure to mention were only possible thanks to his UVM community and the special connections he has formed through the years. To keep it running, the Book Nook team is constantly in search of new book donations, and a handy donation box located directly next to the shelves makes it easy to drop off any old or new reads. Community members can also reach Marton personally for donation instructions at jpmarton@ uvm.edu. “Everyone should feel obligated to contribute something to the world,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how small it is, but just let people know that you care. Let people know that you’re there, you’re part of a community. We really are a community.”
The Other Paper • February 1, 2024 • Page 11
SPORTS Wolves skate to a pair of hockey tournament wins LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Girls’ Hockey
against Mount Mansfield last Friday. With the loss, the Wolves moved to 1-8.
Boys’ hockey
South Burlington 3, Hartford 0: The South Burlington girls’ hockey team posted a shutout to earn a win over Hartford on Saturday. Sabrina Brunet tallied twice to pace the Wolves (9-4) and Hadia Ahmed struck once. Taylor Tobrocke stopped 18 shots to get the shutout in goal for South Burlington. South Burlington also got a win last Wednesday, beating Champlain ValleyMount Mansfield to win the Chittenden-South Burlington Cup. Brunet had a goal and two assists in the win, while Ava Hershberg added a goal and an assist, while Bella Gordon chipped in with a goal.
South Burlington 3, Hartford 1: Three different players found the back of the net as South Burlington beat Hartford in boys’ hockey on Saturday. Christian Butler, Will Bradley and Nick Kelly each had a goal for the Wolves, who moved to 10-1 with the win. James Bradley had 15 saves to get the win in goal, while Hayden Nelson added two assists. South Burlington also captured the CSB Cup for the sixth straight season, beating Champlain Valley Union School 3-1 last Wednesday. Kelly had two goals to pace the Wolves, while Jules Butler also scored, and James Chagnon made 19 stops in the win.
Alpine skiing
Gymnastics
The South Burlington alpine ski teams hosted a race at Mad River Glen last Wednesday, Jan. 24, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams coming in second place. Dylan Karpinski came in third place overall to lead the Wolves, while Jay Eagle came in just behind in fourth place. Jackson Rothman was 10th and Sam Harm finished in 21st. On the girls’ side, Leila Macias-Aunave was third, Katie McNeill came in 10th and Penelope Harm finished in 12th place. Mira Epstein wrapped up the top finishers in 21st place.
Essex 135.75, South Burlington 107.7: Ella Maynard was the top finisher for South Burlington in a high school gymnastics match with Essex on Friday. Maynard came in second in the vault and third in the beam for the Wolves, who fell to Essex in the one-on-one matchup.
Girls’ basketball Mount Mansfield 61, South Burlington 28: South Burlington fell behind 28-14 in the first half and could not mount a comeback
Boys’ basketball Rice 69, South Burlington 57: South Burlington could not pull off a second half comeback last Thursday, falling to Rice 69-57 in high school boys’ basketball. Deng Aguek led the Wolves with 22 points, while Paul Comba also hit double digits with 18 points. Andrew Bouffard added eight points. With the loss, South Burlington moved to 6-3.
WARNING
CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2024 ANNUAL MEETING
The legal voters of the City of South Burlington School District are hereby notified and warned to meet at their respective polling places at the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School on 500 Dorset Street, the Orchard School on 2 Baldwin Avenue, the Gertrude Chamberlin School on 262 White Street, and South Burlington City Hall Senior Center on 180 Market Street on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 7:00 o'clock in the morning, at which time the polls will open, until 7:00 o'clock in the evening, at which time the polls will close, to vote by Australian ballot on the following articles:
ARTICLE I ELECTION OF OFFICERS
To elect three (3) Directors to the South Burlington School District Board of School Directors, one (1) Director for a three (3) year term, one (1) Director for a two (2) year term, and one (1) Director for the remaining one (1) year of a two (2) year term as required by law.
ARTICLE II BUDGET
Shall the voters of the City of South Burlington School District approve the School Board to expend Seventy-One Million One Hundred Ninety-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-One and 00/100 Dollars ($71,192,891.00), which is the amount the School Board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year?
ARTICLE III ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION TO DISTRICT’S CAPITAL RESERVE FUND AUTHORIZED
Shall the South Burlington School District’s Board of Directors (Board) be authorized to allocate the audited surplus funds from the 2022 fiscal year in the amount of $2,266,362 to the District’s Capital Reserve Fund which, in combination with funds previously allocated or allocated in the future, may be expended for future capital improvements as determined by such Board and detailed in the District’s Facilities Stewardship Plan as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the requirements of 24 V.S.A. 2804? Polling places are at the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School on 500 Dorset Street, the Orchard School on 2 Baldwin Avenue, the Gertrude Chamberlin School on 262 White Street, and South Burlington City Hall Senior Center on 180 Market Street. Voters are to go to the polling place in their respective District. The legal voters of the City of South Burlington School District are further warned and notified that a public information meeting will be held to discuss Articles I, II, and III on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at 180 Market Street. The legal voters of the City of South Burlington School District are further notified that voter qualification, registration, and absentee voting relative to said annual meeting shall be as provided in Chapters 43, 51 and 55 of Title 17, Vermont Statutes Annotated. Dated at South Burlington, Vermont this ___10th___ day of January 2024. South Burlington School District Board of School Directors
Wolves place in track championships The South Burlington track and field teams headed to the University of Vermont on Saturday to compete in the indoor state championships. The Wolves saw the girls team come in fourth place overall and the boys team finish in eighth place.
hurdles and Regina Palmer was fourth in the 600-meter race to round out the top finishers in the track events for South Burlington. Kelsey Adams and Samantha Chittenden tied for third place in the high jump, while Adams also came in fourth in the long jump. Morris (fifth place) and O’Leary (sixth place) rounded out the top finishers in the long jump.
Girls’ results
Boys’ results
Regina O’Leary had the best individual finish for South Burlington, coming in second place in the 55-meter hurdles. Gracie Morris came in fourth in the 55-meter dash, while Kelsey Adams followed in that event in sixth place. Adams, Morris, O’Leary and Ella Stein all teamed up for a win in the 4x200-meter relay. Izzy Laramee was fourth in the 55-meter
Aidan Lybarger had the top finish on the boys’ side for South Burlington, coming in third place in the shot put. Diego Perez followed his teammate in fourth place. John Jackson finished in fifth place in the high jump and Brady Barrett was sixth in the long jump for the Wolves. Austin Simone came in fifth place in the 1,000-meter race and Tucker Hall was fifth in the 55-meter hurdles.
LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Received for record and recorded this _16th___ day of January 2024, in the records of the City of South Burlington.
Page 12 • February 1, 2024 • The Other Paper
South Burlington Police Blotter: Jan. 22-28 Total reported incidents: 209 Foot patrols: 10 Directed patrols: 10 Field contact: 2 Animal problem: 4 Noise ordinance violation: 4 Restraining order violation: 1 Agency assists: 11 Traffic stop: 16 Motor vehicle complaint: 4 Stolen vehicle: 1 Larceny from a vehicle: 5 Suspicious events: 22 Disturbances: 3 Domestic incidents: 1 Welfare check: 9 Property damage: 8 Trespass notice: 3 Larceny: 3 Unlawful mischief: 2 Retail theft: 9 Aggravated assault: 2 Simple assault: 2 Embezzlement: 1 Fraud: 3 Threats: 3
Sex crime: 1 Alarm: 9 911 hang up: 1 Deaths: Jan. 22 at 11:10 a.m., Bradley McDonald, 47, of Georgia, was found dead on Lime Kiln Road. The medical examiner is still determining the cause of death. Arrests: Jan. 22 at 10:51 a.m., Alioune Kounta, 21, of Burlington, was arrested on Commerce Avenue and charged with reckless endangerment and aggravated assault. Jan. 23 at 7:55 a.m., Cole Wendell Brooks, 39, of Colchester, was arrested on Williston Road on an in-state warrant. Jan. 23 at 12:29 p.m., Samantha L. Jarvis, 32, of Hinesburg, was arrested on Gregory Drive and charged with violations of
SHELBURNE Human Resources Assistant $23-$26/hr., DOQ This is a full-time administrative position responsible for providing comprehensive and efficient human resource support and services to the Town of Shelburne employees. The HR Assistant will be responsible for recruitment and onboarding, records management, benefits administration, HR reporting, training and development, and other HR related projects. We are looking for a self-motivated problem solver who is resourceful and organized with excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. We are excited to shape this position to the skills and interest of the right person who will be energized by working in the public sector. The Town of Shelburne offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package. Visit www.shelburnevt.org/jobs to see full job description and employment application. To apply, submit application and resume to Susan Cannizzaro at scannizzaro@shelburnevt.org. Review of applications begins immediately. The Town of Shelburne is an equal opportunity employer.
conditions of release. Jan. 24 at 1:40 p.m., Brian Charles Foy, 47, no address given, was arrested on Market Street on an in-state warrant. Jan. 24 at 7:37 p.m., Gary J. Campbell, 43, of Highgate, was arrested on Shelburne Road on an in-state warrant. Jan. 25 at 1:48 a.m., Scott Michael Stibich, 39, of Waterbury, was arrested on I-89 Southbound and charged with excessive
speeding. Jan. 26 at 2:11 a.m., Nicolette M. Plunkett, 27, of Swanton, was arrested on Shelburne Road on an in-state warrant. Jan. 26 at 2:11 a.m., Juan Sanchez Sr., 49, of Shelburne, was arrested on Shelburne Road on an in-state warrant. Jan. 26 at 6:20 p.m., Sylas Benoit, 20, no address given, was arrested on Dorset Street, and charged with retail theft
and violation of conditions of release. Jan. 26 at 10:28 p.m., Michael J. Jenack, 34, of South Burlington, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
who are vulnerable or going through challenging times, so that all residents may live with dignity and respect. I also know it is crucial for the community to continue its support for the firefighters and law enforcement personnel, acknowledging the vital work they perform.” Do you have specific policy proposals in that realm that you would push for if elected? I am still getting up to speed on a lot of the specifics and some of the specific challenges, and I will continue to speak to many different people on the ground that are really experiencing these things firsthand, because I want to bring a pragmatic and balanced approach to everything. But generally, I think of our community as being a compassionate community, willing to support services for people that are vulnerable, and I strongly support putting resources into that, and also leveraging any talent or groups that promote those services. Being compassionate, that’s in our community’s DNA. And I think we need to continue to support that not only in terms of how we deal with people, but also in terms of what comes out of the city council’s office. So, supporting policies and incentives to make sure that people are supported in this difficult environment, coming out of COVID. Things are difficult after COVID. There’s more crime, there’s more theft, there’s more drug use, there’s depression among teens, there’s a lot of challenges that are happening everywhere that are not unique to just this community. But I think that — that means that police officers and firefighters have more work to do than they’ve had previously and their departments are strained, so I think we need to show at least our appreciation as a community and make sure that those departments are fully funded in support so they can actually not just be reactive to a major crisis, but also be proactive, to prevent things from escalating.
If people really feel supported, both in terms of policy, but also there’s a good safety structure in the community, there’s less likely going to be crime in the first place. I am extremely grateful, personally, for all the hard work and dedication of the police and firefighters and, and I think that their work is vital to the safety and stability of our community.
Note: Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.
KEENAN
continued from page 3 important for us to come together as a community. So, I don’t agree with radically changing the composition of the council. You mentioned you were a young father. As a selectboard member, council member, or even a state representative, it can be difficult to do that job when you’re working, or you have a family — more or less, when you’re not retired. Do you have an opinion on that — are there things that can be done to make the job more accessible to people in that position? I think, generally, it’s always challenging for busy young families to be involved in public service. And, as a result, their interest, and therefore their kids’ interests, might not be fully represented or adequately represented in a public capacity. That’s a major part of why I think it’s important that I lend my voice to the process. I think it’s not necessarily access to running for seats. I think that there just needs to be more opportunities or incentives for people to be engaged in public service. This is a national issue, but I think there should be mandatory public service — a year of service for young people — just so that they gain hands on experience in the community, and I think it probably would keep people out of trouble and give people meaning. I think there needs to be more avenues and pathways to serve your community through public service. I don’t have all of the answers, but I definitely think that that should be looked into and explored. I’m sure it’s been explored in other areas — I’m all about leveraging ideas from other communities that have adopted these types of ideas, but I do think there are a lot of barriers to entry for people that are younger. I wanted to pull this quote from your announcement: “I will advocate for robust community support for those
Lastly, I wanted to see what other priorities you would have if elected, perhaps an issue in mind that residents may not be aware of or, or something you think is not getting enough attention, etc. In my opinion, there’s just not enough focus or discussion in the public sphere about mitigating some of the harmful aspects of American society. Like I was saying before, there’s a lot of hopelessness, loneliness, confusion, anxiety, and division out there, and I think worst of all, young people are experiencing record levels of anxiety and depression. It’s a crisis that needs far more attention than it’s currently getting. I don’t even think we’re asking the right questions or using the right metrics to make meaningful progress on that front. I think we need to be creative as a community to confront these issues and draw on what’s been successful in other thriving and healthy communities in the world. I think this requires a deeper understanding of what happier countries are already doing. More data has been collected from studies like the “World Happiness Report,” or “Blue Zones,” to research and understand why some places are happier and healthier than other places. I think we have the resources, the compassionate people and the natural beauty to at least address some of this, but I don’t have all the answers. I think more conversations at the public and community level needs to be centered around wellbeing in addition to growth. That’s really the bottom line.”
The Other Paper • February 1, 2024 • Page 13
RENTAL REGISTRY continued from page 1
PUBLIC NOTICES
Currently, the city’s fire department is and of those, about 45 were single-family responsible for inspection of rental hous- homes and about 15 were units in a larger ing properties, but only does so when a building. The number of available shorttenant sends a complaint. The department term rentals has increased by nearly 25 has received only 55 complaints over the percent over a three-year period. last two years. The city, in its crafting of the law, also If passed into law this month, South sought to curtail the negative effects that Burlington would join Burlington, the short-term market may be having on Winooski, and St. Albans in creating a the overall housing market. rental registry. Essex Junction is also The only way South Burlington could currently in the process of passing a rental affect the stubborn vacancy rate, which registry into law, according to reporting has remained at less than 1 percent in from the Essex Reporter. Chittenden County for several years, is by It comes as planning “retracting those houses officials project the city that are owned by anothIf passed into law will soon shift away from er entity in neighborsingle-family suburban hoods and being rented this month, South housing and be primarily out in a very short-term composed of multi-family time and put them back Burlington would housing units. By passing into the housing stock the ordinance, the city for long term rentals,” join Burlington, would have a better grasp Barritt said. of what its housing stock Residents have Winooski, and looks like. repeatedly expressed St. Albans in creating concerns as the ordi“My son rented a college house in South nance has been crafted. a rental registry. Burlington for a year, South Burlington resiand the conditions there dent Ryan Doyle, during were quite despicable,” city councilor Tim the meeting last week, said that, because Barritt said. “And there was nothing that of the fees imposed on property owners, he or I could do.” the ordinance would create “an expensive Barritt said that’s because there was new tax on renters.” nobody his son could complain to. In the past year, significant tweaks “In Burlington, it’s entirely the oppo- have been made to soften the blow for site case,” he said. “They’re the ones that short-term rental owners, using compa(mandated) that all their older housing nies like Airbnb and VRBO to list their stock had to have hardwired, interconnect- homes. The council heard from dozens ed smoke detectors, and they saved lives, of residents worried that the new regulaespecially with a carbon monoxide detec- tions would impact their ability to earn an tor as well.” income from their properties. The second function of the ordinance The city in November moved to would be to rein in short-term rental units exempt current short-term rentals in the in the city. Residents have told council- city until the property is sold. The ordiors that these rental units were having nance would also allow for short-term negative impacts on the character of their rentals in owner-occupied housing only, neighborhoods. or housing where the owner resides for at Data from March showed 75 total active least six months and one day. rentals in the city. About 60 of those were If passed into law at its Feb. 20 meetconsidered whole units — entire homes ing, the city could begin collecting fees as rented out as opposed to renting a room — soon as April 1, Locke said.
PUBLIC HEARING SOUTH BURLINGTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD The South Burlington Development Review Board will hold a public hearing in the South Burlington City Hall room 301, 180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont, or online or by phone, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. to consider the following: Conditional use application #CU-24-01 of Heartworks, LLC, for after-the-fact approval to amend a previously approved plan for a mixed-use building consisting of a 76-student childcare facility, 3,780 sf of general office use, and 2,790 sf of personal instruction use. The amendment consists of adding a 6’ tall fence on top of a 5’6” tall retaining wall, for an overall height of 11’6”, 1820 Shelburne Road. Board members will be participating in person. Applicants and members of the public may participate in person or remotely either by interactive online meeting or by telephone: Interactive Online Meeting (audio & video): https://zoom.us/join By Telephone (audio only): (646) 931-3860 Meeting ID: 814 2050 9910 A copy of the application is available for public inspection by emailing Marty Gillies, Development Review Planner, mgillies@southburlingtonvt.gov. February 1, 2024
Page 14 • February 1, 2024 • The Other Paper
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The Other Paper • February 1, 2024 • Page 15
Horoscope February 1, 2024
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
Weekly Puzzles © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Page 16 • February 1, 2024 • The Other Paper
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