BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – An effort to make it easier to build thousands of housing units will go before the Burlington City Council next week.
The idea is to allow property owners to build “infill” housing, or homes within existing neighborhoods. But the effort will require a major zoning change allowing property owners to add units, duplexes, or even small apartments on lots within neighborhoods, reversing actions the city took decades ago.
“Unlike our neighbors in Chittenden County, we can’t grow out. We have to grow in our dense urban centers by creating more housing choices in our existing vibrant neighborhoods,” said Burlington Planning Director Meagan Tuttle.
“I think we are really trying to accomplish a lot to help Burlington be the community of choice for our younger generation, for the current generation, and for all the people that are here,” said Burlington Planning Commission Chair Andy Montroll.
Some residents in Ward 1, near the University of Vermont, have asked for a lower density because of concerns that the only new residents will be college students.
Related Stories:
Burlington City Council to look at zoning change to increase infill housing
Burlington City Council to consider South End development agreement
Will UVM grad students be priced out of new university housing?
Proposed agreement to expand UVM student housing moves forward
Burlington, UVM reach new housing agreement
Will more housing at UVM lead to higher student enrollment?
