BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Burlington’s South End has long been a haven for industry, the arts and commerce, but recent development plans could bring more than 1,000 much-needed housing units to the neighborhood.
We’ve reported for years on efforts to make sweeping zoning changes in the South End that would allow developers to make use of long-standing empty spaces, like parking lots.
Developers and residents hope this and other changes, like the Champlain Parkway which embarks on phase one this summer, bring more vitality to the area.
It might look like any other parking lot but the space off Lakeside Avenue is in the predevelopment stage for what could become 500 new units of housing and commercial buildings. That includes restaurants, a child care center and retail.
“Probably one of the most undeveloped areas in the city,” John Caulo said.
Caulo works with Ride Your Bike LLC, a company associated with Russ Scully, the mind behind neighboring Hula.
Phase one of the project will focus on a segment of the entire three-segment 13-acre lot owned by Ride Your Bike, Champlain College and the city. Together, their focus is on the future of the Queen City.
“How does Burlington transition from being the big town in a small rural state into being a compact urban area ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century?” Caulo said. “Our ability to thoughtfully redevelop this site and looking into the future is of statewide importance, not just local importance.”
All the residents we spoke to support adding housing. Some are still unsure about the full impacts of the project and adding significantly more people to the South End. Others are excited about a walkable and bikeable new neighborhood.
“Building up kind of the vibrancy of the Pine Street corridor, which there’s already a lot of stuff, especially a bit more north on Pine Street, but like lightening up this kind of like industrial space to be a little bit more active and enjoyable to be in,” said Jak Tiano, who lives in the South End.
In addition to housing and commerce, the city is officially ready to open phase one of the long-stalled Champlain Parkway. This week, they put the second phase out to bid to connect downtown Burlington with Interstate 189.
Planning is also underway for the Railyard Enterprise Project, another long-awaited endeavor to connect the improvements from Pine Street to Battery Street by way of the railyard.
“We are trying to put a road where no road exists currently, and that involves acquiring people’s property. These things take time to get done right. And we’re taking that time to make sure we get the project done right,” said Chapin Spencer of Burlington Public Works.
Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak is in favor of historic development in the South End.
“As we densify, there’ll be more folks moving around the city being living in the city both by bike, walking and or car. And I think these upgrades are an important part to our city infrastructure,” said Mulvaney-Stanak, P-Burlington.
Developers hope to bring the permit application to the city this year, aiming to get started by the end of this year or the beginning of next.
The grand scheme could bring around 1,400 units of mixed-income housing and more than 100,000 square feet for commercial use.