SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A stretch of blighted properties along Shelburne Road in the heart of South Burlington is getting some new attention.
The city of South Burlington says they’re close to getting the go-ahead to demolish the old Pizza Hut — and neighboring gas station — that have sat vacant for years, riddled with graffiti. It will become a commercial space with an additional 30 housing units.
The former Denny’s property sits nearby and will be the new home for a Domino’s and an indoor recreation space.
South Burlington Zoning Director Paul Conner says this it’s a step in the right direction to make the area more vibrant. “We’re excited to see buildings that were vacant for a while have new tenants — both for the beautification of the area but as services, as benefits for the neighborhoods, as seeing new businesses grow in that part of the city — it’s good all around,” he said.
The Pizza Hut plan is still facing some legal challenges, but the Conner says they’re close to an agreement with the property owner.
Meanwhile, construction on the former Uno pizzeria a few blocks down is already underway for new tenants. The city says that space will be shared as a second location for a local cafe and bakery from Hinesburg and St. George and an NBT bank branch. Those should be open later this year.