Notice of Public Hearing
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Notice of Public Hearing The Montpelier Planning Commission hereby provides notice of a public hearing being held pursuant to 24 VSA §4384 (Preparation of Plan) and §4444 (Public Hearing Notice) for the purpose of hearing public comments concerning the proposed Master Plan Montpelier, Vermont. The public hearings have been scheduled for: DATES: August 10, 2015 TIME: 7:00 p.m. PLACE: Montpelier City Hall, Montpelier, VT. ……………….…………..…………. Statement of Purpose: The City of Montpelier Master Plan is a comprehensive long-range guide to growth and change in the Capital City of Vermont. This document is intended to establish a framework for accomplishing community aspirations and City development. It described present conditions and states goals, targets or measurable benchmarks towards goals, and strategies or steps to achieving each target. In its entirety, the Master Plan synthesizes a vision for what the community can be in the future and charts a course to achieve that vision. Geographic Area Affected: This Plan shall apply to all areas in the City of Montpelier, Vermont. Table of Contents: (abbreviated) Introduction Natural Environment Infrastructure and the Built Environment Economics and Livelihoods Social & Human Development Implementing the Master Plan Location where full text may be examined: Copies of the full text of the proposed Master Plan Montpelier, Vermont can be located in the office of Planning & Community Development on the lower level of City Hall. A copy is also available for inspection online at www.montpelier-vt.org . 802-223-9506 phone 39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 802-262-6080 fax www.montpelier-vt.org Memo to: Adjacent communities and DHCA From: Montpelier Planning Commission Date: July 9, 2015 Re: Planning Commission Report The Montpelier Planning Commission has drafted a revised municipal plan for consideration by the City Council to guide the town for the next five years. A report is required by state law when considering an amendment of a municipal plan. This report is intended to meet the statutory requirements of 24 V.S.A. §4384(c). The Master Plan Montpelier, Vermont is consistent with the goals established in the Act and the proposed changes will not create any inconsistencies. The proposed plan is intended to be consistent with the goals established in 24 V.S.A. §4302 and as such: • Maintains the historic settlement patterns. • Provides for a strong and diverse economy. • Broadens access to educational and vocational training opportunities. • Provides for a safe, convenient, economic, and energy efficient transportation system. • Identifies, protects, and preserves important natural and historic features. • Maintains and improves the quality of air water, wildlife and land resources. • Encourages efficient use of energy and the development of renewable energy. • Maintains and enhances recreational opportunities. • Encourages and strengthens agricultural and forest industries. • Provides for the wise use of natural resources. • Ensures safe and affordable housing. • Plans for efficient system of public facilities and services. • Ensures the availability of safe and affordable child care. The municipal plan will not alter the current land use designations as this is a readoption of the existing plan with edits to meet the requirements of Act 59 and Act 16. As the plan does not contemplate altering the designation of any land area, an expanded report is not required. If there are any questions or comments with respect to the plan or this report, please contact Mike Miller, Planning Director at [email protected] . “October Crossing,” Robin LaHue MASTER PLAN MONTPELIER, VERMONT Montpelier Planning Commission enVision Montpelier Stakeholders Department of Planning and Community Development September 23, 2015 (DRAFT) 2 Alexandria Heather, Montpelier resident Table of Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................... 13 Master Plan Process ..................................................................................................................... 13 National Citizens Survey ............................................................................................................. 17 Survey Findings ............................................................................................................................ 17 Consistency with Act 200 ............................................................................................................. 18 Background ............................................................................................................................. 22 Development History ................................................................................................................... 22 State and Regional Context ......................................................................................................... 25 Montpelier’s Magic ...................................................................................................................... 27 Natural Environment ........................................................................................ 28 3.1 Natural Features ........................................................................................................... 28 Natural Setting ............................................................................................................................. 28 3 Water Resources .......................................................................................................................... 28 Montpelier’s Waterways ............................................................................................................. 28 Flood Mitigation ........................................................................................................................... 31 Stormwater Management ............................................................................................................ 32 Municipal Water Service ............................................................................................................. 34 Water Quality ............................................................................................................................... 36 Water Conservation ..................................................................................................................... 36 Sewers ........................................................................................................................................... 36 Potential Service Areas ................................................................................................................ 38 Natural Communities and Biodiversity ..................................................................................... 39 Invasive Species ............................................................................................................................ 42 Open Space and Recreation ........................................................................................................ 42 Public Parks .................................................................................................................................. 43 Waste Management ..................................................................................................................... 47 Air Quality .................................................................................................................................... 48 Land and Soil ............................................................................................................................... 49 Agricultural Soils ......................................................................................................................... 49 3.2 Goals for the Montpelier Natural Environment.......................................................... 57 3.3 Natural Environment Recommendations ......................................................... 60 Goal A: Water Resources ........................................................................................................... 59 Goal B: Natural Communities & Biodiversity .......................................................................... 65 Goal C: Open Space & Recreation ............................................................................................. 68 Goal D: Air & Climate ................................................................................................................ 71 Goal E: Land & Soil .................................................................................................................... 73 Goal F: Waste Management ....................................................................................................... 75 Infrastructure & the Built Environment ........................................................... 78 4.1 Montpelier’s Built Environment Overview ....................................................... 78 The Evolution of Montpelier’s Built Form ................................................................... 78 The State House, Capitol Complex, and Downtown .................................................... 78 Architectural History and Design .................................................................................. 79 Design Review ................................................................................................................. 80 Neighborhoods ...............................................................................................................