Ward 8 NPA

Ward 8 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA): Minutes Thursday, June 26, 2025 Location: Sharon Bushor Conference Room, City Hall Link to Watch Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/5V5IhwYa3dw Facilitator: Tom Carroll Others in Attendance: Marek Broderick, Allie Schacter, Jonathan Chapple-Sokol, Linda, Dick Raab, Shawn Burke, Billy Northup, Renee Towers, Diana Everheart, Maddy Posig, James Posig, Bob, Michael, Lisa Bridge, Jim Cohen, Adam, Christa, Amy, Melo Grant Adopting the Agenda: The motion to adopt the agenda passed. Public Forum: • Billy spoke about the College St Congregational Church and their work supporting other community groups and local businesses. They are concerned about the effects of the homelessness crisis and addiction crisis. • Lisa spoke about concerns with speeding cars and drug use on College St. • Michael spoke about concerns with speeding cars on College St. He would like speed bumps installed. • Jim spoke about his work on the board of the YMCA on College St. They purchased a building next to the Y to preserve some of the neighborhood. • Maddy spoke about concerns that College St has increased traffic due to the Main St closure, as well as loud and speeding cars in the area. • Renee spoke about her work at Champlain Valley Head Start and the challenges of working out of the College St Congregational Church in terms of drug use and related issues and its impacts on families who utilize the program. • Christa spoke about living near many students, noise ordinances for construction work, and the challenges of finding affordable housing in the area City Councilor Updates: • Councilor Broderick and Councilor Schacter introduced themselves and provided updates on recent City Council business, including the unanimous approval of the City budget, and opening Main St on nights and weekends during construction. Chief Shawn Burke: • Interim Chief of Police Shawn Burke introduced himself and described his background in Vermont policing. He spoke about police staffing and priorities, and encouraged residents to call/submit any crime or traffic reports to BPD so they can address hot spots. He acknowledged concerns raised during public forum and emphasized that the police collaborate with other  departments and human service providers to address these issues. He described ongoing issues with police recruitment in Burlington and across the country. Resolution Strengthening the Relationship between the NPAs and the City • Jonathan Chapple-Sokol, Ward 1 Steering Committee, began to present a proposed City Council resolution to formalize the relationship between NPAs and the City. Due to time constraints, the group decided to postpone further discussion & vote until the next meeting. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.