Council approves grant application, liquor license and refers zoning items; committee review set for Champlain College bed-cap change

At its Feb. 10 session, the Burlington City Council and its licensing panels approved several administrative and project actions: the council authorized staff to apply for a downtown transportation grant, the Local Control Commission approved a liquor license, and the council referred two zoning amendments to the ordinance committee and warned one for public hearing.

Downtown Transportation Fund application approved: The council authorized the director of Public Works and the grants team to apply for a Vermont Downtown Transportation Fund grant to purchase street amenities for the Great Streets Main Street project. Sarah Birmingham, grants associate in the Clerk/Treasurer's office, summarized the program as a joint Vermont Agency of Transportation and Agency of Commerce and Community Development financing tool that prioritizes multimodal safety and public-space amenities. "This is a joint investment by the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development," Birmingham said.

The proposed grant request totaled $200,000 with a $50,000 local match (project total $250,000). The budget included benches, bike racks, a bus shelter, granite elevation indicators, staff time and a 10% contingency. The council vote authorizing the application passed 9-1, with Councilor Litwin voting no and one councilor absent. Director of Public Works Chapin Spencer said construction constraints had already reduced the project footprint and the grant would help restore street furniture removed during value engineering.

Licensing action: The Local Control Commission approved a first- and third-class liquor license for Red Panda Kitchen and Bar at 161 Church Street with standard conditions. Commissioner Shannon moved to approve; Commissioner Grant seconded and the commission voted unanimously.

Zoning and planning referrals: Two zoning amendments from the Planning Commission were referred to the ordinance committee. The first would amend rules for performing arts centers in the ELM district to allow indoor performance venues; councilors asked during the first reading that committee review include attention to parking and neighborhood traffic impacts. The second amendment would lift a bed-cap restriction affecting Champlain College housing; the council waived first reading, warned a public hearing for March 10 and referred the item to the ordinance committee, with a report back due to the full council by March 10 to meet Champlain College's schedule for the August semester.

Votes at a glance: - Downtown Transportation Fund grant application (agenda item 8.2): Motion to authorize application for $200,000 grant with $50,000 local match (project budget $250,000). Mover: Councilor Barlow; second: Councilor Bergman. Vote: 9 yes, 1 no (Councilor Litwin), 1 absent. Outcome: approved (authorize application). - Local Control Commission: 2025 first- and third-class liquor license for Red Panda Kitchen and Bar (item 3.1 on LCC agenda). Mover: Commissioner Shannon; second: Commissioner Grant. Vote: unanimous. Outcome: approved. - Zoning amendment (performing arts, ELM district, item 8.3): Motion to waive first reading and refer to ordinance committee. Mover: Councilor Shannon; second: Councilor Bergman. Vote: unanimous. Outcome: referred. - Zoning amendment (Champlain College bed-cap, item 8.4): Motion to waive first reading, warn for public hearing 03/10/2025 and refer to ordinance committee for a report back by 03/10/2025. Mover: Councilor Shannon; second: Councilor Bergman. Vote: unanimous. Outcome: warned and referred.

What to expect next: Award decisions for the Downtown Transportation Fund grants will be announced by the state in April 2025; projects must begin within 24 months and finish within 36 months of award. The Champlain College bed-cap amendment will be the subject of a public hearing on March 10 and will be considered by the ordinance committee before any final council action.

No ordinances were adopted on final reading at this meeting; the council used first-reading referrals and committee review for the planning items.