VHCB approves framework for Longview parcel; council, owner and partners debate a conditional six‑acre transition zone

The city, the Northeast Agricultural Trust (NEAT) and the South Burlington Land Trust briefed the council on Jan. 6 about the Longview project at 1720–1730 Spears Street after the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) approved a funding recommendation and associated resolution.

VHCB’s resolution envisions conservation of roughly 36.4 acres of the Longview parcel, and it also included language (referred to in materials and discussion as “1(c)”) that creates a 6.2‑acre transition zone. That zone could remain conservation or be used for community purposes — trails, gardens or active recreation — and under VHCB’s draft language the city could, at a future date and with VHCB approval, allow development on developable portions of that transition area to support affordable housing. The VHCB approval is a conditional award and is not itself a sale to the city.

At the council meeting, VHCB officials said the intent of the resolution is to provide the city flexibility to make long‑term decisions about the small transition parcel while guaranteeing protection of core wetland and open‑space acreage in the Great Swamp area. Gus Seelig, VHCB executive director, and Trey Martin, VHCB conservation director, said VHCB’s board debated the matter at length and sought to balance conservation outcomes with a path that would enable at least 16 Habitat for Humanity affordable owner‑occupied homes to be developed on or adjacent to the Longview property.

Councilor Andrew (first name only in the record) announced a recusal before the Longview discussion because he owns land adjoining the Longview parcel and under the new state municipal‑ethics rule said he may be perceived as having a greater private interest than other residents; he left the dais for the Longview discussion. City staff and VHCB emphasized the many steps still ahead: surveys, appraisals, permitting and site planning. VHCB staff said they view Habitat’s target of at least 16 homes as the threshold to make the housing component viable and that the project would likely require additional partner funding and detailed site planning to confirm feasibility.

The property owner, Lloyd Bellavance, addressed the council and said he supports conserving the Great Swamp acreage and is committed to enabling 16 Habitat homes as part of a bargain sale for the house lots and a reduced sale price for conservation acreage. He told the council he would not support additional housing beyond the agreed 16 units on the Longview parcel.

Several councilors signaled support for the project’s dual goals — conservation and housing — but they also raised legal and funding questions. City attorney Colin McNeil briefed the council on constraints tied to the city’s open‑space funding: purchases using voters’ open‑space ballot funds should be used for reserved open‑space or recreation purposes, and using those funds for land that will be developed in the short term could conflict with how voters authorized the funds. Staff proposed options the council could consider, including using open‑space funds to buy land and later seek a repayment or reimbursement if the land’s use changed.

The council did not take a final vote. Members directed city staff to continue working with the landowner, VHCB, Habitat and the land trust to produce draft language and options that reflect the council’s preference: secure the conservation of the Great Swamp acreage and guarantee at least 16 permanently affordable homes, while clarifying whether and under what conditions limited future development of the transition area could occur. VHCB said it will take council guidance into account as it finalizes authorizations at its Jan. 24 board meeting.