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Chittenden County RPC executive committee backs neutral letter on Hinesburg Act 250 amendment
Summary
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee reviewed a Town of Hinesburg Act 250 amendment to allow a movable gate on the Green–Farmall Drive connector and to permit phase one of a Town Common; the committee voted unanimously to approve a letter taking a neutral stance on traffic impacts and supporting the site's first-phase work.
Chris Shaw, chair of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee, called the remote meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and led the committee through an expedited review of an Act 250/Section 248 amendment request from the Town of Hinesburg.
Charlie Baker, the commission’s executive director, summarized the Town’s application (LUP #4C1140-5), which would amend Condition 27 of a prior land use permit (LUP #4C1140-3) to allow the connector street to Farmall Drive to be closed with a movable barrier, remove a restriction on left turns, and allow construction of phase one of the Town Common, including site regrading, drainage improvements, landscaping and an open-air pavilion. Baker said the CCRPC had “some initial concerns” about removing the existing Act 250 condition tied to the connector street and the installation of a barrier but reviewed the submitted materials and graphics included in the meeting packet.
Alex Weinhagen, representing the Town of Hinesburg, told the committee the permit would “permit the first phase of the development for a Town Common, to ensure better drainage, landscaping, and the construction of an open-air pavilion.” When Chair Shaw asked whether the current movable barriers were difficult to move, Weinhagen said, “yes, the current barriers are difficult to move; however, the revised plan has been changed to an easier open and close, hinged, lockable gate.” Committee members also sought assurances on access. Baker explained the connector would not be open to through traffic but would remain accessible to pedestrians and emergency vehicles; Weinhagen confirmed the town intended to maintain emergency access.
After discussion of the design change and the project scope, Chair Shaw summarized the committee’s position: CCRPC “originally had some concerns with the application, however, has since moved toward a neutral stance and no longer has concerns with traffic patterns.” Following that summary, Michael Bissonette moved to approve a letter as presented; Jacki Murphy seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
The committee then adjourned at 5:48 p.m. The approved letter will be transmitted as part of the Act 250/Section 248 review record for the Town of Hinesburg’s Green and Farmall Drive connector and the Town Common phase one proposal.
