Vermont Waterfront Plans Face Public Criticism

"In an effort to make it easier for pedestrians and drivers to access the Burlington waterfront, the Department of Public Works has unveiled three design proposals for improving parking, sidewalks, signage and traffic flows in and around Waterfront Park at College and Battery streets. But tinkering with one of the Queen City's most precious gems may be easier to do on paper than in reality, as the public-comment period revealed during two meetings held last week."

"Public reaction to these proposals, which were the product of four months of public meetings and design sessions, was mixed. Some people commended the designers on their efforts to extend public transportation access down to the waterfront itself."

"Others at the meeting were critical, objecting that all three proposals place too much emphasis on motorized traffic rather than on bikes, pedestrians and rail service. Some expressed incredulity at the idea of spending millions of dollars to build a parking garage that adds no more than nine parking spaces to the entire waterfront."