TOWN OF HINESBURG

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

January 4, 2006

Village Growth Community Forum

The Planning Commission held a community forum at the Town Hall on January 4, 2006 (in place of their regular meeting) to share ideas and get feedback on how/where to grow within the Hinesburg greater village area. The forum began at 7pm, and was preceded by a dessert social that began at 6:30pm.

All 9 Planning Commissioners were in attendance along with approximately 140 community members. The forum was moderated by Alex Weinhagen (Town Planner) and the village growth project consultant (Robert White of ORW Landscape Architects and Planners).

Robert White provided a review of growth ideas – primarily those generated at the Nov. 4, 2005 design charette. He also described how properly planned village growth can function with some zoning examples (house spacing, setbacks, etc.) and some design examples/pictures from other areas. Community members provided feedback on the issues important to them and some thoughts on the land use ideas presented.

Big issues brought up by forum attendees:

1. Sidewalks, sidewalks, sidewalks – it’s time to make the village area walkable with safe, connected pedestrian/bike infrastructure

2. Need more area for increased economic activity and commerce

3. Want new development to be on the Hinesburg scale in keeping with our rural village

4. Want to preserve historic buildings and cultural integrity

5. Worried about impact of new development on traffic patterns, especially as it relates to pedestrian safety.

Planning Commission meetings through the spring will be dedicated to more detailed discussions of specific areas of the village and key questions that need more community dialogue.

The forum adjourned at approximately 9pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Alex Weinhagen, Director of Planning & Zoning