Town Common Committee

Overview

The Town Common Committee was created in 2023.  Hinesburg has a vibrant and growing village that lacks a central community gathering space. The Town owns a largely undeveloped 2.6-acre lot behind the police and fire stations that is centrally located, has extensive frontage on Town roads, is in a highly visible location, and is within easy walking distance of residential neighborhoods, mixed use developments, and commercial services.

After multiple conceptual designs (2011 & 2013) and community engagement efforts (2019 & 2021), the Town hired a design team from to distill the community's ideas into a phased, cohesive conceptual design.  Based on public feedback at a July 6, 2022 presentation to the Select Board and community members, a new conceptual design was delivered that includes examples of possible improvements, cost estimates, and phasing recommendations.  Now it's time to make it happen!

See the Town Common Design Project page for conceptual plans and additional information.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Town Common Committee is to transform an underutilized grass lawn, behind the police and fire stations, into a functional and thoughtful Town Common that will serve as a central community gathering place for all Town residents.  The Committee will utilize the 2022 conceptual design to guide their work on the project, and will engage community members, neighboring landowners, and local businesses in the effort to foster a sense of shared space.  To accomplish this mission, the Committee will work to:

• Spearhead creation of the Town Common over the next five to seven years (i.e., by 2030), in collaboration with Town staff and the Select Board.
• Recommend a phasing plan for site work (e.g., grading & drainage) and improvements
• Facilitate refinements to the conceptual plan as well as detailed design work for more involved elements (i.e., structures, play areas, parking).
• Engage community members (including neighboring landowners) in further design and implementation work.
• Fundraise for site improvements – e.g., grants, community and business donations, in-kind services, etc.  Advise Town staff and the Select Board on budgetary needs/requirements.
• Consider and make recommendations regarding annual operation and maintenance needs and costs.

Three to seven member committee.  Terms for initial appointments shall be one, two, or three years in order to stagger the terms of committee members.  Subsequent appointments shall be for three-year terms.