Essex Junction design workshop public feedback

the single-family homes are cute throughout the study area but if we are planning for multimodal, sustainable development for the next 50+ years then these will need to be redeveloped into multi-unit and/or mixed-use. This requires less set-backs, more lot coverage, and taller buildings

A lot of parking lot surface area around the 5 corners that could be used for mixed use commercial and residential. With 6 or more stories there could be a parking garage that is surrounded by development and/or mixed use above a parking garage.

Negotiate with the Town to give them the Pearl St. Park parking lot in exchange for their portion of the Tree Farm - otherwise shut the parking lot down - why is the city maintaining access to another municipality's park?

As a designated growth area the city needs to allow at least 6 stories throughout the study area and especially in the area around 5 corners. I recognize with recent legislation a developer can receive a bonus in the number of stories above what local communities allow for if they offer "affordable housing" but considering the City has no "affordable housing" within the downtown center clearly this should not be a concern by the Council - allow for at least 6 stories.

General design of commercial plazas were wonderful in the 50s through 2000s but are no longer ideal for a sense of community. We need to allow for mixed commercial and residential to limit the distance between home and work.

I see CVE as both and asset and challenge, so I landed on opportunity. There is room for compromise and growing our relationship to be more mutually beneficial, which can only lead to opportunity. What CVE contributes in real estate could be used in lieu of taxes in more creative ways.

I have some more thoughts having time to sleep on this process...a serious asset is Mac's Market; at one point we did not have a grocery store in the study area and that created a food desert in regard to healthy, fresh food options.

Stevens Park is a valuable asset to the city of Essex Junction, yet it requires significant care. It has the potential to be an excellent natural space for biking, walking, playing, and picnicking. However, the presence of dead and falling trees, numerous branches, and inadequate drainage calls for improvement.