Ward 2 NPA

Meeting Agenda Ward 2 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA) May 14, 2026 | 6:30-8:00pm | All are welcome Join in person: O.N.E. Community Dinner ONE Community Center, 20 Allen Street 5:30-6:30pm | Free | Donations welcome Menu: Spiced Parsnip & Sweet Potato Soup, Crostini with Join remotely: Ramp Pesto, Ginger Lime Green Beans, and Rhubarb https://zoom.us/j/93179389982 Crumble Cake for dessert Music: Harold Kaplan Facilitator: Marc Stannard​ ​ Notetaker: Grace Sherwood 6:30 pm Introduction 5 min Review and adopt/approve the agenda and previous minutes; introductions as time allows. 6:35 pm Public Forum (2 minutes max per person) 10 min Please state your full name, pronouns, street, and ward, and follow the NPA ground rules. 6:45 pm Top 5 Things Going On in Burlington 5 min Hear 5 things that are going on in Burlington, as selected and highlighted by the NPA steering committee. 6:50 pm Budget Vote 5 min Vote on use of funds from the NPA budget. 6:55pm Candidate Introduction- August Primary 5 min Elaine Haney - Candidate for Vermont State Senate 7:00 pm McNeil Plant Presentation 20 min Pike Porter and Nik Persampieri Chittenden node of 350VT.org & Stop VT Biomass 7:20 pm Updates from Department of Public Works (DPW) 20 min Robert Goulding - Public Information Manager, City of Burlington DPW Learn about DPW's 2026 construction workplan, along with previewing the end 2 key projects. 7:40pm History of ONE Streets 20 min Megan Humphrey Learn more about the Old North End through the years. 8:00pm Door prize drawing + Adjourn! Our next meeting is Thursday, June 11! Scan the QR code (or click here) to: Email us • Go to our website • Watch meeting recordings on CCTV's website • Connect with us on Instagram • Request a time slot with the request form • Get to all links related to this meeting ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - May 14, 2026 - Agenda - Page 1 Page 1 of 65 Appendix to the Agenda Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee To contact the entire Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee, email ward2npa@googlegroups.com Name Email Joined Term expiration Lauren Ebersol lebersol27@gmail.com 2023 2027 Kason Hudson kasonhudman@gmail.com 2024 2028 Charlie Giannoni charliecpg@gmail.com 2024 2028 Marc Stannard Marc.Stannard@outlook.com 2024 2028 Nora Aronds noraaronds@yahoo.com 2025 2029 Grace Sherwood Gsherwood703@gmail.com 2025 2029 NPA Guiding Principles ●​ Operate through democratic principles and democratic procedures. ●​ Provide a safe and welcoming forum where residents can actively share their voices about issues that matter to them, and where they can learn from the voices of others. ●​ Cultivate involvement by a diverse spectrum of community members through active outreach and through eliminating barriers to participation. ●​ Operate in a manner that models respectful, inclusive, culturally, and economically aware practices. ●​ Be a fun, creative, and vital organization that provides value and benefit through the multitude of perspectives shared by those who participate. Ward 2 NPA Ground Rules ●​ Meetings should have clearly defined agenda and roles. ●​ Honor time limits: A best effort must be made to start on time, follow the agenda, and finish on time. ●​ Listen to others: Make efforts to be an open-minded member of the group. ●​ Respect the agenda and the process: Try to remain focused on the issue at hand. ●​ Share your opinion respectfully: Speak out, but not over, others’ comments. ●​ Treat people how you would like to be treated: Be respectful of everyone, including guests. ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - May 14, 2026 - Agenda - Page 2 Page 2 of 65 Elected officials representing Ward 2 Mayor Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak Progressive mayor@BurlingtonVT.gov City Councilors Central District (Wards 2 & 3) Melo Grant Progressive megrant@burlingtonvt.gov 802-310-0962 Ward 2 Gene Bergman Progressive gbergman@burlingtonvt.gov 802-598-3602 School Board Members Central District (Wards 2 & 3) Jean Waltz jwaltz@bsdvt.org 802-355-7856 Ward 2 Polly Vanderputten pvanderputten@bsdvt.org 802-578-8653 Vermont State House Representatives Chittenden-15 Troy Headrick Independent theadrick@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228 Chittenden-15 Brian Cina Progressive/Democrat bcina@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228 Chittenden-16 Kate Logan Progressive/Democrat klogan@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228 Chittenden-16 Jill Krowinski Democrat jkrowinski@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228 Chittenden-17 Abigail Duke Democrat aduke@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228 Vermont State Senators Chittenden-Central Tanya Vyhovsky Progressive/Democrat tvyhovsky@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228 Chittenden-Central Martine Gulick Democrat mgulick@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228 Chittenden-Central Philip Baruth Democrat/Progressive pbaruth@leg.state.vt.us (802) 503-5266 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - May 14, 2026 - Agenda - Page 3 Page 3 of 65 Burlington’s McNeil Plant: A CASE FOR CLOSURE A presentation to Burlington’s NPAs By 350 Vermont’s Chittenden Node & Stop VT Biomass SPRING 2026 Page 4 of 65 Page 5 of 65  McNeil Plant Basics • Commenced operation June 1984 • Located in Burlington’s Intervale • Burns wood to generate electricity • 50 MW (largest electricity generator in Vermont) • Jointly owned by Burlington Electric Department (BED) (operator and 50% owner), Green Mountain Power (31%) and Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (19%) • Provides 32-45% of BEDs total power supply (FY 2015-2023). Page 6 of 65 The Case Against McNeil Plant • Largest stationary source of greenhouse gas emissions in VT • Harmful to health - particulate matter and other pollutants which leads to or exacerbates health conditions • Negative impact on forest ecosystems and the benefits they provide. • It costs a lot- the power it produces is expensive. • It’s old and inefficient Page 7 of 65  McNeil’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions “Burning wood to generate electricity emits more carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour generated than fossil fuels- even coal, the most carbon intensive fuel.” -John Sterman, William Moomaw, Juliette N. Rooney-Varga & Lori Siegel, Does wood bioenergy help or harm the climate?, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Vol 78, No. 3 (2022) 130. McNeil emitted 316,405 tons of CO2 in 2025 (EPA). It also emits lesser amounts of the greenhouse gases methane and nitrous oxide. Fossil-fuel powered equipment and vehicles used to pull wood feedstock from the forests and transport it to the plant emits additional greenhouse gases. Page 8 of 65 The Carbon Neutrality Myth BED claims that McNeil is carbon neutral because BED engages in sustainable forestry and the carbon dioxide emissions from its stack are re-sequestered by trees as they regrow. This is a myth. When trees are burned the carbon dioxide is released immediately creating a carbon debt which takes decades to centuries to eliminate through tree regrowth. Also, regrowth is uncertain. Harvested areas may be converted to other land uses or trees may succumb to insects, disease or drought. John Sterman, et al.; EU Bioenergy, Bioenergy Accelerates Climate Change, https://www.eubioenergy.com/the-5-issues/it-accelerates-climate-change/ Page 9 of 65  Theory (according to BED): “Closed Loop” Carbon Cycle Page 10 of 65 Reality: Wood burning power plants emit more CO2 per unit energy and also degrade the forest carbon sink. The result is higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Page 11 of 65  Ecological Harm • Burlington Electric claims: “McNeil’s wood supply is primarily 88.4% in-woods chips/residues such as the tops and limbs left over from higher-value wood products, with an additional 9.7% from sawmill residue and 1.6% from waste-wood yard wood.” (Bold added) - McNeil, Climate and Forestry, BED website. • The reality: McNeil’s burns “Whole Tree Chips,” which include chips generated by cutting down and chipping whole trees. -PUC Dkt. No. 4450, Certificate of Public Good for McNeil, 9/14/81 § 87; 6/22/83 Order Amending Certificate of Public Good. • The plant burns 400,000 tons of woodchips per year -April 29, 2022 VEIC Summary Memorandum. Page 12 of 65 This impairs forest ecosystems and erodes important benefits forests provide, including flood protection, & has a destructive impact on forest ecology and wildlife. Page 13 of 65 Carbon Rock Stars: Large, Older Trees & Forests How many oak trees does it take to store 8 tons of carbon? Page 14 of 65  Human Health McNeil emits particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, including benzene and formaldehyde, and other pollutants which are known to be harmful to human health. McNeil releases these pollutants in proximity to racially diverse, low and middle-income neighborhoods of Burlington’s Old North End and Winooski, whose residents face greater environmental risks than residents of other areas. Page 15 of 65 Expense $ $$ • BED Financial statements show that McNeil has generated losses for 8 of the last 10 fiscal years (2016-2025) totaling more than $34 million over the 10-year period. (This figure includes depreciation, but does not include interest.) • As 50% owner, BED bears 50% of these losses. • The average real-time price for wholesale power in New England in 2024 was $39.50 per megawatt-hour. www.iso-ne.com/about/key-stats. • Wholesale prices were forecast to increase to $55/MWH in 2025. U.S. Energy Information Administration. • The net cost of generating power from McNeil was $96.42/MWH in fiscal year 2025 and $98.70/MWH in fiscal year 2024. McNeil Joint Owners Operating Committee Materials. Page 16 of 65 Age & Efficiency of the Plant • The plant is 26% efficient. (April 29, 2022 VEIC Summary Memorandum) • It runs only about 50-60% of the time, and is frequently off-line for planned maintenance, repairs due to operational problems, or because of market prices. • BED has invested in capital improvements to extend operation of the 42-year-old plant beyond its anticipated useful life. • In 2023, BED obtained City Council approval to move forward with District Energy Project which would depend on McNeil. • Additional capital expenditures are planned or under consideration. • BED has planned all of these major expenditures without evaluating whether the plant should continue to operate or whether alternative sources of power would be more effective. Page 17 of 65 Flawed Policies Flawed Policies BED has directed the course of Burlington’s overall climate policy, leading to flawed policies. • These call for reducing fossil fuel use rather than reducing GHG emissions from all sources (such as the McNeil Plant). • The Net Zero Energy Roadmap defines “net zero,” as eliminating fossil fuel use in the heating and ground transportation sectors, yet calls for pursuit of the District Energy Project, which would perpetuate McNeil’s massive GHG emissions to produce electricity. • The Carbon Pollution Impact Fee is applied to heating systems powered by fossil fuels but not to “renewable” systems and fuels with significant greenhouse gas emissions. Page 18 of 65 This undercuts the potential benefits of electrification of buildings and vehicles. To meaningfully reduce GHG emissions through electrification, we must electrify and obtain power from low carbon sources, such as hydropower, solar and wind. Page 19 of 65 Our Vision: Page 20 of 65 Advocate! Burlington City Government Should: • Place responsibility for development of the city climate policy in a city department or official independent of BED. • Develop a plan to close the McNeil Plant, preferably by June 2028. The plan should include measures for a just transition to other employment for affected employees, a plan to keep electric rates stable, and ensure adequate energy for future needs. Page 21 of 65 Actions We Can Take • Connect with our city councilors (email, phone calls, in person conversations). • Write to Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak. • Attend a city council meeting and speak during public comment. • NPAs to consider a resolution to send to City Council on this issue. • Attend Electric Commission meetings and speak during public comment. • Get involved with VT 350.org or Stop VT Biomass. Page 22 of 65 Questions Comments Discussion Page 23 of 65 DPW: 2026 CONSTRUCTION Our Mission is to steward Burlington's infrastructure and environment by delivering efficient, effective, and equitable public services. Chapin Spencer, Director Cspencer@burlingtonvt.gov/802 - 863 - 9094 Robert Goulding, Public Information Manager RGoulding@burlingtonvt.gov/802 - 881 - 2278 Page 24 of 65 THE TWO BIG PROJECTS Main Street & the Champlain Parkway are both anticipated to wrap up in early summer. Both projects are on - time, and on - budget. These projects are unlocking the potential for additional housing & commerce while providing enhanced infrastructure for residents Page 25 of 65 CHAMPLAIN PARKWAY • 25MPH road • Connects South End with Downtown • Stormwater improvements • Pedestrian enhancements: signals, shorter crossings, new sidewalks Page 26 of 65 WHAT’S LEFT TO DO (tentative schedules below) Pine Street Champlain Parkway • Roadway sign installation • Overhead signs • Signal activation (week of • Roadway signs May 4) • Final Pavement • Pavement (Main Street) and • Line striping sidewalk repairs (misc. along • Signal timing adjustments Pine) (upcoming weeks) • General clean up Page 27 of 65 MAIN STREET • A welcoming gateway into Vermont’s Queen City • Wider sidewalks for pedestrians & commerce • More trees & gardens • Enhanced lighting • Abandonment of ravine sewer Page 28 of 65 WHAT’S LEFT TO DO • Sidewalks • Signals • Tree plantings • Paving • Public Art Page 29 of 65 CHERRY ST/RECONNECTING BANK & CHERRY Near final design Construction could start in 2027, though may begin later Page 30 of 65 Ward 2 Work Since 2017 *Paving in orange *Sidewalk in red Page 31 of 65 SIDEWALKS The season has started! $1.65M contract + additional work with in - house crew 3.1 miles planned overall - hitting our annual target Contract largely funded by 2025 Town Meeting Day Bond Page 32 of 65 SIDEWALKS: developing a workplan • Developed using the City’s 2021 citywide sidewalk inventory • Prioritizes based on utilization, location, and sidewalk condition . • Location considers the sidewalk’s proximity to schools, neighborhood activity centers, employment centers, etc . • Resident requests, field inspections, and coordination with other City projects. Page 33 of 65  SIDEWALKS** **Short run segments include Manhattan & Intervale Ave (not full length sidewalk projects). Page 34 of 65 PAVING Asphalt plants are open! $1.7M contract + remaining work from CY 25 Total ~3.5 miles planned for the year Largely funded by 2025 TMD Bond Larger workplan being developed for 2027 - 2030 Page 35 of 65 PAVING: developing a workplan BACKGROUND • Street network consists of over 96 miles of streets. • Classified as Primary/Arterial, Secondary/Collector and Tertiary/Residential. • Each street type has different anticipated lifespan generally based on average daily traffic volumes. • In order to keep pace with the anticipated lifespan of the Burlington Street network, minimum target is 4 miles/year. PRIORITIZATION • Funding, street condition, street type/traffic volume, nearby projects and resident requests HEADWINDS While this year we had our most competitive bid environment in awhile, inflation & fuel prices may eat into available construction funding Page 36 of 65  PAVING* Remaining 2025 contract streets College Union - Willard Pearl Battery - Winooski *Includes patches on lower North Ave, Lake St, Archibald St, Intervale Rd Page 37 of 65 WATER WORKS! Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades • Stage 0 remains on target for completion this summer/fall. This is a major first step to begin comprehensive upgrades funded by 2025 TMD bond • Screening & grit equipment being installed at all 3 plants Water main improvement project • Includes: Pine St (from S Crest to Home Ave), Summit St (Maple to Main), and all of Bennington Court (coordinated with paving) Manhattan Ave Stormwater Outfall: late summer/early fall Page 38 of 65 Page 39 of 65 WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR WATER: https://vt.adopt-a-drain.org/ https://seagrant.w3.uvm.edu/blue/ Page 40 of 65  STAY INFORMED STAY IN TOUCH Maintenance Construction Customer Requests Impacts Service • Front Porch Forum See Click Fix: 802 - 863 - 9094 • Signage burlingtonvt.gov/dpw • VT - Alert: dpw - pinecustomerservice burlingtonvt.gov/ @burlingtonvt.gov construction Page 41 of 65 THANK YOU Page 42 of 65 History of the Old North End (ONE) Part 2 Ward 2 NPA/May 2026 Megan J. Humphrey Page 43 of 65  Very Special Thanks Charlotte Barrett, Bob Blanchard, Judy Dow, Peg Dumas, Kendall Frost, Bill & Clarke Gravel, John Gravel, Elise Guyette, Laura Hale, David Hershberg, Intervale Center, Jill Krowinski, Preservation Burlington, Gail Rosenberg, UVM Special Collections, Vermont Historical Society, Frederick Wiseman, the Gravel Family for selling me my cherished home, and to Terry for being the best cheerleader along the way Page 44 of 65  Vermont Central Railroad • 1853, tracks went right through downtown • 1861, horseshoe tunnel built to waterfront; only tunnel in Chittenden County Page 45 of 65 1869 ONE Map Page 46 of 65 Corner of North Street & North Avenue Page 47 of 65 78 North Street Page 48 of 65 106-108 North Street Page 49 of 65 144-146 North Street Page 50 of 65 194 North Street, formerly Mazel’s Built 1904 Page 51 of 65 Front of Mazel’s Page 52 of 65 Top of Mazel’s Building Page 53 of 65 86 Pitkin Street Page 54 of 65  Corner of North Champlain & North (139-143 North Champlain to the left) Page 55 of 65  139-143 North Champlain Street Page 56 of 65 10 North Winooski on the right, now Radio Bean Page 57 of 65 160 North Winooski Avenue Page 58 of 65 294 North Winooski Avenue Page 59 of 65 John Roberts Home Design 69 Mansfield Avenue Page 60 of 65  More John Roberts Homes 79 Hyde Street and King Street Page 61 of 65 1869 ONE Map Page 62 of 65 13 St. Louis Street Page 63 of 65  Meg & Terry’s 2014 Valentine Reenactment of the Gravel’s first car purchase Page 64 of 65  View of the ONE from Downtown, 1954-1958 (Note the missing steeple on the Unitarian Church) Thank you! Page 65 of 65