Dear Neighbors,
Happy Spring! I hope that you are enjoying these beautiful sunny days. Let’s also stay mindful that we are still under a state of emergency, requiring masking and distancing, especially as the variant has been detected in Burlington. I hope that many people have received their Covid vaccines or will soon. Let’s stay vigilant and safe.
Condemning Hate
Since the beginning of the pandemic, rates of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have increased exponentially, with some cities seeing an increase of nearly 150%, impacting community members of all ages and often directed at the most vulnerable populations. Burlington’s 2019 Equity Report found that AAPI Burlingtonians represent 6.3% of our city population, the second largest demographic after whites. On March, 22nd the city council passed a resolution condemning hate crimes against the AAPI community (READ RESOLUTION HERE). Thank you to my council colleagues for coming together condemning hate and for standing in solidarity with our neighbors of Asian descent. We are also urging everyone to speak up if they see or experience acts of hate of any kind in our community.
New North End Updates
Reminder about home appraisal opportunity for questions
This is a reminder for people of the NNE to take advantage of the NPA presentation on today (3/24) about the city’s reappraisal project. The NPA will host Director of Property Assessment, John Vickery, followed by the question and answer section. Find the meeting link here: Wed. March 24th at 7:00 pm:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85494151752
The New North End Bus Association/Community
It was reported in the NNE we have over 600 registered businesses. The New North End City Councilors, the Director the Church Street MarketPlace (CMP), Members of the CMP Commission, City Staff, active community members and business owners held a meeting on Friday, March 19th to outline preliminary steps in creating the NNE Business Association. It was a positive and informative meeting. Each business in our neighborhood provides great services for our neighbors with diverse offerings that are both needed and appreciated. They each contribute meaningfully to the vibrancy of the New North End. Check out this website: https://loveburlington.org/new-north-end.
It is time for us all to come together for the mutual support for our businesses so that they may thrive and succeed. The next meeting for this group is scheduled to take place on April 16th at 3:00 pm. For anyone with a registered business or planning to open a business in the NNE, this project is for you. Please reach out to me for more information: adieng@burlingtonvt.gov.
Addressing concerns about dogs in Burlington
On March 30th, please join a community discussion to address dog issues raised by our NNE neighbors, including off-leash dogs in the park or beaches, dogs attacking people, dog poop not being picked up, policies not being enforced, lack of signage, etc. I will be joined by City Councilor Joan Shannon from South District, Cindy White, Director of Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, NNE City Councilors, as well as concerned citizens to talk about reported issues, plans to address them, and note the improvements the city has provided thus far related to dogs/pets.
Fully staffed ambulance for the New North End expected by September
I know that many residents of the NNE will be excited to have a fully staffed ambulance in the NNE. The voters approved this ballot item last year. Chief Lock has done a great job hiring and training 9 new firefighters/EMTs to fully staff the NNE ambulance. The new recruits are expected to resume their basic training in July for the ambulance to be fully operational by September if not sooner. More information on this to come.
There is a lot going on at the city level and more updates I’d like to share soon, including the good news of $27 million to be allocated to Burlington from the American Rescue Plan Act, summer community activities in the works, spring neighborhood clean ups, education funding, sidewalk and road infrastructure updates, the North Avenue re-envisioning focus group work, and much more. Stay tuned!
Thank you and stay safe,
Ali