City of Burlington, Vermont Land Trust Announce Progress on Land Conservation to Create New 12-Acre Public Park on Former Burlington College Land

Mayor Miro Weinberger and Vermont Land Trust (VLT) President Gil Livingston today announced the creation of a new Burlington City park, following the February 18, 2016 purchase by the City and VLT of 12 acres of land for $2,000,000 from developer Burlington College Community Housing (BCCH) through its principal, Eric Farrell. After a collaborative, citizen-engaged planning process regarding the future of the former Burlington College land on North Avenue, this successful acquisition will include the protection of the property’s community gardens, woodland path, lakeside bluffs, and beach that have been enjoyed by residents for many years. The purchase was unanimously approved by the City Council earlier in February and funded using $500,000 of the City’s dedicated land conservation acquisition fund and leveraging other conservation financing secured by VLT.

The partners involved in the planning process, including VLT, Champlain Housing Trust (CHT), property owner BCCH, and the City of Burlington, spent many months listening to and addressing the community’s needs and interests regarding the future of this land and its possible uses. The results include a new public park connecting the Old North End to the Burlington Bike Path that will formalize public access to a forested trail and sandy beach, expanded space for community gardens, a new open play field, and the use of the existing stone house for the community. The new park, which provides a critical east-west connection for the City, will adjoin much-needed affordable and workforce housing.

Read the full press release on Burlington’s website.