Sidewalks, Streets, and Our Neighborhoods
Hi neighbors,
This is Laura Sánchez-Parkinson, your Ward 3 City Councilor, representing parts of the Old North End and Downtown.
Every year, 4th graders at Sustainability Academy take to the streets of our neighborhood for a mapping project. They walk through the Old North End and Downtown, noticing the buildings, streets, gathering places, and other neighborhood features that help our community thrive.
I love the idea of our 9- and 10-year-olds slowing down to really notice their neighborhood.
It has also made me think about how all of us experience Burlington as we move through it every day: What is working? What needs attention? And how can we help care for the places we share?
Here are a few resources, opportunities, and updates based on conversations I’ve been having with neighbors.
STREETS, SIDEWALKS & CITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Burlington’s Department of Public Works maintains approximately 95 miles of streets, 127 miles of sidewalks, 100 miles of wastewater collection infrastructure, and our parking systems.
Want to see what projects are happening around the city? DPW has a helpful Construction Portal:
https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/323/Construction-Portal
This has also been a significant year for Burlington infrastructure, including the opening of the Champlain Parkway and major work along Main Street. As we adjust to new traffic and transportation patterns, please continue sharing what you’re seeing and experiencing.
SEE SOMETHING THAT NEEDS ATTENTION?
For non-emergency issues—including potholes, graffiti, streetlights, litter, or discarded syringes—you can report them directly through SeeClickFix:
https://seeclickfix.com/burlington_2
It’s one of the easiest ways to make sure an issue gets routed to the appropriate City team.
WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED?
The Public Works Commission meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 645 Pine Street. Meetings are open to the public:
https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/?category_id=84
There will also be three openings on the Commission next year, so if transportation, streets, sidewalks, or infrastructure interest you, consider applying.
NEIGHBORS CARING FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
I also want to highlight two community-led efforts:
– BTV Clean Up Crew: Burlington residents meet every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at the top of Church Street to pick up litter and discarded needles and remove hateful stickers. Questions? Contact btvcleanupcrew@riseup.net.
– North Street Planter Project: You may have noticed the bright planters along North Street. Branch Out Burlington! coordinates volunteers who help care for the planters and keep them free of graffiti. Learn more:
https://www.branchoutburlington.org/news/2024/07/north-street-planter
A FEW CITY COUNCIL UPDATES
– This week I introduced a resolution recognizing the contributions of Burlington’s Latin American community and supporting cultural festivals. I hope you’ll join the community at the Latin American Connections Celebration on Saturday, September 19!
– As Chair of the City Council’s Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee, I recently hosted three meetings reviewing the Burlington Forward resolution and its potential impacts. You can read the committee report and community feedback here:
https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/10090/files/attachment/17650
– Our next City Council meeting is Monday, September 28, when we anticipate a working session on the proposed Overdose Prevention Center.
As always, I welcome your questions, ideas, and feedback.
Laura Sánchez-Parkinson
Ward 3 City Councilor
lsanchezparkinson@burlingtonvt.gov
Instagram: @lauraforburlington
