Montpelier City Plan Amendments Approved, Final Vote Set for July 9

The Montpelier City Plan is nearing completion as the city council approved amendments during it’s June 11 meeting,incorporating feedback from public hearings. The updated plan will undergo review by the Planning Commission before returning to the city council for final adoption on July 9, 2025. Though, a debate persists among councilors regarding the official format of the plan: digital or print.

Digital vs. Print: A Contentious Debate

Councilors Pelin kohn and Jim Sheridan voiced concerns that constituents found the online version difficult to read. While Planning Director Mike Miller stated the digital format was agreed upon nine years ago, and converting to print would be challenging, the issue remains unresolved. Sheridan expressed his disapproval, stating he wouldn’t support the plan if the digital format was the only option.

Did You Know? Montpelier, Vermont, is the smallest state capital in the United States [3].

Mayor Jack McCullough clarified that the vote on june 11 addressed the amendments, not the final format. Miller confirmed that another public hearing is scheduled for July 9 to consider the plan in its final form.

Key Components of the Montpelier City Plan

The digital City Plan comprises 12 chapters, prioritized by previous city councilors. These chapters cover a range of topics, including:

• Land Use
• Housing
• Utilities and Facilities
• Economic Development
• Resilience
• Historic Resources
• Energy
• Arts and Culture
• transportation
• Natural Resources
• Public Safety and Community Justice
• Community Services

Each chapter outlines goals, aspirations (such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 in the Energy chapter), strategies, and prioritized implementation plans. The highest priority goal is to “continue to implement the Country club Road Actionable Plan.”

Public Input and the “Matrix”

To incorporate public input, Miller and his staff compiled a “matrix” of 78 comments, criticisms, and suggestions. This matrix, dated June 11, was attached to the meeting agenda.

Pro Tip: Reviewing city planning documents and attending public hearings are excellent ways to stay informed about local development and contribute to your community’s future.

Examples of public input included requests to revise color coding, include Montpelier Alive in flood recovery discussions, and address concerns about the frequency of mentions of the Country Club Road property compared to Sabin’s Pasture. Alan Goldman, owner of Sabin’s Pasture, raised concerns about voluntary landowner participation in trail system access.

Councilor Concerns and Amendments

Councilor Kohn objected to using the Barre Street Recreation Center as an emergency shelter without prior approval. Councilor Adrienne Gil suggested professional editing and questioned the cost of the web-based platform ($30,000) versus a print version. Miller’s staff defended the digital format, citing its inclusion of video and appeal to younger generations.

Doug Zorzi questioned the inclusion of public trail systems in relation to new housing developments,while Steve Whitaker criticized the overall process. Alan Goldman expressed hope that his and his attorney’s comments would be incorporated.

Council Action and Next Steps

Councilor Cary Brown’s motion to accept staff-made changes and make specific amendments passed unanimously.These amendments included deleting “in particular rental units,” adding a study on aligning Montpelier’s sprinkler requirements with Vermont’s, and splitting a strategy into two parts: one supporting emergency shelter options and one planning for the Barre street Recreation Center building.

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on July 8, 2025, followed by a full board of commissioners meeting. The council will then address the City Plan again on July 9, after receiving the regional approval.

montpelier: A City of plans and Progress

Montpelier, Vermont, is not only the state capital [3] but also a city actively shaping its future through thorough planning. The city Plan addresses critical areas like land use, housing, and economic development, aiming for a resilient and thriving community.