June wasn't packed with headline-grabbing decisions (well, maybe one), but we made progress on several projects that will have a lasting impact on the City.

For example, we had a lot of great residents apply for City volunteer committees and commissions: the Brownell Library Trustees, the Development Review Board, and the Recreation Advisory Board among others. Thank you to all that applied!

I am grateful for the many folks willing to give back to Essex Junction. These positions aren't glamorous, but they're incredibly important.

Pearl Street
If you've driven, biked, or walked along Pearl Street, you've probably noticed that it's a difficult corridor for anyone not in a car. This project is intended to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists while better connecting existing sections of our cycling and walking network.

For me, the Pearl Street project came down to weighing a relatively small traffic tradeoff against meaningful improvements in safety, walkability, and transit access. I believe the safety and walkability improvements, along with adding a safer bus stop to serve the many new apartments in that corridor, are well worth removing one lane of traffic.

Our traffic tests showed that closing a lane created only a minimal slowdown. It's a truism of urban planning that traffic expands to fill existing lanes. I think that's what was going on here.

It's also important to remember that this section of Pearl Street is already fed by only a single lane of traffic. It's one lane all the way from Five Corners until this spot.

And in exchange, we will have a safer corridor for pedestrians, a new multimodal bike path connection, and improved transit access.

I also want to give credit where it's due: Hats off to Chris Yuen and his team for saving taxpayers millions of dollars. The proposal from about a decade ago would have required removing the median. By leaving the median in place, the City will be able to implement the improvements, all while saving more than a million dollars.

The council voted 3 – 2 to move the project forward.

GMT Route 4

We also continued discussing Green Mountain Transit's (GMT's) decision to discontinue Route 4 service.

While the City doesn't control GMT's budget or route decisions, we aren't simply throwing up our hands and saying "there's nothing we can do."

Council talked about ways we can help lessen the impact on residents, including working with GMT, exploring possible alternatives, making the bus more accessible in the Pearl Street corridor, and making sure people are aware of transportation options that may still be available. None of these are perfect substitutes, but if Route 4 ultimately disappears, I think we have an obligation to do what we can to help those who depend on it.

Public transit isn't just about convenience. It's a lifeline for many residents who rely on it to get to work, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations.

Historical Marker

Council approved moving forward with an application for a Vermont Historic Marker commemorating Essex Junction's incorporation as Vermont's tenth city.

I like this idea. While our incorporation is still recent, it's an important milestone in the community's history, and it's worth recognizing for future generations.

Economic Development RFP

Council also authorized moving forward with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an Economic Development Strategic Plan.

I look forward to seeing the proposals any consultant we hire presents to us. Every new business we attract and every existing business we help succeed strengthens our tax base, creates jobs, and helps reduce the property tax burden on residents.

Thank You, Ashley Snellenberger

Finally, June marked what is Ashley final full month with the City before moving back to her native Arkansas.

Over the past several years, Ashley has helped guide Essex Junction through some significant transitions and challenges and she's helped strengthen community engagement. I am glad that she agreed to be helping us out with the transition remotely.

I'd like to thank Ashley for her service and wish her the very best in her next chapter.

Looking Ahead

July will be a busy month. We'll continue discussions about a potential stormwater bond, review Fire Department capital needs, and start discussions for next year's budget. We're getting an early start in anticipation of moving the budget vote to Town Meeting Day; although that's not been formally agreed yet.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged. It genuinely makes our city stronger. Whether you attend meetings, send emails, stop me at the grocery store, or reach out through social media, your feedback helps inform the decisions we make.

As always, this post reflects my personal opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the City nor the City Council.

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Brian Shelden
City Councilor
bshelden@essexjunction.org
(802) 879-7665