Parking Advisory 2/10/25

Printable version

PAC Minutes 02-10-25 63 KB

Web version

PAC Minutes -  February 10^th, 2025

Members present at beginning:  Chuck Gilroy, Matt Buckley, Diane Mariano and John Rankin. Meeting started with quorum.  John Cohn arrived at 5:05 p.m.

There were no guests.

5:00 p.m. Welcome and Public Comments

5:01 p.m. Additions or Deletions to Agenda. 

A discussion of Cochran Road Parking Study, relating to the Bombardier Meadow area,

was added, substituted into discussion regarding increase in parking fines.

5:02 p.m. Review VTrans decision.  Barrier at Checker House parking.

                Chuck communicated with David Hoskins.  The permit cannot be expanded to include

fence and barriers, even if for the stated purpose of protecting the swale. The fence would

be an impermissible permanent structure. Josh Arneson and Pete Gosselin are not supportive

of going further into the issue.

                There will be no pursuant of any permanent structures for the foreseeable future.     

                Diane spoke regarding her research into fencing.

                Chuck also concluded that this issue is not really with the purview of PAC.

5:20 p.m. RLT Future Plans and Meetings for Bombardier Meadow.

                John R. went to the Richmond Land Trust meeting on February 6^th. He explained PAC’s interest

in their plans. RLT will in the future consider ADA parking and turn around, but there is no

parking for the general public under consideration for the foreseeable future.

RLT may make moderate improvements to the Beeken Preserve parking for 3-season use.     

PAC informed RLT of PAC’s openness to future collaboration with RLT, and not limited to just Bombardier and Beeken.

Chuck clarified that PAC’s role is really limited to endorsement. PAC has no say in what RLT

does with their property.

5:15 p.m. Cochran Road Plan.   

The study received input from Town of Richmond and Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission.

Some items would be very expensive. $6,000 total.  Although Tyler Machia informed PAC last year

that fill cannot be used for parking, Keith Osborne indicated this may not be correct. Keith suggested that comments on the record from PAC may be helpful.

Discussion took place re: line of sight and flood plain. Chuck reminded all of the zoning ordinance criteria that Tyler said prohibited parking.

Diane read “concept ideas” from the Plan. Chuck emphasized focusing on the reality of the rules.

Diane indicated her opposition to the concept of any parking directly across from any residence. Diane also expressed concern about the aesthetics of a parking area.  Residents would in all

likelihood oppose, as having a negative impact on the neighborhood. It would involve management

of an attractive nuisance, and noise is increased.

Chuck questioned whether safety would be improved if there is a built-out section. A concern that

both sides of the road would be blocked off.   Also, there exists the question of any RLT plans and

how the plans would fit with the Town of Richmond right-of-way.

                Chuck moved that PAC should take no official position, or give any official opinion, as to Each

Cochran Road parking. Matt seconded.  Discussion took place, and all agreed more time was

needed.  Approved.

5:48 p.m. Gillette’s Pond.  John R. spoke with Bob Lowe.  Bob indicated all is going well, and there has been

no overflow of parking onto the road.  

5:52 p.m. Approval 1/13/25 Minutes.  John R.  moved to approve, and Chuck seconded.  Approved.

5:53 p.m. Next meeting.  March 24^th.   One hour. 6:00 p.m.

Adjourned.   John R. moved.