Saturday, May 9 Williston Town Plan Kickoff Meeting: Notes and Comments

We held our second kickoff for the 2016-2021 Town Plan on Saturday, May 9.

Here are the notes and text of what we heard from folks about Williston:

What We Like About Williston:

-Dichotomy of rural living with convenience
-Walkability in the Village
-Schools
-Library
-Walking trails
-Scenic views
-Good job opportunities
-Sense of small community
-Responsiveness of officials
-Comparatively good quality of development
-Bus service
-Farms and working landscape
-Interstate access
-Convenience to Burlington
-Dog-friendly town
-Town services
-Diverse and well-thought-out development pattern
-Essence of Vermont landscape

What the Plan Should Address:

-Thoughtful development near residential portions of Maple Tree Place (Trees, green buffers)
-Pedestrian/and bicycle connectivity in Taft Corners
-Connectivity between the Village and Taft Corners
-Economic development in the Village
-Shared parking in the Village
-Traffic flow off Exit 12
-Traffic control near Maple Tree Place
-Dog park
-Open/wooded space
-Crossing the road in the Village
-Connected bike/ped trails and lanes
-Spend the rest of the bike $
-Asphalt paths and safe shoulders
-Consider expanding water service up Old Stage Road
-More affordability and diverse housing
-Beautification of western gateway to town
-Winter trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (Parking Access)
-Use of lake Iroquois
-Addressing light pollution
-Bring more families into town

Results from the May 7 Town Plan Kickoff Meeting

 

We had a terrific kickoff meeting last Thursday night! About 25 people came to hear some information about their town and to give their opinions on what they like about Williston as well as what they think Williston could work on.

Here are the results from that meeting:

What we like about Williston

What we like about Williston:

-View Corridors
-Natural Areas
-Paths and Trails
-Emphasis on Rural
-Schools
-Convenient Location
-Old Village Charm
-Sense of Community
-Recreation- Parks-Trails- and Country Parks
-Library
-Sustainable Energy
-Park-Based nighborhoods
-Access to Services (Emergency and Transportation)
-Distinctive Urban and rural (areas)
-Chittenden Solid Waste Host Fees
-Connectivity
-Roads (are) well-kept
-Rural, but with convenience

What Should the Plan Address?

- Extend the Bike Path (Kids ride to School)
-Traffic Concerns (VT 2A, Mtn View Road)
-Foster Whole Town Community
-Lower speed limit on Oak Hill Road
-Senior Center
-Town pool
-Expensive to live here- (provide) housing at all levels
-Consider costs of implementing regulations
-More bike paths to get places
-More playgrounds
-More access to public transit (link bus especially)
-Assisted living for seniors
-Safety for Cyclists and Pedestrians
-Fix gaps in the bike and pedestrian system
-Bicycle safety
-Put utilities in the Village underground
-The town should set a good example- energy efficiency, water quality, aesthetics
-More affordable Housing
-Park Based or farm based development
-(provide) park and picnic grounds
-Services for aging population
-Senior/community Center in Taft Corners area
-Park and Ride Space and Infrastructure
-Rotaries and Traffic Calming
-All ages Community Center
-Bike Path on Route 2
-More paths/Connections
-Stormwater concerns
-Housing for younger people (affordable)
-Remove 4-way stop at Williston.North Williston Oak Hill Roads
-Solar Lighting in Rec Path
-Better signage for Rec Path
-Innovative thinking about sustainability
-More small businesses, fewer chain uses
-More heart, More soul

New Instagram Photo

http://ift.tt/1bGhuLk Planning in motion at our second kickoff meeting! #willistonplans

New Instagram Photo

http://ift.tt/1QrHfPk We are on to "things you would like to fix" now. This group is talking about wanting power lines under ground in the Village? What do you think? #willistonplans

New Instagram Photo

http://ift.tt/1GSdvEg Here are some things we like about Williston. What do you like about Williston? Let us know on Saturday at our next kickoff meeting or tell us on your social media account of choice using the hashtag #willistonplans

New Instagram Photo

http://ift.tt/1P4V6hl Lively groups of citizens talking with each other about what they like about Williston. #willistonplans

New Instagram Photo

http://ift.tt/1bBElrw #willistonplans 2016 has begun with an introduction from Director Ken Belliveau.

New Instagram Photo

http://ift.tt/1F8Fhl2 #willistonplans tonight in the WCS dining room at 7:00! Yes, there will be coffee (and cookies) served!

New Instagram Photo

http://ift.tt/1H4jtY0 Town Plan Kickoff TONIGHT at 7:00 at WCS! We are printing maps, ordering cookies, and getting ready to hear from YOU about the future of Williston! #willistonplans

Williston Town Plan Kickoff Meetings May 7 and May 9

The planning commission is getting ready to begin the process of updating the town’s comprehensive plan.  Updating the plan is required by state to take place every five years.  The planning commission would like to hear from as many people as possible, so please attend if you can, and pass the word along.

To begin the process, the planning commission will be hosting two kick-off meeting.  Each meeting will present the same information and be the same format, so you only have to attend one of the two meetings to have participated in the kick-off process.  The reason for having two meetings is to give people more than one opportunity to attend in case they have scheduling conflicts.

There will be a brief presentation of information about the town’s current town plan, as well as information about recent trends, challenges and opportunities affecting the town.  Participants will also have an opportunity share their thoughts about what they like and value about Williston and what issues they feel are important for the plan. 

People are encouraged to bring school aged children along so they can also participate.  Light refreshments will be served.

Williston Town Plan Kick-Off Meetings
Thursday	May 7, 2015	7 - 9 PM	Williston Central School – Dining Room
Saturday	May 9, 2015	1 - 3 PM	Williston Central School – Dining Room