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John C.
Member since Nov 3, 2016
Recent Comments
Re: “Burton Plans Entertainment Hub at Its Burlington Campus”
With more and more traditional manufacturing uses (Blodgett Ovens, Specialty Filaments, General Dynamics to name a few) abandoning BTV and/or going the way of the rotary phone, I applaud Burton's initiative and creativity in activating vacant/underutilized space with contemporary and complimentary uses sharing similar market demographics and branding. Assuming the proposed zoning amendment is passed, this concept will not only fill space and create jobs and excitement, it is consistent with Burlington's self image and will go a long way to assuring Burton's "global headquarters" presence in BTV for years to come.
Posted by
John C.
on 01/08/2019 at 5:50 PM
Re: “Entrepreneurship Community Planned for Cambrian Rise”
Despite its rich history and natural beauty, BTV is closer to being the next Plattsburgh, NY or Rutland, VT: a nice place to visit but largely irrelevant as a player in the 21st century economy. As this article points out, the Vermont Commons initiative is a positive step to address our need for job creating opportunities consistent with an emerging creative economy, and in doing so, improve the chances of retaining/attracting the 18-40 year old demographic who continue to flee the state in alarming numbers. From an urban planning perspective, imbedding this initiative in Cambrian Rise, a walkable and diverse mixed-use neighborhood adjacent to downtown, bike path makes sense, and I wish it success.
Posted by
John C.
on 06/17/2018 at 7:57 AM
Re: “Burlington City Council Votes to Re-Redesign City Hall Park”
Given the ongoing attacks on democracy around the globe (and inside the White House), it is naive to think Burlington is immune to authoritarian impulses. But make no mistake: the Council's action is not about park design; loss of shade and grass; or trampled tree roots. It's about trampling democratic processes.
How ironic the four Council "progressives" proposed the resolution reversing the Development Review Board (DRB) approval. And how embarrassing for the rest of Council to follow suit. A WTF moment indeed! And all because a small (<200) and vocal group of opponents did not receive the outcome it wanted.
I do not know the design details of the plan approved by the DRB; I am not an urban designer or expert. However, I am confident the City achieved its goal of ensuring City Hall Park will meet the 21st century challenges of being a being BTV's multi-purpose, outdoor living room to be enjoyed by all. And the process was an example of participatory democracy: an open and public forum executed over several years complete with focus groups, public hearings and vigorous dialogue by approximately 1000 interested citizens. Their efforts and input were distilled by design professionals into a plan that was reviewed and approved by the DRB. For the Council to ignore the public record in this matter is self-righteous and arrogant.
I've been told there is more to this "complicated" story. But as we learned in the recent Council handling of the BT sale, the Council doesn't do complicated. And in this instance, it has chosen to reward the bad behavior by the complaining few, and punish the good work of the many who chose to participate in a positive way, Not a good look.
Posted by
John C.
on 04/18/2018 at 9:26 PM
Re: “City Councilor Quits Job to Vote on Burlington Telecom Sale”
Lets not get too distracted by the WTF-quality of Karen Paul's actions. What is astonishing is that KBTL continues to be considered at all. The facts remain:
1. Of the eight bids received, the KBTL bid ranked 8th (worst) by City-appointed Advisory Board.
2. Financial review prepared by City-appointed CPA characterized Ting's economic metrics as "strong" and KBTL as "weak"
3. $30.5MM Ting purchase offer optimizes City's ability to recover payments to City taxpayers for past mismanagement. KTBL $12MM offer; not so much.
4. "Local" KBTL is highly leveraged, ironically relying on $10MM debt (at 14%!) to out-of-state entity.
5. Ting is a respected internet provider with 25 years of operational experience in various markets throughout US and Canada. KTBL has none.
6. Ting has offered the City a significant (up to 25%) equity stake in the operation; KBTL has offered 12.5%
7. Current BT management and staff unanimously support Ting proposal, not KBTL.
Against this backdrop, a few otherwise reasonable Councilors appear willing to suspend their intelligence and sound judgement and select KBTL. The big Q is why (to maintain Progressive "cred"; settle old political scores?). Simply supporting KTBL because it is the local option is just that: simple. Sounds like something Donald Trump might think up.
Posted by
John C.
on 11/04/2017 at 9:43 AM
Re: “Mayor Urges City Council to Reject Co-op Bid for Burlington Telecom”
I support the Mayor clearly speaking out on what should be obvious to us all: the KBTL option does not measure up to its competition. Two proposals contemplate similarly high cash purchase offers $27.5M & $30M) and both provide for a significant City equity position moving forward. Both are well capitalized and each have years of direct operational experience in larger markets around the US.
Ironically, the "local" KBTL bid is for $12M and relies on $10M debt (at 14%!) from an out-of-state partner/lender. Proposed senior management at KBTL has little operational experience in managing a system such as this. While I generally support the idea of local ownership (I am an active member of the Food COOP), this proposal simply does not pass the smell test.
Three points the City Council needs to keep front and center:
1. Fiscal Responsibility: Select two proposals that returns as much revenue to the taxpayers as possible from the sale. Financial mismanagement of the original BT model exposed City taxpayers to enormous financial risk which we can hopefully put in the rear view mirror.
2. Capitalization & Operational Experience: Select the two finalists that are best positioned to expand BTV's digital infrastructure. Anyone making an objective analysis of the financial and operational resources available to the competing proposals should come to the same conclusion the Mayor has.
3. Impact on Future BTV Viability: Burlington is closer (than not) to becoming the next Plattsburgh or Rutland; a small northern New England City and largely irrelevant to the dynamics of the 21st century economy. With this transaction, the City can alter this dynamic by developing a first-class digital infrastructure that better positions our community as a meaningful participant in the creative economy.
In the end, this is more than simply maintaining affordable CATV rates for BTV citizens.
Posted by
John C.
on 10/10/2017 at 10:15 PM
Re: “Construction to Begin After Sides Settle Burlington Town Center Legal Disputes”
With this settlement, the loyal opposition can save face and claim victory for concessions that are more decorative than substantive. Plus Don Sinex has agreed to pay their legal fees (what's not to like?)! Most importantly, this charade is finally over and the Project can finally move into construction.
Posted by
John C.
on 07/06/2017 at 10:59 AM
Re: “Knodell Will Run for Burlington City Council as an Independent”
OK, perhaps Councilor Knodell has lost her cred with the Progressive coalition. While I have not always agreed with her positions, Jane Knodell has proven herself to be an independent-minded thinker who has consistently put the interests of the greater BTV community above partisan party ideals. Thats the stuff leaders are made of (or should be). So lets allow the voters to decide whether it is time for Jane "to step aside and let the next gen take a swipe at it..."