Southern Connector informational meetings coming

For those that missed yesterday’s Ch. 6 o’clock news Around The Region Segment, there will be a series of 4 meetings starting 7/24 and lasting until 8/3 that are open to the public.

From what Jeremy and I had heard at our last BBA meeting on 7/6/6 (from DPW director Goodkind), there is a change to what was originally in mind to be worked on: it now is set to connect the interstate to Pine St without going through neighborhoods, which is 1/2 of what the plan originally was. Goodkind believes it will not help the King street area’s current congestion, and that the project will not be connecting Pine street to Battery street.
Goodkind also mentioned that the Act 250 process is still not over, as well as the envronmental studies, but if all goes well, they expect to start construction in Spring/Summer of 2007.

Below is the text from last night’s Ch. 3 segment:
Burlington’s long-delayed Southern Connector will be the subject of four public information meetings starting next week. A series of problems halted construction of the road almost twenty years ago. But officials say work might resume as early as next year — if the road gets its environmental and land use permits. Formal hearings are expected in the Fall. The informational meetings will be informal — an opportunity for anyone who wants to know more about the project. ((Steve Goodkind/Burlington Public Works Director: “They can ask questions and unlike hearings there’s a back and forth on this, give and take. They can ask, answer questions, get more information. A hearing, you go and speak your peace and eventually you’ll get an answer.”)) The first of the informational meetings is this coming Monday, July 24th at six o’clock at the Burlington public works department.

And the meeting times:

Southern Connector Informational Meetings:

Monday, July 24 at 6 P.M.
Burington Public Works Dept.
645 Pine Street

Thursday, July 27 at 12 P.M.
Contois Auditorium
Burlington City Hall

Monday, July 31 at 2 P.M.
Burington Public Works Dept.
645 Pine Street

Thursday, August 3 at 6 P.M.
Burington Public Works Dept.
645 Pine Street