Editor’s note: This commentary is by Tino O’Brien, chair of the board of the Sustainable Montpelier Coalition and is written on the board’s behalf.
[M]ontpelier is buzzing with news of the new hotel coming to our downtown. There is much good news here: new jobs, new construction, new commercial activity, more people coming and going. Of course, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and we think it wise to consider how this positive new development could exemplify design that is in line with the demands of the 21st century as they arise here in Montpelier.
You may recall the recent Sustainable Montpelier 2030 design competition envisioning our net-zero capital city. It generated much excitement and interest. There were five final designs selected from over 30 entries from across the country and around the world. The whole competition drew over 1,000 voters who studied and voted on the proposals — hopes were high amongst citizens of Montpelier, and outlying communities. That interest sparked the creation of a local citizens’ organization, the Sustainable Montpelier Coalition, the mission of which is to help actualize the visions in the winning proposals, and a Montpelier adapted to the needs of the future more broadly.
At first glance, this hotel/parking proposal looks routine, and in the past, would be welcome in many small cities across the nation. Urban infill, in principle, is a good thing. The focus of our concern is the manner in which the hotel proposes to deal with the cars that these guests will bring.
The proposed parking garage exemplifies a development pattern of the past, not a visionary one for the future. Many of America’s cities both small and large, are exploring alternative approaches to managing traffic flow, cars and parking in their city centers. The parking garages of the mid to late 20th century are no longer a vision for a desirable future. The 216-space multi-level parking garage will probably cost $7.5 million, with an ongoing maintenance cost of $200,000 every year. It will bring more cars into our downtown, increasing congestion and will depend on lost tax revenue to pay for its construction. Is there a way to have such welcomed new activity in town without the transportation model of the past?
We are equally concerned about the location of this garage, at the confluence of the Winooski and North Branch rivers, which may soon have a beautiful and expanded bike path and river access points for fishing and boating. Is it wise planning to eliminate or compromise that kind of enrichment to the city for more parking based on outmoded assumptions of urban development? We think not.
We believe there are alternatives to what would likely be a large public expense (subsidized by taxpayers) associated with the creation of the garage that will accompany this hotel. For instance, instead of the $200,000 that maintenance of this garage would cost annually, what if, instead of the garage, we employed local residents as valets who could shuttle cars to and from a remote lot at the Department of Labor? No doubt there are other creative and forward-thinking ideas that concerned Montpelier citizens can bring to the table to support and perhaps improve this significant opportunity for Montpelier. Many thoughtful questions might be asked, such as: Will this new hotel be heated by the district heating plant virtually next door? Will the public be able to park in the garage? Will the hotel be insulated to LEED standards? How will the parking garage, as sited, impact Christ Church’s intention to build affordable housing adjacent to that site? If we put our heads to the problem other approaches could also occur. What would alternative thinking like that bring to our city and to hotel guests? Could we reduce tailpipe emissions, cut down on traffic congestion, employ local residents, free up a precious acre of land on the river for housing or open space and recreation in the downtown. It would be more in keeping with the principles of the design competition from last year and offer more housing options for local residents.
We encourage our neighbors to jump in and be part of the thinking and action that will make this a thoughtful part of a bright future for our city. Please DO jump in and let your voice be heard. There is another hearing of the Development Review Board 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 at City Hall. If we do nothing, one-dimensional commerce alone dictates our future.
