This commentary is by Melinda Moulton of Huntington, a writer, filmmaker, social and climate activist, and community leader.
As someone who spent 40 years helping to redevelop the Burlington Waterfront and engaged in dozens of downtown planning processes, I feel compelled to weigh in on this issue.
Over the years, Burlington has been crowned No. 1 for quality of life, safety, environment, business, kids, education, and as a No. 1 Dream Town. Recently BTV was designated the Happiest City and Best City for Entrepreneurs. I could go on and on with the dozens of accolades that have been bestowed on Vermont’s largest city.
Instead, let me share with you the comments I received as part of an online shoutout where I asked folks to weigh in.
David loves the parks and wishes the city had a civic auditorium. He loves the new immigrant cultures. Kim walks in Burlington at least twice a week and she appreciates the beauty of the city from the hill to the lake. She enjoys the coffee shops where she can meet friends. Charlotte loves the amazing restaurant choices, the Flynn Theater, Waterfront Park, live music (indoor and out), the Farmer’s Market, and festivals.
Bob loves watching the amazing sunsets over the lake. Donna stated that Church Street is brilliant, and Carolyn loves having both mountains and a lake to see as she walks along the shoreline. Julie loves the neighborhoods, and Megan loves the community of people and the politically active city.
Anne loves the energy and the beauty. She highlighted the Vermont International Film Festival as one of the most joyous community gatherings. Deb loves the local arts scene and our local paper Seven Days with first-rate journalism.
David is excited to have a city surrounded by ski areas and close to Montreal. Chip talked about the support networks: Champlain Housing Trust, COTS, Spectrum Youth Services, Howard Mental Health, and Turning Point, to name just a few. Judy enjoys the walking trails. Nan believes that the quality of life is stellar. Alan sang the praises of the kind and ethical folks. He stated, “They are truly good people.” William stressed the importance of the University of Vermont Medical Center.
These are just a few of the comments from the dozens I received. The few negatives focused on issues facing so many of America’s cities today: homelessness, addiction, crime, business relocations to the suburbs, reduced police presence, and those pesky F35’s roaring overhead.
But most of the comments were positive, hopeful, and heartfelt. Let’s face it, our world has just faced the most horrific pandemic in the last 100 years. From sea-to-sea, humans sheltered in their homes for up to 18 months and didn’t dare cohabitate. People worked from home and many never returned to their offices, adapting instead to flexible working conditions. So many of us turned to our computers when we needed anything — Amazon took center stage as our go-to. Many have not returned to local shopping, preferring the ease and efficiency of online prime and quick delivery to one’s home.
Quite honestly, stores and businesses shuttered their doors as revenues washed up, and our beloved Queen City took a heavy hit. But she is resilient.
Here are some of my bright optimistic testaments about our Queen City today. She is the beating economic heart of our state. Our colleges serve students from all over the world. Local developers are reimagining their investments and planning projects like the redevelopment of the Memorial Auditorium block. We have a passenger train that takes us to and from New York City with a future train to Montreal expected in the next year.
New restaurants are popping up, like Santiago’s Cuban Restaurant at Main Street Landing. Live local music is filling the streets and fun festivals are packed to the brim with folks who want to break out and hug one another. Hotels are full, our local arts scene expansive, and community engagement is as strong as ever. Our local food graces the most discerning palate.
The mystique of this place is not lost on humans wanting to experience what we all have come to take for granted—– the most brilliant and majestic sunsets in the world. With the present mayor stepping down, we have an opportunity to bring a new and vibrant energy to City Hall.
I remember Burlington back in the 1970s and 1980s and I can attest, “we have come a long way, baby.” Our Queen City’s crown is still solidly in place. It needs a bit of polishing, but if we all keep the faith, visit, and support our downtown — and for heaven’s sake, don’t abandon her — Burlington will rebound, but she needs all of us to rally around and help her recharge, regenerate and reinvigorate.
Let’s come together, Vermont, to support our Queen.
