Receives support for demolishing fire station


Traffic impact fees in Burlington may soon be reduced, but not by as much as some developers may like.

A committee was formed in April to study the fee structure and its possible revision after the City Council increased fees from about $400 to nearly $4,000 per car trip that developers generate during peak hours.

During its five meetings, the committee has reworked that fee, taking into account additional traffic projects and possible decreasing revenue, said Burlington Public Works Director Chal Martin, who worked with committee members on the fee structure.

Martin said he would support a new fee of $3,633 per peak trip, and recommended that the Council move forward with a public hearing to gather input on the new charge.

“(Developers on the committee) were still very concerned about future economic growth in the city,” Martin said. “They appreciated going through the process, but they still believed we were going too fast and too far.”

The new fee received mixed opinions from the Council.

Council member Edie Edmundson said that the original traffic impact fee of $3,834 seemed to be the right amount when it was passed, while Council members Chris Loving and Bill Aslett supported adjusting it.

“We didn’t hear a public outcry until after it was passed,” Loving said. “If we can lower it some and stay in line, I’d like to go with that lower fee.”

The Council will hold a public meeting Aug. 28 to gather public input on the fees.

During the meeting, community members also expressed support for tearing down the old fire station downtown.

Residents addressing the Council said officials should move forward with the demolition to create a paved parking lot instead of funding renovations to the condemned building.

Mayor Ed Brunz said revamping the 53-year-old building would cost between $1 million and $2 million, and said the city is currently paying about $1,200 per year in insurance.

Burlington Planning Director Margaret Fleek said a small committee has been formed and will make a recommendation to the Council soon.

Fleek also said she has received input from community members wanting a memorial to the fire fighters who served at the station throughout the years.

A neighborhood meeting is planned for September to discuss the matter, and the City Council will hold a public hearing in October.