Category Archives: Chittenden County VT

In (or Out of) “The Zone”

Chittenden County, Chittenden County VT, fair housing, housing crisis, housing discrimination, Housing Inequality, inclusionary zoning, Inclusive Communities, zoning,

This guest blog post features Mark Demers, Landlord Liaison at the Champlain Valley of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO). Mark helps build relationships with landlords across Chittenden County so that we at CVOEO can strengthen our practices of assisting people with their housing needs. Mark reflects on the way zoning laws can be restrictive to inclusive housing, and the impact that might have on the overall community.  Zoning laws have been used to restrict affordable housing and perpetuate the racial wealth gap. Historically, this has been intentional, with the “protection” that he refers to in his letter being for white people. If you are interested in digging deeper into the topic of zoning and equity, this webinar hosted by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University is a good place to start.

In (or Out of) “The Zone”

I walked into the bedroom and saw my three-year-old sitting on the floor with his back up against his bed, his knees pulled up tight to his chest. His ten-year-old brother with whom he shared the room, was seated at a desk working on a model airplane.

“Why don’t you play with your toys?” I asked the little one.

“I can’t play with my toys,” he said.

“Why not?”

“Because I can’t go past the line to get them.”

I learned that a policy had recently been put in force in the bedroom. The three-year-old was allowed to be in the room as long as he stayed on his “side”, which consisted of the real estate bordered by the wall his bed rested against and a line that ran parallel, about two feet away from the edge of the bed where he currently was sitting. The line was invisible; but it was rigorously enforced by the older brother. The youngest had access to about 15% of the space in the room. He was granted a right-of-way from the door of the bedroom to his “side”.

My youngest was experiencing the inequity of an unjust zoning ordinance – a policy over which he had little control and less say.

In her book “Fixer Upper”, Jenny Schuetz lays significant blame for the current housing crunch across the nation on zoning laws that are as restrictive as they are complicated. Communities are diverse in both their demography and their geography, thus the plethora of zoning not just from one town to another, but from one neighborhood to the next. Burlington is no exception.

Who can be expected to remember the difference between the NMU and the NAC; or the NAC-RC and the NAC-CR? We have RH’s, RM’s, RM-Ws, RL’s and RL-W’s. Each of these designate specific sections of the city and are accompanied by regulations for what can or cannot be built within their boundaries.

Zoning laws are designed to protect something – like wetlands or waterfronts or fabulous views or recreation areas. They protect the character of neighborhoods, keeping them “low density” (“RL”) or “historic” in appearance. Unfortunately, as my youngest son experienced, these laws can do more than protect resources or appearances. They become barriers – as impermeable as they are invisible – that prevent the construction of needed housing or prohibit certain people from living there.

We don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. We don’t have to look far to see what happens when polluting activities are allowed to go unrestrained on fragile lands. The clean-up takes years and costs millions. We also have to ask ourselves the question: Do we want our children to be able to afford to live here? Burlington doesn’t have room to “build out” and if I read our current zoning laws right, there are not many places where we can “build up”. Something is going to have to give.

I don’t envy those in power faced with the task of mitigating the current housing crisis. My three-year-old son had the benefit of a dad whose authority was enough to adjust oppressive lines that had been arbitrarily set by the bedroom zoning ordinance. The lines drawn in and between our neighborhoods present more of a challenge. They have the power of decades of inertia behind them. But if we are going to have housing that is affordable, sustainable, and environmentally responsible, some of those lines are going to have to move. That’s not just a job for civic leaders; it’s a project that will demand careful thought, compromise – and dare I say it – sacrifice from us all.

 

If you are a landlord or property manager or want to comment on this article, please feel free to give me a call – 863-6248  x 755 or send me an email – mdemers@cvoeo.org.

The Center & the Margins:

affordable housing, Burlington, Chittenden County, Chittenden County VT, fair housing, home ownership, housing, housing assistance, South Burlington, student voices, , , , , ,

High School Students of Burlington City & Lake Semester Consider the Issue of Homelessness & Inclusive Housing

Continue reading The Center & the Margins: →

Join COVID Support VT for a Virtual Town Hall on Housing Assistance: 5-7pm Feb. 4

Chittenden County, Chittenden County VT, COVID, COVID relief, fair housing fridays, guest blog post, housing, housing assistance, resources, , , ,

ft. Brenda E. Patoine Freelance Writer/Reporter/Photojournalist for COVID Support VT

This guest blog feature is by Brenda E. Patoine
Freelance Writer/Reporter/Photojournalist working with COVID Support VT. COVID Support VT helps people cope with the pandemic through education, emotional support and connections to community services that promote resilience, empowerment and recovery. CVOEO’s Fair Housing project welcomes our partners to add their voices to our Thriving Communities blog. Please send inquiries to fhp@cvoeo.org
 Continue reading Join COVID Support VT for a Virtual Town Hall on Housing Assistance: 5-7pm Feb. 4 →

Pages: 1 2

The Enduring Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

Burlington, Chittenden County, Chittenden County VT, civil rights, housing inequality, MLK Day, ,

While Martin Luther King Day is relegated to one day each year, it is important to remember that the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s lives on, his advocacy and preaching never loosing relevance in our day-to-day. Throughout our Vermont communities, folks came together to reflect and celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s commitment to justice.

The Fair Housing Project’s partner, the Old North End Arts Center, celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy with their Better World Camp. The ONE Art Center invited kids to explore kindness through art projects, focusing on fun and the different ways the children can express themselves. They spent MLK Day by making art projects in a variety of media, practicing drama, storytelling, dancing, playing organized games, asking kids to think about What is service to others?

Photos by Brian Letizia, courtesy of Old North End Arts
Photos by Brian Letizia, courtesy of Old North End Arts
Photos by Brian Letizia, courtesy of Old North End Arts

The pandemic has put unprecedented stress on our communities, our families, our coworkers, our neighbors. But as we move into the safety of the zoom cyber space, collaboration has become second nature. Organizations have the flexibility to not only cohost conversation across sectors, but even for connections to be built across state lines. The City of Burlington hosted this thought-provoking panel on Reparations and Reconciliation, inviting not just local city officials and scholars, but representatives from other cities experiencing their own Reparations and Reconciliation discussions and legislative actions.

 

The Providence family of Guilford includes, from left, Justin, Rohan, Sherry, “Prov” and Aaron. Photo by Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger

Following the themes advocates and leaders raised in this conversation, in this VT Digger article, Rohan and his brothers, Aaron and Justin Providence, share a vulnerable conversation about their experiences growing up Black in Vermont with a level of candidness new even to their own family.

“You have to take a step back and just listen,” Rohan tells VT Digger, echoing a sentiment not only shared in the city hosted panel on Reparation and Reconciliation, but an echo of Black voices since the beginning of the racial justice movement. With vulnerable honesty, this family shares their story to illustrate what must be done all across Vermont: frank conversations about race and racism in our communities.

That “raw truth” is core to this powerful commentary from Kesha Ram (D-Chittenden), Vermont’s first woman of color to serve in the state Senate. State Senator Ram points to the glaring racial disparities in COVID-19 rates, policing, and homeownership as the true causes of Vermont’s prevalent & persistent whiteness. Ram corrects the popular and comfortable opinion that Vermont’s lack of racial diversity can be solved merely through more rigorous recruitment, adding critical insight to an urgent equity issue in our state.

You can find the rest of Burlington’s recorded MLK Day events, including a story walk organized by Fletcher Free Library that you can still participate in on your own, here.

 

 

 

Housing Equity & Preservation of Open Space

affordable housing, Burlington, Chittenden County, Chittenden County VT, density, economic growth, Economic Inequality, housing, housing committee, housing crisis, housing development, housing inequality, Housing Inequality, Inclusive Communities, NIMBYism, Place matters, public opinion, zoning, ,
updated, 12/29/20

At the Fair Housing Project, we generally applaud community members who organize to get their needs better met. But this featured article in the Other Paper as part of the Vermont Community News Network begs a counter response.  Continue reading Housing Equity & Preservation of Open Space →

Vermont Legal Aid & the Vermont Landlord Association Launch Tenant- Landlord Mediation

Chittenden County, Chittenden County VT, housing, housing subsidies, Opportunities, program funding, renters, resources, ,

Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Landlord Association have launched a Tenant-Landlord Mediation Program. The program is free and open to any landlord and tenant who has disputes that need to be mediated. 

The Tenant-Landlord Mediation Program’s purpose during the eviction moratorium is to help landlords and tenants find solutions to the problems between them. During “mediation,” a neutral third person helps people discuss and try to resolve disputes. Program Information can be found here:  https://www.vtlandlord.com/public_resources.php The program is limited, so apply ASAP

The Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program in Context:

Since the pandemic, a few key resources have emerged to offer tenants additional protections so that they can shelter-in-place during this time when having housing is so critical. The state of Vermont has a ban on evictions through three separate laws or rules: the federal CARES Act, the Vermont Judiciary’s emergency rules, and a state law called S.333 which pauses all evictions since last May until the governor ends the state of emergency. Vermont Legal Aid keeps updates around the eviction moratorium here. 

While the eviction moratorium does not absolve tenants from paying rent, tenants who haven’t been able to pay all or some of their rent are eligible for relief through the Rental Stabilization Program. The Rental Stabilization program is a $25 million program which gives renters and landlords a way to apply for coronavirus relief funds to cover unpaid rent, even if it was from before March of 2020.  Participation in the Rental Stabilization requires communication between tenants and landlords, as both need to apply. We wrote more about the Rental Stabilization Program here.

“This is a way of addressing the tensions between some landlords and tenants- very few have had this issue, almost 4,000 pairs have applied and received funds,”

Wendy Morgan, an attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, speaking to the Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program

Sometimes issues other than money get in the way of landlord/tenant relationships- that’s where the mediation program comes in. The Tenant-Landlord Mediation Program is a way to help address these more complicated problems. Wendy Morgan, an attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, tells us the program builds on the larger goal initiated by the Rental Housing Stabilization Program to keep people housed during the pandemic. “This is a way of addressing the tensions between some landlords and tenants- very few have had this issue, almost 4,000 pairs have applied and received funds,” Wendy told the Fair Housing Project.

Angela Zaikowski, Director Vermont Landlords Association, adds, “In an attempt to be mindful that there are situations that are not working for landlords and tenants, this mediation program hopes to provide an outlet for some of the disputes between landlords and tenants.  It is a path for the parties to take advantage of given that the normal process through the courts is not available right now.”

Applicants for the Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program do not have to be a partof the Rental Stabilization program, but both the landlord and tenant have to apply.

These programs are developing rapidly and can be hard to keep track of. If you are a tenant and you are unsure if you are eligible for any of these programs, if you have concerns with your current tenancy, or you need help applying to any of these programs always feel free to call our

Vermont Tenants Hotline (802) 864-0099

A Message from Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont: During these difficult times, new financial help programs are available to many Vermonters. The state does not want people to be struggling to pay bills, so please apply, even if you don’t usually get public help. Vermont Legal Aid has more information on these programs on our website: https://vtlawhelp.org/.

1.     Help with past-due rent Apply by Dec. 11

For help with past-due rent, Vermonters should apply for the Rental Housing Stabilization Program through the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA.org). Tenants and landlords apply for this program at the same time. There are no income limits. VSHA pays landlords directly to bring the tenant’s rent account current. You can get help now, and apply again if you still need help later.

2.     Moving to a new home  Apply by Dec. 11

Some people need to move because of life safety problems with their rental unit, the rent is too expensive, they have trouble with the landlord or other tenants, or the unit is too big or too small. If you need to move and have found a new landlord, apply together for the Money to Move program at vsha.org. The program can cover the money needed to move in, such as first and last month’s rent and security deposit. It also may cover rent payments through the end of this year.

3.     Free mediation program for landlord-tenant disputes during the moratorium.  Apply ASAP

Sometimes issues other than money get in the way of settlement and dismissal of eviction cases. Mediators are available to help landlords and tenants solve those issues and maintain tenancies. File joint application found at www.vtlandlord.com.

4. Emergency housing for people who do not have a home

The Department of Children and Family’s (DCF) Economic Services Division is extending housing supports for homeless households. For more information or to apply, contact the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151. If you stay in a shelter or motel, you need to participate in “coordinated entry.” You will be assigned a housing case manager who will help you access subsidies and programs to help you get permanent housing. To learn more about coordinated entry, call 2-1-1. If you worked with your case manager to apply for a subsidy or other program and your application was denied, call Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-889-2047.

5.     Past-Due Utility Bills Apply ASAP

The Department of Public Service (DPS) can help pay past-due utility bills. The bills can be for electric, natural gas, landline telephone service or regulated private water bills (not municipal water). Homes and small businesses are eligible. There are no income limits, and you don’t have to have a disconnect notice. However, unless the rules are changed (please check), your difficulty paying the bill must be linked to COVID and the funding only covers arrearages after March 1, 2020. If you need help to fill out an application online, contact your local community action agency. Learn more on the Department of Public Service website under “COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program.”

6. Mortgage Assistance Program (and maybe Property Tax Assistance) Apply by Nov. 6

This program can pay up to six past-due mortgage payments on your home. It is available to all Vermonters who:

-are at least 1 month past due on mortgage payments

-have a COVID-related hardship, and

-meet the income requirements.

Even people who have mortgages in forbearance are eligible. Apply if you have a mortgage and are behind on property taxes. Vermont Housing Finance Agency is taking applications for the VT COVID Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program at VHFA.org. (You do not need to have a VHFA mortgage to be eligible.)

Two Chittenden County VT Mobile Home Parks Working to Preserve Affordable Housing through Cooperative Park Purchase

affordable housing, Chittenden County VT, housing cooperatives, Inclusive Communities, Mobile Home Coops

mobile home park picture
Photo credit to Vermont Public Radio

NEWS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jonathan Bond, 802-660-3455×105,  jbond@cvoeo.org

“With the motivated resident leaders that these two parks have, we have seen success in the cooperative model throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and elsewhere. Cooperative ownership can lead to improved quality of life and maintain the long-term affordability for the park’s residents. It creates thriving communities where residents can continue to own their home, collectively own the surrounding land and prosper.” 

St. George & Hinesburg, VT – A coalition of two mobile home park cooperatives of St. George Villa MHP and Sunset Lake Villa MHP are working feverishly to purchase their respective parks from private ownership and have put forth their best offer to purchase the parks. At a public meeting Wednesday, December 13, 2017, residents heard from their cooperative board’s terms of making an offer, including the engineer’s inspection report and property appraisal completed with financial support from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.  The best initial offer the cooperative can make will be limited to the appraised value they’ve received of $6,025,000.00; this is well short of the current asking price registered with the State of Vermont for the two parks of $6,950,000.00.

With the motivated resident leaders that these two parks have, we have seen success in the cooperative model throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and elsewhere. Cooperative ownership can lead to improved quality of life and maintain the long-term affordability for the park’s residents. It creates thriving communities where residents can continue to own their home, collectively own the surrounding land and prosper.

Residents, knowing it’s a long shot for the owner to accept their offer are still proceeding for their once in a generation opportunity to bring their park out of private investors hands and under the control of the residents who live there. Residents thus far have been successful in exercising their petitioned rights under Vermont law, allowing them up to 165 days to make an offer. They know it is an uphill battle with potential outside bidders willing to offer significantly more.

CVOEO’s Mobile Home Program providing residents support about their rights under state law and the Cooperative Development Institute providing technical purchase, and cooperative management assistance will continue to stand with residents through this process. A process we have seen the first-hand transform the lives of the residents living cooperatively owned communities

The coming days and weeks will tell if the resident’s offer will be accepted. In making the offer, the resident cooperative is willing to raise their current lot-rents now so they can see their money reinvested into the resident-owned land to keep long-term affordability. The long-term affordability is particularly important given that Vermont and specifically Chittenden County struggles to provide adequate, affordable housing supply to its residents. Under new private ownership, it’s most likely they will also see lot-rents increased for investor gain. We are hoping the informed and responsible offer made by residents will prevail.

###

THE DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF NEW AMERICANS TO CHITTENDEN COUNTY, VERMONT

Chittenden County VT, economic growth, Inclusive Communities, integration, New Americans, Refugees, , , ,

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (CVOEO) RELEASES STUDY SHOWING “THE DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF NEW AMERICANS TO CHITTENDEN COUNTY, VERMONT”

From CVOEO Press Release, June 12, 2017


Sudershan Adhikari, a Nepalese refugee used to teach math and science before coming to the United States. He says Vermont didn’t give him a hand out so much as an opportunity, for which he is grateful.
Photo Credit: Nina Keck / Vermont Public Radio.

 New Americans contribute significantly to Chittenden County’s housing values, GDP, and job market according to a new report released by the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO). The release of this report will be announced by Ali Dieng, CVOEO board member, with Jan Demers, CVOEO Executive Director, and Alex Duchac, author of the study, will both speak.

Produced for CVOEO by Alex Duchac, this report will give the first detailed look at how immigrants impact Vermont’s largest county. The report documents the wide range of benefits provided by New Americans in Chittenden County. Among the significant discoveries included in the report are that, since 2009, New Americans have increased home values by $25M, they have added over $712M to the GDP of Chittenden County, and they have saved more than 270 Vermont manufacturing jobs.

The complete report, detailing many positive impacts, can be viewed > HERE. 
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT EVENT:      
WHEN: 3:00 pm, June 15, 2017   
WHERE:Flynn Center for the Performing Arts(just prior to Parent University Graduation at 3:30)
CONTACT: Joan White, Development Director CVOEO. joanwhite@cvoeo.org; 
802-862-2771 ext.744