Winooski City Council expresses financial concerns on Bridge Project agreement

Pedestrians walk on the bridge leading into Winooski. Photo by Catherine Morrissey

Many anticipate the pending Burlington-Winooski bridge revitalization. But a timeframe remains unpredictable as the project is held at a standstill. Recent city council discussions raise concerns over financing.   

During the April 1 city council meeting, Jon Rauscher, Winooski’s public works director, introduced revisions to the funding of the Burlington-Winooski Bridge project. The Winooski City Council first saw this financing agreement during the Nov. 6th, 2023 city council meeting. City staff and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) worked together to bring necessary updates to the agreement before approval.

Representatives of VTrans, Robert Klinefelter and Carolyn Cota, attended the meeting remotely, weighing in on the discussion.

Two highlighted updates specified how city costs will be impacted as VTrans and the city attorney coordinated changes in wording. The revisions detailed how the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approaches cleaning and disposing of contaminated soil. If the cleanup of contaminated substances is needed, it will affect environmental costs. The FHWA could help cover these costs if the project completes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. There was also revised language regarding Winooski’s maximum cost liability, or the financial cap the city must pay. The city is responsible for paying 5%, or $3,087,312.50, (whichever is less) for participating project expenses. 

Winooski City Council moved to an executive session to continue the conversation of financial details. Upon returning to a public meeting, the council expressed a concern dating back from its previous discussion.

Mayor Lott expressed worries about how the terms of this financial agreement may impact existing legal agreements with the Winooski Hotel Group. 

VTrans representatives were aiming for the contract to be approved that evening. However, Winooski City Council asked for the agreement to be revisited at a later date after additional coordination with city staff. There was no vote for approval. 

The council and VTrans will continue their discussion of the agreement on April 15th.

Local Judith Lance spoke on another developmental project, questioning the ongoing construction in Lot 7D, a previously vacant city-owned area. Her concerns derived from a recently published article in The Winooski News.

Proposals to develop a hotel, parking structure, and office space within Lot 7D were approved in 2019. However, the timeline for the project was extended due to COVID-19-related complications.

After reassessment, Nedde Real Estate aims to finish the construction of long-term rental housing accompanied by a rooftop restaurant in the spring of 2025. 

“What is going to be owned by the city? What is going to be owned by somebody else?” Lance asked.

Lance suggested the usefulness of a lay summary for Winooski residents who are interested in the costs and benefits of this project like herself. In response, Lott will work with city staff to share the requested information within the next mayor’s update.

After 35 years living in Winooski, Lance is retired and hoping her social security payments assist her with the tax rate increases she’s witnessed in recent years. She finds it important to attend city council meetings, often voicing her concerns in public comment. Lance believes that Winooski residents should educate themselves on the developmental matters of the city.

“A lot of people just are not aware – they’re not aware – of a lot that’s going on. It all affects what we have to pay in property taxes in the city,” Lance said.