New Projects
The Homestead Project: A Twist on Affordable Housing
NVDA is applying a “common sense” approach that will pull together several state organizations, local non-profits, financial institutions and create a new national model for manufacturing housing for low-to-moderate income individuals, the homeless and non-profit organizations.
It will be self sustaining, employ individuals within a community that has an annual unemployment rate of 5%, utilize raw materials from the northern forest industry, reduce Vermont’s incarceration rates by providing new employment opportunities for individuals in the corrections system while creating 25+ initial new jobs in the manufacturing sector by building pre-fabricated esthetically pleasing affordable homes.
The plan calls for the manufacturing firm to employ “life guides” to provide ongoing services and/or refer employees to established community and state resources necessary to keep individuals on track and successful. By providing a home, transportation alternatives, continued education, employment and a wellness program as a complete package, disadvantaged individuals will be provided the key basic elements to leading successful and productive lives. This manufacturing concept is part of Bending the Curve on the Number of Women Incarcerated in Vermont without Compromising Public Safety initiative of the Agency of Human Services and Community Organizations in Orleans & Northern Essex Counties. The manufacturing firm will be located in this region near rail transportation systems and major highway corridors.
Burke Community Planning
With the new plans coming to fruition for the Burke Mountain Resort, NVDA has been busy planning for the future needs of the Burke region. Our planning efforts are being led by the Burke Regional Committee, which consists of representatives from the Town of Burke, its surrounding towns, and the Town of St. Johnsbury.
In September, NVDA and the Burke Regional Committee completed the first phase of a two-phase Corridor Management Study. The study examined the effects of additional growth and development in the Burke Mountain area on the major transportation corridors in the region.
FINAL REPORT
Burke Mountain Area Development
Transporation Infrastructure Study
Appendicies
The second phase will complete the Corridor Management Plan that evaluates the affect additional development on Routes 5 and 114 (between Interstate 91 and the Burke Mountain Resort) will have on these important transporation corridors. A consultant will be procured for this portion in March 2008.
For addtional information on this project contact Doug Morton, Transportation Planner.
NVDA is conducting a regional study to identify how the Burke Mountain Resort development will influence regional development and demographics. The study will prepare growth projections, assess key public infrastructure capacities and housing needs.
Upcoming Committee Meetings:
- Burke Mountain Club, Wednesday March 12, 2008 - 6:30 PM
For additional information on this project contact Laurie Zilbauer, Regional Planner.
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