Town of Jericho

The board discussed potential zoning changes and affordable housing initiatives, as well as vegetation planning for a new pedestrian path. A planning agreement between the town and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission for development and fiscal analysis was approved. The board evaluated potential housing and septic site plans at 2 Railroad Circle in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and approved a request for the local fire department to use the property for training purposes. Updates were provided on the Chittenden Solid Waste District's financial loss due to a scam. The board reviewed speed control and traffic calming options for village centers, structural repair projects for the town library, and various liquor and tobacco license applications. Additionally, the board addressed organizational changes, including the transition of the Assistant Town Administrator position, and discussed future policy reviews regarding animal control, email technology, and polling place protocols.

The board reviewed two subdivision requests. The first was a sketch plan for a minor two-lot subdivision on Barber Farm Road, where discussions included driveway construction, wetland delineations, and potential building envelopes. The second request involved a final plat review for a four-lot PUD subdivision on Bolger Hill Road, covering topics such as split-zoning, access through a flag lot, wetland crossing, stormwater runoff, fire safety standards, and road infrastructure improvements. Public concerns regarding drainage, traffic safety, vernal pools, and notification procedures were also addressed.

The Planning Commission discussed the Enable Housing work plan, specifically focusing on zoning incentives for small houses and mobile home park regulations. The committee also reviewed the draft Low-Density Residential Purpose Statement, proposing refinements to terminology and housing definitions. Additionally, the meeting addressed the potential use of USDA soil maps as a tool for Planned Unit Development (PUD) guidance, the importance of defining lot coverage and impervious surfaces for stormwater management, and received updates on the Riverside Village development project and wastewater task force activities.

The meeting included discussions on development concerns at Bolger Hill, zoning regulation changes to support modest housing, and the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the Jericho-Underhill Arts Council. The board approved the Local Emergency Management Plan, the Underhill Jericho Fire Department site lease agreement, an updated permit fee schedule with zero fees for ADUs, and an expenditure for a centralized HVAC control unit. Additionally, the board discussed sending a letter to the state regarding the impacts of Act 250 on housing, reviewed the delinquent tax policy, addressed revisions to the domestic pet ordinance, and provided updates on the library project, wastewater task force, and other town planning matters.

The Selectboard discussed Jericho speed control measures and a Habitat for Humanity housing project at two Railroad Circle. Public comments were received regarding zoning regulations, affordable housing, and environmental landscaping for a pedestrian path connecting Lee River to Mount Mansfield High School. The board also approved a planning agreement with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission for Riverside development scenarios and fiscal analysis.