Vermont Business Magazine Today, the City of Burlington announced the decision to indefinitely pause implementation of a Safe Overnight Parking pilot project in the gravel parking lot at Perkin’s Pier.
As shared on July 2, the program was slated to begin on the evening of July 4, with interested participants needing to request a permit by noon today, July 3. At the time of this press release, City staff had not initiated intake or issued permits for overnight parking.
The administration came to this decision based on substantial community feedback, and out of concern for the safety of program participants based on threatening comments made by members of the public on various online platforms.
Opponents of the plan said there was no advanced opportunity to comment and that the location was inappropriate, according to WPTZ.
Due to the most recent mass departure of participants in the State's motel housing program, the City still anticipates an increase in the number of people living unsheltered within Burlington, including families with children and medically vulnerable individuals. Data shared by AHS indicates 100 households, including 61 children, were required to exit motels beginning July 1st across Chittenden County.
The administration will continue to consult with City staff as this situation evolves, and should different responses be necessary from a public health and safety perspective, we will prioritize notice to the community.
It is important to note that the City of Burlington does not have the resources or staff capacity to address the need for shelter or services to respond to the crisis of unsheltered homelessness. We continue to call on State officials to ensure stable shelter is available to households as they wait for permanent affordable housing to be secured.
7.3.2025. City of Burlington
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