Recent polling data conducted by Braun Research on behalf of Saxon Partners, a real estate development firm, shows broad community support for the creation of a new South Burlington City Center, with additional support for the sale of the Marcotte Central School site to a developer who would provide significant funding to help bring the long-delayed project to fruition. SEE RESULTS BELOW
The poll, which queried 191 South Burlington residents 18 years or older, was conducted from November 13th to 15th. Among its findings, South Burlington voters responded favorably to the idea of a new City Center by the overwhelming margin of 7 to 1. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 6%.
However, the poll also showed that public support is contingent upon monies for the project coming from sources other than local property taxes. This underscores the potential importance of a separate development proposal, "City Center Commons" put forward by Saxon Partners, which provides revenues critical for the city's acquisition of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funding, a revenue stream the city can use to shield homeowners from increases in the city's property tax. The project as outlined would allow for South Burlington to access up to $40,000,000 in TIF funding.
"We're excited to see the positive response to the city's new City Center and to our proposal," said Gene Beaudoin of Saxon Partners, "We look forward to playing a positive role in helping fund this robust vision for South Burlington's future."
In addition, the poll found that South Burlington voters were willing to embrace the sale of the current school grounds and relocate the Marcotte Central School if a new, modern school were to be built at no tax payer expense and additional funds were made available to build new civic facilities in the new city center. The city's Civic Buildings Taskforce has recommended building a new town library, recreation center or city hall.
The Marcotte Central School is located on Williston Road and has an enrollment of approximately 350 South Burlington students. Saxon Partners has offered $7 million to purchase the school site, which would be sufficient to build a new school. The poll shows enthusiasm for relocating a new school away from commercial Williston Road traffic, bringing it closer to the population it serves.
However, hurdles exist that could stop the project and the funding it brings from moving forward. Citizens would have to vote to pass new zoning regulations which would allow the City Center to be built as envisioned by city planners. A city wide vote would also need to be held to allow the developer to purchase the Marcotte Central School site.
About Braun Research: Braun Research is a Princeton NJ based market and public opinion research company that employs techniques and standards approved by the world's leading survey research academic organizations. . Braun is an active member of numerous research organizations respected throughout the industry, including AAPOR (The American Association for Public Opinion Research), CMOR (Council on Marketing and Opinion Research) and CASRO (Council on American Survey Research Organizations).
About Saxon Partners: Saxon Partners is a real estate investment, development and management firm focusing on retail and residential developments in the New England market. The firm has experience in Vermont, including working on retail projects in Rutland, South Burlington and Colchester.
