Charlotte's East and West Villages project

10/24/2024 Planning Commission Presentation The consultant team will present the revised Charlotte East and West Villages Project Final Report to the Planning Commission and members of the public on Thursday, October 24 at 7pm. The report can be viewed on Charlotte's  Planning For Our Future  webpage and is also linked in the 'Project Documents' section of this website.

4/26/2024 Virtual Design Workshop Summary Available

Thank you to those who attended the Virtual Design Workshop on April 10th! A summary of the evening's events can be seen below and is also linked in the  'Project Documents'  section of this website.

4/24/2024 Visual Preference Survey Summary Available

Thank you to all 184 people who responded to the Visual Preference Survey! A summary of the survey results can be seen here, and is also linked in the  'Project Documents'  section of this website.

3/28/2024 Design Workshop Summary Available Now

Thank you to all who attended the Design Workshop on March 16th. We have created a summary of the day's activities, and it can be found in the link below, or in the ' Project Documents ' section of this website.

The East and West Villages Project is an examination of future development and multi-modal transportation in Charlotte’s villages, informed by prior planning efforts and community input. This project begins with a ‘10,000 ft view’ of the East and West Villages to assess how they fit into the broader landscape of the Town of Charlotte. Traditionally Charlotte has been a rural community, but as increased development occurs, it is important to consider where residents of Charlotte want to focus that development and how to preserve the character of the Town. While the project area is primarily the two designated village centers, we will compare the existing boundaries with what residents feel are the limits of the villages and if those boundaries should be modified. 

Through the lens of public input, the project will develop designs that may include potential building locations, green spaces, natural and conserved areas, street connections, trails and bike/ped infrastructure, parking, and more. We will develop the graphics to include plan view renderings, maps, illustrative street sections, photo-simulations, and may include some 3D renderings. These designs will influence recommendations for updates to Charlotte’s Land Use Regulations. Why this project?

Charlotte seeks to build upon its recent state designation of two village centers by doing a ‘deep dive’ into its land use regulations to identify and remove zoning barriers, and evaluate needed infrastructure to enable higher density development (including affordable housing) in the two historic villages of this rural community. The project will conduct planning for development and transportation infrastructure within the villages and conceptualize connections to streets, trails, and paths to enhance multi-modal travel. It builds upon other planning studies completed over the past 10 years and will include both a comprehensive view of the villages as well as outline detailed designs and actions. 

A vital element of the East & West Villages Project is gathering public feedback so that any recommendations advanced in this Plan have broad community support. 

Throughout its course, this planning process will feature several community outreach opportunities, with results to be posted on the project website. Your voice is crucial in understanding how the Town should, and should not, allocate resources to meet its goals. In addition, the project team will also be consistently sensitive to whether this planning process is giving people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way that supports their own personal needs and schedules.  

We’ll continue to update this website as the project evolves, with project materials, meeting notices and minutes, and ways to add your voice to this important community discussion.

Please use the below link for questions, information, or to get involved and select "Get updates on Village Master Plan project".

This project is a team effort. The project team includes Charlotte Town Planning Commission and Energy Committee members, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), and planning firm DuBois & King, based in Randolph, VT.

The project is funded through two funding sources. The Town received a Bylaw Modernization Grant from the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development to enable smart growth principles within the two historic villages of this rural community. Additional funding from the CCRPC will support integrated planning of development within the Villages with the location and design of new motorized and non-motorized transportation infrastructure, street connections, and transit services to support multi-modal travel.

October 24, 2024 East and West Villages Project Final Report

View the final report for the East and West Villages Project, presented to the Planning Commission on October 24.

April 10th, 2024 Virtual Design Workshop Summary

View the summary of the Virtual Design Workshop, held via Zoom on April 10th, 2024 at 6pm.

March 16th, 2024 Design Workshop Summary View the summary of the public Design Workshop held on March 16th at the Charlotte Congregational Church. Light breakfast and childcare were provided.

Visual Preference Survey & Summary Read the summarized version of the survey results, or view the unabridge results, including comments. The survey went live on February 22, 2024, and closed on April 15, 2024.

Community Questions Survey View the summary of the Community Questions Survey, open from January 11 - February 20, 2024.

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions can be found through Charlotte's Planning For Our Future webpage and at the link below.

Don't see your question about this project answered above? Please reach out! Send your questions to: Larry Lewack- Charlotte Town Planner townplanner@townofcharlotte.com