Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) is seeking proposals from consulting firms to perform a real estate market demand analysis for five counties in Northwest Vermont. CCRPC obtained a RAISE grant from USDOT to update zoning to be more transit friendly or transit ready in ten municipalities (see section 5.1) within five counties in Northwest Vermont. As an initial step in that process, we are seeking to have a consultant provide a real estate market demand analysis to inform the rezoning and redevelopment efforts in those communities. To promote reinvestment and redevelopment in rural Vermont downtowns and village centers, this project will develop a comprehensive plan for transit-oriented development (TOD) for 10 communities across a fivecounty region in Northwest Vermont – see list below. • Addison County – Ferrisburgh, Middlebury, Vergennes • Chittenden County – Essex Junction, Milton • Franklin County – St. Albans Town • Rutland County – Rutland City • Washington County – Barre, Berlin, Northfield The Northwest region of Vermont includes 13 areas of Persistent Poverty (Burlington, Winooski, Barre, and Rutland), 11 designated Opportunity Zones, and one area designated as Historically Disadvantage Community (Barre). This project will provide opportunities for economic growth, and improved connectivity among these communities. It will support the development of walkable centers in village areas while also providing new transit connections for rural, mobility-challenged Vermonters. CCRPC envisions that developing transitoriented developments with accessible and convenient public transportation services, will provide a viable alternative to automobile-dependent living for Vermonters, reduce household transportation costs, and provide rural residents with job opportunities. As a result, CCRPC would anticipate an increase in property values, higher property tax revenue, optimization of infrastructure costs, reduction of transportation expenses, and stimulation of economic development and job creation.
