Racial justice group requests changes to Champlain Parkway
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - The Vermont Racial Justice Alliance is requesting changes to the Champlain Parkway to address their concerns about racial and environmental injustice.
The alliance says it sent a plea to Gov. Phil Scott last month asking for modifications. Members claim the project, which is intended to reduce congestion in some Burlington neighborhoods, would actually dump more traffic into low-income, Black and immigrant neighborhoods in the Maple and King street areas. They say traffic would increase by 37% there, while it would decrease by 72% in wealthier, white communities.
Alliance director Mark Hughes says they want to have a conversation with the governor about the best way to move forward.
“We happen to believe that there’s a possibility that we can probably come to an acceptable agreement just by talking it through and making sure everybody understands all of the moving parts and that all of the stakeholders are at the table,” he said.
Related Stories:
Road project aimed at easing access to downtown Burlington
Citizen’s group loses Champlain Parkway appeal
Champlain Parkway faces another possible permitting hurdle
City officials: Completion of Champlain Parkway ‘never been closer’
New roadblock for Champlain Parkway?
Champlain Parkway construction could begin this year
3 groups appeal Champlain Parkway work
Group threatens to block Champlain Parkway in court
Copyright 2021 WCAX. All rights reserved.
