This report is the result of a cooperative planning effort on behalf of the Town of Essex and the CCMPO to explore the potential for a new transit-oriented development in the Route 15/Susie Wilson Road corridor in Essex, Vermont. The plan as presented provides a new vision for an approximately 259-acre area which is beginning to experience changes related to it’s growing role as a prominent center within the Chittenden County region.

Map addendum to the report.

This report addresses continuing efforts by the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) to encourage transit-supportive land use within the Route 15 Corridor communities by extending the transit-supportive planning study to the Susie Wilson Road area in Essex.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) provides a more compact development pattern located within an easy walk of a fixed transit stop (bus or rail), with a mix of residential, employment and shopping opportunities. It focuses on pedestrian-oriented design and provides viable transportation alternatives for residents and workers via walking, bicycling, and transit.

CCMPO engaged DMJM+HARRIS and Basile, Bauman, Prost and Associates, Inc. (BBP Associates) to work with the communities of Winooski, Colchester, Essex and Essex Junction to help develop TOD concept plans for the areas surrounding the proposed passenger rail stations.

The ultimate purpose of these guidelines is to promote the use of transit in Chittenden County. By promoting transit oriented development, it is hoped that there will be greater opportunities for the voluntary use of transit.