Council sets condemnation hearing Sept. 29 for Dorset Street shared‑use path after partial right‑of‑way acquisitions

The South Burlington City Council voted unanimously on July 21 to warn a combined site inspection and public hearing on Sept. 29, 2025, to consider necessity and compensation for easements and related rights for the Dorset Street shared‑use path project.
Erica Quallen, deputy director of capital projects, told the council the project is a 0.7‑mile paved shared‑use path on the east side of Dorset Street between Old Cross Road and Sadie Lane. A Vermont Agency of Transportation grant and local matches (Transportation Impact Fees and Penny for Paths) are committed; construction planning is scheduled for next year. Quallen said the city has completed right‑of‑way acquisitions for nine parcels and continues negotiations with three remaining property owners. Staff recommended warning a condemnation hearing under 19 V.S.A. chapter 7 to preserve the project schedule while continuing negotiations.
City outside counsel David Rue explained the condemnation hearing’s legal scope: the council will consider (1) whether the taking is necessary for a public purpose and (2) what compensation is due to affected property owners. Rue said that warning the hearing often encourages final negotiations but noted that the council may open the hearing and then continue it to a later date if negotiations make further delay sensible.
Quallen proposed a Sept. 29 schedule with a 5:30 p.m. examination of the premises (meeting at 1580 Dorset Street) and a 6:30 p.m. reconvening at City Hall for the hearing. The council voted to set the date; staff will prepare and serve statutory notices and continue to negotiate with owners until (and after) the hearing. City staff and outside counsel said property owners may accept offers of compensation at any time during the process.
A resident who spoke said she needs precise information about how much of her parcel will be used (she raised concerns about a mound septic system). Staff told her the Sept. 29 process will include detailed plans and that staff will continue to work with affected property owners to provide engineering details and answers about impacts.
The council’s action was to warn the condemnation hearing and site inspection only; a subsequent council action after the hearing will determine acquisition and compensation.