Monday, June 16th

Your Monday Briefing: Juneteenth Streetball Hoops & Music, A 'Canada Street' Rename on Church St?, & South End Closures – Get ready for a week of celebrations with Juneteenth events kicking off from South Burlington to downtown. Get the details on the South Burlington pedestrian bridge finally moving ahead and a bold new proposal for the Pine Street Barge Canal area. Meanwhile, City Hall debates a Canadian rebrand for Church Street and South End drivers should beware of parkway construction, all under increasingly warm and humid skies.

June 16, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Monday Rundown:

Good evening, Burlington. After a day of pleasant sun and clouds, it seems summer is finally ready to make its entrance. Expect temperatures to linger in the mid to upper 70s this afternoon, with just a slight chance of a passing shower. Things will start to feel a bit more humid as the week progresses. Tuesday brings more clouds and a higher likelihood of showers, especially in the afternoon. By Wednesday and Thursday, the warmth and humidity really build, with highs pushing into the low to mid 80s and the potential for some scattered afternoon thunderstorms. A cold front should bring some relief just in time for the official start of summer on Friday, making things noticeably cooler and setting us up for what looks to be a decent weekend with highs comfortably in the 70s.

There’s plenty happening around town before the weekend arrives. Tonight, the City Council is gathering for a meeting with a particularly interesting agenda. They’ll be making the annual appointments to the city’s various boards and commissions, which is always an important civic exercise. Also on the docket is a vote on whether to ceremonially rename Church Street as "Canada Street/Rue Canada" in a gesture of goodwill to our neighbors to the north. The council will also continue its discussion on impact fees for new development, a conversation that directly touches on the city's housing affordability challenges. If you're looking for a different kind of strategic maneuvering tonight, the Pinball Co-op hosts its five-fair-strikes tournament starting at 6:30 PM.

Later this week, the community calendar is packed. On Wednesday evening, Lily’s Pad is hosting its Ribbit Review, a community potluck and open mic night with a focus this week on protest and freedom of expression—a space for sonic art and connection. Then on Thursday, you have options. At noon, the South Burlington Juneteenth celebration kicks off with a 3v3 basketball tournament at Veterans Memorial Park. Looks like there’s still time to sign up at $15 per team, or $5 to be put on a team. Come watch! That evening, you can catch the soulful, jazzy tunes of Queen Bonobo at Foam Brewers for a free show at 7:00 PM, or head to Arthur's Downtown for Third Thursdays, a showcase of local hip hop artists starting at 8:00 PM. Also on Thursday, the Friends of the Barge Canal will present their vision for revitalizing development in the South End at the Ward 5 NPA meeting, a significant conversation about the future of a key city neighborhood.

Today’s high of 82°F is a bit warmer than the June 16 average of 78°F, with overnight lows well above the 58°F norm. Looking ahead, temperatures continue slightly elevated through Thursday, with highs generally in the mid‑80s and lows in the upper‑60s to low‑60s.

Our beautiful Burlington Bike Path

"South Burlington’s pedestrian bridge is finally out for bid and construction should start next year… This is a hugely important project for the city." per WCAX

After decades of discussion, the bike and pedestrian bridge over Interstate 89 in South Burlington is finally moving forward. The project is now out for bid, with construction slated to begin next year. For residents on both sides of the interstate, this bridge represents a long awaited connection and a significant step toward a more walkable and bikeable city, though drivers should anticipate some nighttime shutdowns once work begins.

The new unit's aim is to allow patrol officers to focus on priority calls and decrease calls for service over time. per the Other Paper

This new unit represents a shift towards a more community-oriented policing model, aiming to handle quality of life issues like neighbor disputes and mental health calls that don't necessarily require a traditional law enforcement response. The goal is to build stronger relationships with residents and free up patrol officers for more urgent matters. This initiative is led by Community Services Sergeant Gregory Short under the guidance of acting chief Sean Briscoe.

“The passage of a law that makes it so that now landlords can’t discriminate against immigrants, against people for their immigration status or their citizenship." per MyNBC5

Governor Phil Scott has signed a new bill into law that prevents landlords from requiring a Social Security number to rent or sell housing. This legislation directly addresses a significant barrier faced by many immigrants and new Vermonters when trying to secure a place to live. By allowing alternative forms of identification, the state aims to combat housing discrimination and make Vermont a more welcoming place for all residents, regardless of their citizenship status.

"OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, have agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement." per WCAX

Vermont is set to receive nearly $22 million from the massive settlement with Purdue Pharma, the company widely blamed for helping to fuel the national opioid crisis. While a significant sum, it pales in comparison to the vast resources the state has spent combating the epidemic's devastating effects. The settlement will end the Sackler family's control of the company and their ability to sell opioids in the U.S., marking a major, if overdue, moment of accountability.

"On Monday, the intersection of King and Pine streets is closed." per WCAX

Drivers in the South End are navigating another round of closures this week as work on the Champlain Parkway continues. The intersection of King and Pine is currently temp closed, with more construction affecting Maple, Kilburn, and Howard streets. It's a tangible, if inconvenient, sign of progress on the major infrastructure project, which officials still say is on track for completion by next summer.

"A group of Burlington city councilors wants to designate Church Street as Canada Street to welcome our northern neighbors." per WCAX

A resolution before the City Council tonight proposes a symbolic designation of Church Street as "Canada Street." Proponents see it as a simple, welcoming gesture to encourage Canadian tourism, a vital part of the downtown economy. The discussion highlights the ongoing effort to find creative ways to support and revitalize the city center by reinforcing our close ties with our friends across the border. Let the city hear your thoughts by tuning in or showing up at City Hall!

"We’re making liquid art, we’re making label art; we’re just trying to have fun at the end of the day." per VTDigger

This piece from VTDigger highlights the journey of Burlington Beer Company founder Joe Lemnah. It tells a familiar Vermont story of passion turned into a successful enterprise, but also sheds light on the crucial role of financing organizations like the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA). For a capital intensive business like a brewery, getting that initial backing can be the difference between a business plan on paper and a thriving community hub in the South End.

Events:

Monday, June 16, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

  • 7:00 PM: A House on Fire (rock) at The Old Post, South Burlington (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: Laura Jane Grace & Band at Higher Ground ($36.73)

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 7:00 PM: 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' at Film House at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington (Free)

Live Music/DJ

  • 6:00 PM: Local Dork (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Big Easy Tuesdays with Jon McBride (jazz) at The 126, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Humbird w/ Cricket Blue (folk) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($15)

  • 9:00 PM: Honky Tonk Tuesday with Wild Leek River (country) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)

  • 9:00 PM: Leisure Hour, Cinema Stare, Summer Arachnid (emo, punk) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington ($15)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Thursday, June 19, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

Five more to keep your week fresh and a little more fun. Start with a visit to Delta Park at the mouth of the Winooski River, where you can birdwatch, skip stones, or just take in the wide-open lake views. Spend a few hours at Spare Time in Colchester if the weather turns—bowling, laser tag, and an arcade make it an easy fallback plan. For something a bit unexpected, head to the Soda Plant in the South End and explore the mix of artist studios, vintage shops, and small-batch producers tucked inside. Walk the trails at Centennial Woods and listen to the shift in sound as you step away from the city and into the trees. And if the evening’s clear, make your way out to the Colchester Causeway for a golden hour bike ride with views that feel like a painting.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/202-activites

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks
• Monday: ½-price burgers at Shelburne Tap House and $1 pizza + drafts at Three Needs (after 4 PM)
• Tuesday: $5 tacos at Shelburne Tap House and BOGO 50% off traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings
• Wednesday: $5 off burgers at Daily Planet and $2 corn dogs at Mule Bar
• Thursday: $0.75 wings at Shelburne Tap House and $10 for 2 pizza slices + pint at Four Quarters Brewing

View the full list of food & drink deals here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/food-drink-deals

This Week’s Comic:

“…. but the shot was just too good!”

This Week’s Restaurant Review:

A cornerstone of Burlington's dining scene, American Flatbread on Saint Paul Street has long been celebrated for its artisanal pizzas baked in a traditional wood-fired earthen oven. The restaurant champions a strong farm-to-table ethos, sourcing wholesome, clean ingredients from a dedicated network of local Vermont farmers. This commitment to quality is palpable in the lively, rustic dining room where the impressive oven serves as a warm, inviting centerpiece. The in-house Zero Gravity Craft Brewery further enhances the experience, offering a selection of locally brewed beers that perfectly complement the menu.

The star of the show is, of course, the flatbread. Creative and satisfying options range from the "Medicine Wheel," a classic combination of organic tomato sauce and cheese, to the "New Vermont Sausage," which features house-made maple-fennel pork sausage with sundried tomatoes and caramelized onions. The use of high-quality toppings, including artisanal Vermont cheeses and all-natural meats, is evident in every bite. While the menu is a significant draw, the restaurant's dedication to community, demonstrated through its weekly "Benefit Bakes" for local non-profits, adds another layer of appeal.

Despite its many strengths, the popularity of American Flatbread can be a double-edged sword. During peak hours, the lively and communal atmosphere can translate into significant wait times for a table, which might deter those seeking a quick or quiet meal. The focus on meticulously sourced ingredients also places the flatbreads at a higher price point than your average pizza parlor. However, for those willing to wait and invest in a truly local and flavorful dining experience, American Flatbread remains a must-try Burlington institution.

View the full list of reviews here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/restaurant-reviews

That’s All, Burlington!

Stay cool as the humidity starts to creep in this week. There's a lot to think about and even more to do, from civic meetings to community celebrations. Get out there, get engaged, and enjoy the city.

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Dropping tasteful merch for the Btown Brief soon, stay tuned! Also cooking up scavenger hunts, and hopefully a icebreaker meet up tent at a local event soon!

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