Burlington Council Moves to Restore Safety in City Hall Park
"Folks who support the resolution seem to be painted as political extremists. I don't consider myself a political extremist. And we have a right to expect that the laws and ordinances be enforced."
A Push for Order in Downtown’s Central Green
The Burlington City Council has voted to adopt a resolution aimed at restoring safety and order in City Hall Park, responding to what city leaders describe as a “sustained and unacceptable increase” in criminal activity, open drug use, and disorderly conduct. The measure passed on August 25, 2025, with the backing of Council President Ben Traverse, Councilor Buddy Singh, and Councilor Becca Brown McKnight.
City Hall Park, considered Burlington’s premier downtown public space, has in recent years become the subject of complaints from nearby residents, workers, and business owners. According to the resolution, violent incidents and persistent safety concerns have tarnished the park’s role as a safe gathering space.
Addressing Crime and Enforcement Gaps
The resolution cites open drug use, drug trafficking, public intoxication, violence, and violations of park rules as the primary drivers behind the action. City officials noted that ordinances already prohibit camping, overnight sheltering, and illegal activities in public parks, but enforcement has been inconsistent. According to city leaders, that inconsistency has led to a public perception that such behavior is tolerated.
The Council’s resolution directs the Burlington Police Department and the Department of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront to maintain a consistent public safety presence in the park during its hours of operation. It also reaffirms the city’s intent to enforce park closures between midnight and 6 a.m., requiring that individuals camping or sheltering overnight in violation of ordinances be removed.
Police and City Coordination
The Burlington Police Department is “strongly encouraged” to enforce all relevant statutes and city ordinances within the park and to use “no trespass” orders to deter repeat offenders. In addition, the Mayor’s Office must deliver a report to the Council by September 29, 2025, outlining current police staffing levels and proposing solutions to meet the safety needs of both City Hall Park and the wider downtown area.
Beyond the Park: Regional Issues
Acknowledging that the issues in the park are tied to larger regional challenges, the Council is also requesting broader action. The resolution calls on the Governor of Vermont and the Chittenden County State’s Attorney to convene two county-wide task forces—one focused on regional drug trafficking and another on addressing the root causes of youth violence.
Balancing Safety and Social Needs
The resolution emphasizes that restoring public order must be paired with efforts to address homelessness, addiction, and other underlying social issues. While law enforcement and enforcement of rules will be at the forefront of the city’s efforts, councilors stressed the importance of continuing parallel initiatives to tackle the systemic challenges that often spill into public spaces like City Hall Park.
Sidebar: How We Got Here — A Park at the Center of City Debates
The 2020 Redesign
City Hall Park was the focus of a major $5.8 million redesign completed in 2020. The project was meant to modernize the downtown green, improve accessibility, and create a safer, more inviting space. Features included a rebuilt fountain, added seating, improved lighting, and new plantings. At the time, city leaders said the redesign would help deter crime and increase positive community use of the park.
Persistent Concerns
Despite those investments, safety concerns have persisted. Since the redesign, residents and businesses have repeatedly raised alarms over drug activity, disorderly conduct, and occasional violence in and around the park. According to downtown workers and business groups, these issues have sometimes deterred customers and made employees feel unsafe, especially at night.
Recent Safety Proposals
This resolution follows earlier council discussions in 2024 and early 2025 that considered expanding police patrols, hiring civilian safety staff, and enforcing nighttime park closures. While some of those measures were piloted, critics said enforcement remained inconsistent and public confidence lagged. The new resolution represents a stronger directive for coordinated enforcement, coupled with a request for state and county-level collaboration.
A Balancing Act
City Hall Park has long symbolized Burlington’s efforts to balance livability, inclusivity, and public order. Supporters of stricter enforcement argue that without visible safety measures, the park cannot serve as a welcoming community space. Advocates for unhoused residents and harm reduction groups caution that enforcement alone will not resolve the underlying issues of addiction, housing insecurity, and poverty. The Council’s resolution explicitly acknowledges this tension, framing its approach as one part of a broader solution.