Burlington, Vermont, is facing a crime crisis reflected in the open letter signed by more than 170+ businesses, requesting intervention regarding crime and the constantly downgrading situation of their city.
The troubles affecting public safety primarily include the escalating issue of shoplifting, excessive graffiti, drugs being ingested in broad daylight, and the failure to communicate the changes regarding the construction occurring downtown.
Kelly Devine of the Burlington Business Association said the earnings of restaurants and liquor stores have been down compared to previous years. This particular part of town has always had a fun, edgy, artsy look for it, but it has devolved into a “scary, icky” scene that deters people thanks to crime.
