This describes the vast majority of Vermont, but not Burlington. It's not NYC but it's also not Montpelier and it's definitely not Stowe.

Burlington is the "small city" for people who want everything local - local brewers, local farms, co-ops and farmer's markets, etc.

I'm not suggesting that Burlington should build highrises everywhere. I'm suggesting that the building forms that already exist in downtown Burlington - tightly packed 2-4 story buildings - should perhaps continue a little further out. It's possible to have urbanism that isn't Manhattan.

With unchecked suburban sprawl, Burlington is going to become the opposite of what it represents now - generic big box stores and chains.