downtown bennington western gateway area wide assessment
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Downtown Bennington Western Gateway
Area Wide Assessment
June 2014
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Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide Assessment
Table of Contents
Introduction.………………….….……….….…………………1
Economic and Demographic Information…………11
Review of Existing Planning Documents…………..21
Recent Developments Within the Area Wide
Assessment District…….……………………………….35
Development Opportunities…………………………….37
Property and Parcel Inventory…………………………51
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Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide Assessment
-Introduction
The Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide Assessment is intended to provide a
guide for focusing attention and resources on the important western entryway to Bennington’s
historic downtown district. Bennington has made great efforts to ensure the vitality of its urban
core through investment in infrastructure such as pedestrian amenities, lighting and traffic-calming
installations and by participating in the State of Vermont’s Downtown Program. Bennington
became one of Vermont’s original Designated Downtowns in 2000. The Vermont Downtown
Program follows the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 4-Point Plan for revitalization of
downtown areas and Bennington has dedicated significant efforts and resources toward this model
The Downtown Bennington Western Gateway area serves as the western approach to Bennington’sDesignated Downtown area. The study area is one of both transition and possible transformation.
A number of properties in the Western Gateway are vacant or underutilized. Several have
participated, or could benefit from participation, in the Brownfields Program administered locally
by the Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC). BCRC has undertaken this area-wide
planning effort with the following principles in mind:
-To protect the public health and environment.
-To increase the economic vitality of the study area.
-To reflect the community’s vision for redevelopment of the town and the area.
With these principles in mind, the overarching goals of the Downtown Bennington Western
Gateway Area-Wide Plan were developed:
· To inventory the parcels within the identified gateway district and provide basic
information of interest to potential development partners.
· To promote the adaptive reuse of properties and parcels within the Western
Gateway a specific focus on Brownfield properties.
· To devise potential redevelopment scenarios for some of the key properties within
the district.
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Bennington was chartered in 1749 by Benning Wentworth, the governor of New Hampshire.
A village site was planned for its center and was eventually established where Old
Bennington Village is now located. The relatively level ground and abundant water power to
the north and east of Old Bennington soon attracted considerable development. The
downtown and village neighborhoods that surround it remain as important commercial and
residential centers today.
Bennington became an important manufacturing center in the 19th century with mills and
factories constructed in the area that is now downtown and along the Walloomsac River and
Paran Creek. The textile industry developed into a particularly important component of the
town’s economic base. In the meantime, agriculture transformed the landscape as farms
spread through the valleys and hillsides were cleared for pasture.
A network of roads soon connected the villages and outlying areas, and important highways
leading to towns and cities to the west, north, and south were laid out and
improved. Roadways also were established along different alignments up and over the
mountains to the east until the current highway (VT 9), following the Roaring Branch into
Woodford, became the principal route toward Brattleboro and the Connecticut River Valley.
A network of roads soon connected the villages and outlying areas, and important highways
leading to towns and cities to the west, north, and south were laid out and
improved. Roadways also were established along different alignments up and over the
mountains to the east until the current highway (VT 9), following the Roaring Branch into
Woodford, became the principal route toward Brattleboro and the Connecticut River Valley.
The first decades of the 20 th
century saw a number of important developments. An
increasing reliance on automobiles led to a need to improve roads and most of the main
roads through the area were paved by 1940. The first hospital, Putnam Memorial, now
known as Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, was opened in 1918. The stock market
crash idled many local industries in the 1930s, but new industrial enterprises began to take
their place after World War II.
The first decades of the 20th century saw a number of important developments. An increasing
reliance on automobiles led to a need to improve roads and most of the main roads through
the area were paved by 1940. The first hospital, Putnam Memorial, now known asSouthwestern Vermont Medical Center, was opened in 1918. The stock market crash idled
many local industries in the 1930s, but new industrial enterprises began to take their place
after World War II.
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Bennington also began to develop as a center for education, culture, and recreation with the
opening of Bennington College, improved access for tourism, and a growing interest in the arts.
In recent years, the town has made an effort to preserve important historic and natural
resources while encouraging new development that takes advantage of the area’s rich history
and an ever-improving transportation and telecommunications infrastructure. The town is now
home to approximately 16,000 residents (including North Bennington and Old Bennington), a
number that has remained relatively constant since 1980.
This population has dispersed somewhat as new homes have been constructed in rural areas
which are not farmed as extensively as they once were. Agricultural operations are still
important in Bennington, however, especially in the rich valleys in the southern and western
parts of the town. The mountainsides, to the extent that they were once cleared for timber
resources and pasture, have largely reverted to forest and many of these lands have beenconserved to ensure that they remain undeveloped.
-Excerpted from Bennington Town Plan
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The BCRC’s brownfield program has recognized both the challenges and opportunities
presented by the current economic condition of the region and our local communities. Several
regional and local organizations, the BCRC, and local government officials, have recently joined
together to form an economic development task force and in May 2013 completed the
Bennington Strategic Economic Development Plan. Several key areas of concern that can be
addressed through effective planning, public and private investment, and brownfield
redevelopment were identified:
● The region has experienced a slow pace of economic progress and lacks effective
economic development resources.
● A decline in manufacturing employment in Bennington (26%, as noted above) has ledto higher unemployment, lower wages, and secondary impacts on local businesses.
● Existing businesses seeking to expand locally and new businesses consideringrelocation to the area often find that the resident workforce lacks requisite skills.
● Limited land (new development parcels or vacant land/abandoned buildings with no
environmental constraints) is available for new commercial and industrial development.
● Bennington lacks conveniently located workforce housing that is both affordable and
desirable.
During its ongoing brownfield work, the BCRC has established priorities, consistent with
the Commission’s sustainability objectives, that support work in downtowns and village centers
where infill development and redevelopment is needed to reduce environmental hazards,
revitalize neighborhoods, and when possible, facilitate development of renewable energyresources. To promote the potential for successful outcomes, the availability of public
infrastructure, community support, and reuse potential are important site selection criteria.
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Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide Assessment
– Area Description
Bennington’s Downtown Western Gateway is the center of residential, commercial, industrial,
and institutional land uses, as well as the site of numerous areas of environmental concern.
The Western Gateway also holds great promise for redevelopment and is a key to revitalization
of the town, and in turn, the entire economic region. The BCRC has mapped all of the
properties within the area that are available for redevelopment (land currently vacant or with
abandoned or significantly underutilized buildings). Nearly all of this development potential can
be classified as “infill,” redevelopment that will complete and connect streets, neighborhoods,
and mixed-use districts that currently are disconnected and blighted by the presence of vacant
or abandoned properties.The Downtown Bennington Western Gateway includes sections of the historic downtown,
urban neighborhoods, commercial and industrial properties and an inventory of vacant,
abandoned or underutilized properties that represent environmental challenges and
redevelopment opportunities. Among the key properties in the Western Gateway are:
● A vacant lot most recently occupied by a hardware store, and an adjacent abandoned food
store, located one block from the downtown’s main crossroads.
● A largely-vacant historic factory building overlooking a scenic natural stream that flowsthrough downtown.
● A former car dealership located two blocks from the center of downtown.
● An abandoned fuel distribution center.● An historic three-story hotel and an adjacent former county court house, now mostly vacant,
located at the center of the downtown.
● A centrally located National Guard building that is soon to be vacated; the Town of Bennington has agreed in principle to acquire this site for public use.
The BCRC and its community partners recognize both the magnitude and the importance of
these revitalization efforts. To maximize the probability of effective outputs and ensure that
outcomes are as beneficial to the efforts as possible, it is critical that environmental
assessments and reuse and redevelopment planning be closely coordinated with the
comprehensive area-wide plan for the Western Gateway. Successful redevelopment in this
area will support Bennington’s economic development efforts by providing sites for new
businesses, a more vibrant and attractive downtown, and centrally located workforce housing.
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Project Area
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Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide Assessment – Area Detail
The Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area is denoted in the map below. This section
of the Bennington community includes commercial, industrial and residential properties and
comprises the critical western gateway to Bennington’s historic downtown; a key entry point
from travelers coming from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and other points west, south
and southwest. Building footprints are for all properties within the Downtown Bennington
Western gateway area are delineated on this map. Also indicated are petroleum impacted sites
and surface parking areas.
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Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide Assessment – Land Uses
This map shows the range of land uses with the Downtown Bennington Western Gateway. This
Western Gateway area is comprised of a mix of uses including retail, commercial, residential
and governmental. A critical component of any redevelopment of the Western Gateway is the
continuation of diverse land uses which complement and enhance the existing uses within the
area.
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Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide Assessment – Parcel Map
The following map shows the land parcels within the Downtown Bennington Western Gateway.Numbers are the Town of Bennington tax map identification numbers. Parcels may be
referenced in this report’s Inventory section utilizing the tax map identification numbers.
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Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide Assessment
-Existing Economic and Demographic Conditions
8,0338,698
9,98210,628
11,25712,411
13,002
14,586
15,81516,451
15,737
15,764
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Population Change - Bennington, Vermont - 1900 through 2010
Source 2010 US Census
The population of Bennington increased steadily from 1900 to 1990, and decreased slightly in the early
2000s. Bennington’s Growth Center application (February 2008) projected the town’s population to grow
by approximately 1,500 between 2010 and 2030 (a growth rate of less than 0.5% per year).
Source: 2010 US Census.
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Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide Assessmen
478
452
413
610
592
411
361
423
455
534
529
486
489
328
228
208
175
207
427
418
463
691
730
462
407
396
514
555
548
586
494
389
293
311
280
421
under 5 years
5 to 9 years
10 to 14 years
15 to 19 years
20 to 24 years
25 to 29 years
30 to 34 years
35 to 39 years
40 to 44 years
45 to 49 years
50 to 54 years
55 to 59 years
60 to 64 years
65 to 69 years
70 to 74 years
75 to 79 years
80 to 84 years
85 years and over
Age Distribution - Bennington, Vermont - 2010 Census
Male Female
Source 2010 US Census
Bennington has a median age of 40.8 years old; it is significantly younger than the median age of
Bennington County of 45.1 years old, and Vermont median age of 41.5. The relatively low median
age is probably partly attributable to the presence of a large number of college students in town,
many of whom may have reported Bennington as their primary residence in 2010. Bennington
College and Southern Vermont College each also enroll significantly more women than men,
possibly affecting the male-female ratio in the 20-24 age.
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Bennington Employment and Average Wage by economic Sector: 2003, 2007 and 2012
Average Wage
Economic Sector
Employment -
2003
Employment -
2007
Employment -
2012 2003 2007
ealth and Social Services—private sector 2,515 2,505 2,389 31,972 39,007 4
ealth and Social Services—government sector 301 301 308 40,643 43,884 3
Manufacturing 1,700 1,780 1,629 36,645 40,704 4
etail Trade 1,550 1,610 1,569 21,857 23,749 2
ducation—private schools and colleges 537 574 542 27,804 32,234 4
ducation—public schools and colleges 695 778 608 32,995 33,538 2
eisure, Hospitality 805 846 815 11,872 13,181 1
rofessional Services 372 444 533 26,317 32,812 2
overnment (not health and social services orducation) 525 362 389 36,295 38,287 3
onstruction 250 287 194 27,887 34,063 3
nformation 264 258 228 30,487 39,270 3
inance, Insurance, Real Estate 266 262 214 36,795 43,675 4
Other Services 294 239 226 17,385 18,833 2
ransportation 148 147 89 27,519 33,600 2
Wholesale Trade 119 126 51 39,734 43,525 5
atural Resources 46 17 4 17,024 17,479 2
Source Vermont Department of
General Employment and Income Data - Bennington, VT
Bennington Bennington County Vermont
Median Family Income
Median income for 2+person
families. Source:2010 US
Census
$50,313 $58,750 $63,482
Average Wage
Average wage across all
economic sectors. Source:
Vermont Department of
Labor, 2011.
$37,370 $37,398 $40,289
Per Capita Income
Aggregate income for
geography divided by total
population. Source: 2010 US
Census.
$22,977 $27,072 $27,036
Total Labor ForceApril 2013. Source Vermont
Department of Labor.
7,920 18,900 347,650
Unemployment Rate April
2013 Source: Vermont
Department of Labor
5.9% 5.5% 4.6%
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.
$117,842
$113,540
$121,4
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
$140,000
$160,000
$180,000
$200,000
2000 2001 2002
S
16
$123,939
$144,318 $164,880
$181,572
$187,666
$187,978
$
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 200
le Price of Primary HomesBennington, Vermont
59,673
$158,850
$171,234
$154,243
2010 2011 2012
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Existin
Ty
Single Family
Condo/ Town house
Manufactured/ Mobi
Multi Family
$0
Single Family
Condo/ Town house
Mfd/ Mobile home
Multi Family
Existing H
Housing prices, according
from 2011 to 2012 for Si
Existing Housing Stock
g Housing Stock Average and Median Price
e Average
$245,588
$190,253
le home $49,000
$155,026
Source: Real State- Realt
$50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000
$1
$49,000
$155,026
$179,
$139,900
$49,000
$159,90
Median AverageSource: Real St
ousing Stock Average and Media
o data from the Vermont Department of Ta
gle Family Houses, 12.21% for Condominiu
Manufactured Homes.
Median
$179,000
$139,900
$49,000
$159,900
r.com® Homes
$250,000
$245,588
0,253
00
ate- Realtor.com®
n Price
es, increased 7.10%
s, and 172.22% in
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Housing Stock
Bennington is similar to Be
owner-occupied homes, wh
considerably higher. The difewer seasonal homes than
Benningt
Bennington Housing
Statistics
2000
Total Housing Units 6,574
Owner Occupied 3,763
Owner occupied as
percent of all housing
57.2%
Renter Occupied 2,399
Renter occupied as a
percent of all housing
36.5%
Vacant (not seasonal,
recreational)
322
Vacant (not
seasonal/rec.) as a
percent of all housing
4.9%
for Seasonal,
Recreational, or
Occasional Use
90
Seasonal/recreational
as a percent of all
housing
1.4%
51
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Owned
58 58
nington County and Vermont with regard
le the share of renter-occupied units in Be
crepancy is attributable to the fact that Bither the county or the state.
n Town Bennington County
2010 2000 2010
6,763 19,403 20,922 2
3,738 10,599 11,017 1
55.3% 54.6% 52.7% 5
2,508 4,247 4,453 7
37.1% 21.9% 21.3% 2
384 884 1,158 1
5.7% 4.6% 5.5%
133 3,673 4,294 4
2.0% 18.9% 20.5% 1
14
35
Rented Seasonal/For Sale
or Rent
Benning
Rest of
County
Vermon
37
23
5
19
Perce
homes
rented,
season
sale
to the percentage of
nnington is
nnington has far
Vermont
000 2010
4,382 322,539
9,784 181,407
7.7% 56.2%
,850 75,035
4.1% 23.3%
0,688 15,899
.6% 4.9%
3,060 50,198
4.6% 15.6%
ton
ennington
t
tage of
owned,
nd used
lly or for
r rent
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Household Size and Income
For all family sizes, the Median Family Income in Bennington is lower than Bennington
County and the State of Vermont.
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Housing Affordability
This table notes the Average Fair Market Rent for Bennington as calculated by HUD and the
Median Rent for apartments with the same number of bedrooms. Median rents in
Bennington are slightly higher than the Fair Market Rent at every apartment size.
Bennington Average Fair Market and Median Rents by # of Bedrooms
Bedrooms
Avg. Fair
Market
Median
Rent
Monthly Rent
1BR $770 $784
2BR $930 $983
3BR $1,140 $1,242
4BR $1,322 $1,384
Source: US Census, ACS
2011, HUD (2011)
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Income as a Percentage of Housing Costs
A greater percentage of both home owners and renters pay more than 30% and more than50% of their gross incomes for housing costs in Bennington than in Vermont. While the
homeowner numbers are close (46.1% of homeowners in Bennington pay 30% or more for
housing. In Vermont that total is 45.2%), for renters the discrepancy is greater. 88% of
Bennington renters pay 30% or more of their incomes for their apartments versus 77.3% for
the state as a whole. For both owners and renters a larger share of Bennington residents pay
50% or more for housing than those in the Vermont as a whole.
Home Ownership and Rental Affordability in Bennington and in Vermont –
Those Paying 30% or More Toward Housing Costs
Owner Occupied Housing (2007-2011)
Bennington Vermont
30% or More 31.6% 33.1%
50% or More 14.5% 12.1%
Rental Housing (2007-2011)
Bennington Vermont
30% or More 60.7% 51.9%
50% or More 27.3% 25.4%
Source: HUD (2013)
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Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide Assessment
-Review of Existing Planning Documents
An important component of the development planning process is an understanding of previous
and existing planning, strategy and implementation efforts. These documents provide
important clues and information regarding the likelihood of success of various strategies and
initiatives, as well as guidance into key tenets the community holds dear. The following
represents a synopsis of key planning efforts undertaken by the Town of Bennington and its
economic development partners over the past several years. A review of this information is
useful in constructing current strategies, goals and actions for the potential development of
underutilized properties within the Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide
Planning district in an effort to achieve a more robust, sustainable Bennington economy.Lessons may be taken from these past efforts, both with regard to what has been
successful and should be continued, as well as those elements which may not lead to the
desired outcomes.
The planning documents reviewed were:
Bennington Strategic Economic Development Plan (2013)
Bennington Town Plan (2010)
Downtown Market Analysis for Downtown Bennington, Vermont (2006)
LUCA: Land Use and Circulation Analysis for Bennington Downtown (2006)
Strategic Economic Development Plan for the Bennington Region (2004)Downtown Bennington 21
st Century Initiative: Master Plan and Retail Study (2000)
Each of the reports is summarized on the following pages.
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Bennington Strategic Economic Development Plan
Following more than a year’s work with a steering committee, outside consultants, the regional planning
commission some of the area’s largest employers and not-for-profit agencies, in May 2013 the Benningto
Select Board adopted the Bennington Strategic Economic Development Plan. The plan offers a mix of shoterm, mid-range and long-term strategies designed to improve Bennington’s economic situation. Rather
simply identifying needs and crafting potential solutions without concern for the ability of the community
accomplish them, the plan builds upon Bennington’s ample existing assets to create momentum toward,
a culture of, increased economic vitality. When backed by an accountability framework for implementatio
the Bennington Strategic Economic Development Plan is a guide for achieving increased economic prospe
and improved quality of life in the region.
To address challenges faced and to build upon existing assets to create a more vibrant local economy, the
Bennington Strategic Economic Development Plan focuses on three primary goals:
1. To increase job opportunities and the competitiveness and quality of the workforce to meet
the needs of existing and new businesses in Bennington.
2. To develop and maintain critical infrastructure necessary to promote economic vitality.
3. To increase economic activity and to improve the quality of life in Bennington by
focusing on local businesses and existing assets.
The Bennington Strategic Economic Development Plan consists of 40 targeted strategic actions
designed to meet the overall goals of the plan. Given limited resources to implement development activ
each action was created purposefully to address multiple objectives in the plan. Further, in order to prov
structure and focus to the plan, 10 strategic actions were prioritized for immediate action. As the prioriti
strategies are completed, others on the list will be selected and moved into activeimplementation. The 10 prioritized strategic actions are:
1. Establish an implementation and accountability framework for the Bennington Strategic
Economic Development Plan.
2. Create a continuum of workforce development and targeted training opportunities to
ensure local jobs are created and filled by Bennington residents wherever feasible. As an initial st
identify skills required by Bennington employers and make recommendations to public and privat
schools and training providers for curriculum enhancements, new and revised programs by July 1,
2014.
3. Design and implement a comprehensive local internship program for high school students, college students and unemployed and underemployed adults based upon the needs of area
businesses by July 1, 2014.
4. Survey existing, emerging and departed businesses and recruiting professionals to identify
actions that can be taken to help with start-up and retention costs and attracting and
retaining high caliber managers and employees. Recommendations might address barriers
such as space availability, costs of doing business in Bennington, workforce issues,
transportation, availability of financing and community amenities. As part of this effort,
create a process to assist local businesses with recruitment of key employees.
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5. Research growth industries for the next 10 years and identify methods to attract or
incubate selected entities in the Bennington region. Special attention should be given
to critical parts of the value chain of key area industries.
6. Develop a cultural plan designed to improve opportunities for and communication andcooperation among Bennington’s artistic and cultural businesses, resources and
practitioners.
7. Produce a strategy, by July 1, 2014, to develop an adequate supply of quality housing
units at affordability level consistent with the workforce needs of Bennington
businesses.
8. Support the MAU Math Pilot Program to foster increased math confidence and skills in
students in grades 9-12. As appropriate, expand the model to reach more math
students and students in other academic areas.
9. Utilize the Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) program and other sources to identify
and map underutilized and vacant properties and develop options to achieve future
development objectives of such sites.
10. Develop a full-service marketing campaign that targets professionals and those in the
25-44 year old demographic who have left the area.
To show immediate movement toward meeting the goals of the Bennington Strategic
Economic Development Plan, a 90-Day Action Agenda was created. This agenda includes a
number of actions which can be undertaken and completed in a short period of time and which will
result in meaningful progress toward enhanced vitality of the local economy.
Ø Establish an implementation and accountability framework for the Bennington
Strategic Economic Development Plan.
ØCreate a blanket of free wi-fi “hot spots” to cover all of downtown Bennington.
Ø Schedule and conduct a Select Board-School Boards meeting to discuss elements of
common concern and to devise a structure for communications.
Ø Develop a framework for Bennington enhancement projects. Possible elements could
include a façade program with a 50/50 match, marketing efforts, downtown property
rental assistance, recreational opportunity development and other community
enhancement projects.
Ø Commence efforts to attract college students to downtown Bennington by addressing
business hours, the mix of businesses which cater to students and the establishment of
regular transportation at night between the colleges and downtown.
Ø Identify a target property and secure a lease for a college store in downtown
Bennington.
Ø Complete the Ninja Trail from Bennington to North Bennington.
Ø Detail specific action steps to be taken to recruit businesses to and expand businesses
in Bennington, drawing from the strategies articulated in the Bennington Strategic
Economic Development Plan.
Ø Support the MAU Math Pilot Program to foster increased math confidence and skills in
students in grades 9-12. As appropriate, expand the model to reach more math
students and students in other academic areas.
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Bennington Town Plan
The Bennington Town Plan was prepared by the Bennington Planning Commission as the frameworkguiding future development based on the town’s unique set of values and assets. The plan stresses
Bennington’s importance as a regional economic center for southwestern Vermont and nearby com-
munities in New York and Massachusetts. The town promotes a diverse and sustainable economy
that will provide good wages and a high quality of life for residents.
The town has numerous resources which allow Bennington to be a competitive location
for new and increased economic development. The plan also contains areas for special attention to
further Bennington as a competitive economic location:
· Increase workforce availability for key industries and create additional workforce develop-
ment resources
· Increase affordable, quality housing for employees across all sectors
· Improve adequacy of rail infrastructure for freight and passenger services
The plan sets forth multiple goals directed at increasing business recruitment and retention through
the following policies:
o Ensure adequate industrially zoned land is available by resisting pressures to convert these
areas to other commercial uses. Locate and reclaim Brownfield sites for reuse as industrial
areas.
o Improve transportation facilities where needed to ensure efficient roadway, railway and airtransportation services are available.
o Ensure availability of reliable local energy from renewable sources and provide alternative
transportation to and within the region.
o Maintain an educated and capable workforce trained in new technologies while ensuring
education facilities and programs are responsive to industries’ needs.
o Ensure the availability of housing, childcare, and related services
o Ensure adequate financial resources are available in conjunction with public and private
business development interests
o Support important community services and recreational and cultural resources thus
enhancing the town’s unique quality of life.
The town emphasizes creating a sustainable local economy which can function with less energy
than is currently being consumed. Development will recognize the need to move away from gas and
oil fueled car/truck transportation while stressing the importance of manufacturing goods using local
resources and the support of economic sectors which function with lower energy inputs.
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Overarching Recommendations for Economic Development:
Ø Support economic activity which is in accordance with the town’s historic character,physical environment, and development pattern of a densely developed town center
surrounded by rural countryside.
Ø Maintain a diverse and sustainable economy which will thrive in changing economic condi-
tions
Ø Reuse existing buildings and vacant commercial/industrial sites
Ø Support workforce development catering to the needs of local employers
Ø Work cooperatively with the larger economic region including New York’s Capital District
and the Berkshires in Massachusetts.
Ø Encourage investment in activities supporting a sustainable local economy, particularly in
the areas of local foods and renewable energy
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Downtown Market Analysis for Downtown Bennington, Vermont
The Downtown Market Analysis for Downtown Bennington, Vermont was completed November 21,2006 for the Better Bennington Corporation by the Real Estate Consulting group at Landvest. The
report meant to provide data to identify and target specific uses for downtown recruitment, while
also lending insight into the future of downtown based on communication with downtown infor-
mants. The report inventories the downtown area focusing on the retail spaces which account for
just over half of all commercially-oriented space in downtown.
The first step taken was to identify the current downtown business environment. The study found
that at first glance the downtown appears attractive, but a closer look reveals a downtown with poor
window displays, signage and facades, all indicators of low-quality retailers. The presence of low
quality retailers is thought to be from either inexperience or lack of capital. Also addressed was the
perceived lack of parking by users, despite studies performed that showed parking, while poorly
signed, was sufficient. It was noted that while parking was sufficient, new commercial development
was unlikely unless additional parking was added.
The report included a comprehensive demographic analysis of the downtown, primary (within 11
miles), and secondary (within 20 miles) markets. Data, current and projected, concluded that the
largest age group of all markets is the aging baby boomers between 55 and 64 years old. Also found
is that the downtown area has a larger percentage of renters (as opposed to home owners) than the
other two markets and that downtown had both a lower income and higher concentration of low-in-
come housing than other markets. The data was significant in showing that the needs of downtown
residents were different than the needs of those living in the outside markets.
An analysis of commercial activity in the downtown area found that both the town of Bennington
and Bennington County showed retail and meal sales to be lower than the state average. Through
this analysis it was found that 64.8% of sales during 2005 came from gas stations, motor vehicle
parts, food and dining, and health and personal service. Areas where commercial establishments
were lacking or sales were less than market demand were found to be electronic and appliance
stores, clothing stores, sporting, hobby, books, music stores, general merchandise, and food service
and drinking places.
Outside of the local, primary, and secondary markets a non-local market was identified based on the
opportunities for tourism due to Bennington’s key geographic location. The tourist market, while not
meant to exclude children, generally is recognized as older adults seeking scenery,
cultural, and historical attractions. The report identified trends in the tourism market which
Bennington had the opportunity to benefit from:
Ø Trip Duration- The trend of taking more trips for a shorter time period. Due to Bennington’s
proximity to major Northeast metropolitan markets it is an optimal destination for a short trip
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LUCA: Land Use & Circulation Analysis for Bennington Downtown
The Land Use and Circulation Analysis for Bennington Downtown (LUCA) was developed in Mayof 2006 by the Better Bennington Corporation Economic Development Committee and
Downtown Design Committee to better understand the opportunities for development in
Bennington’s downtown area. Through an analysis of downtown and the surrounding area,
the current land uses and infrastructure were identified as enhancing the downtown vision,
detracting from the vision, or having a neutral effect. Through this analysis areas of potential
growth and enhancement were identified for potential investors and presented in a graphical,
map-based format.
Numerous maps included in the document provided information as to what areas needed,
and which areas had the most potential for, future development. Also included were
recommendations for preservation and expansion of five key areas:
Ø Retail Core
Ø Retail Core Expansion
Ø Government Center
Ø Historic Residential Village, and
Ø Public Greenspace
The guiding principles for future development focus on:
Ø Encouraging Retail Use of 1st Floor Spaces
Ø Preserving Historic Structures and Appearance
Ø Improvement of Pedestrian Facilities, and
Ø Enhancing Available Greenspace
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Strategic Economic Development Plan for the Bennington Region
The Strategic Economic Development Plan for the Bennington Region was created in 2004 by theBennington County Industrial Corporation and the Bennington County Regional Commission to
better understand the current economic conditions of the Bennington region and what direction
he region was best suited to move. The plan put an emphasis on the collective actions of
individuals, businesses, and institutions working together to sustain the high quality of life desired
by the region. Through a series of studies the plan outlined the most likely strategies for increased
economic development within Bennington County.
The plan included an inventory and assessment of the economic development resources available
to the region. The study concluded that Bennington County was in good condition regarding the
resources available for economic development. Major findings of the study were:
Strengths:
· High quality of life due to high environmental quality and abundance of cultural and recre-
ational resources
· Access to major tourist markets
· Good transportation access
· Proximity to the Capital District of New York
· Adequate supply of moderately-priced industrial sites
Weaknesses:
· Lack of labor force in key industries of materials, specialty electronics, metal, and
publishing/printing
· Absence of regional post-secondary technical school
· Housing issues surrounding availability, quality and affordability
· Limited early stage equity funding for entrepreneurial business
The plan included research which provided the characteristics that make a successful regional
employer. By examining sectors experiencing employment growth and wage increases the
following characteristics were identified:
o Produce high quality goods/services for specialized or niche markets
o Maintain high labor productivity through specialized knowledge or training
o Make continuous improvements to productivity capacity and efficiency through capital
investment
o Understand the regions natural resource endowment to gain competitive edge
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To further understand the current economic conditions of the County, research went into providing a
long term economic development and demographic forecasts. The research found that the increase in jobs was forecasted at 1.6% per year, lower than the 2.0% rate seen from 1990 to 2000. The research
also predicted that the service sector will experience the highest rates of growth.
After an analysis of the above information the plan laid out six strategies for providing a stronger re-
gional economy. The strategies included:
o Strengthening regional collaboration
o Targeting strategic job sectors
o Improving workforce development and training
o Enhancing the readiness of critical infrastructure
o Improving the supply, quality and affordability of housing, and
o Facilitating access to affordable early stage and equity capital
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Downtown Bennington 21st Century Initiative: Master Plan and Retail Study
The Downtown Bennington’s 21st Century Initiative was the culmination of a 10-year effort to bring
together a commonly held vision for downtown Bennington and a road map for achieving the
desired results. The plan was created for the Better Bennington Corporation in February, 2000.
The document described the current downtown, its goals for the future, how to get there and the
resources needed to be successful. The recommendations work toward the desired goal of a
downtown which is economically productive, aesthetically pleasing, and easily accessible as a
destination for residents and visitors alike.
The report included information regarding demographics of Bennington and the surrounding areas,
concluding that there was sufficient spending power to increase retail sales, assuming that retail
provided and served desired, currently absent products and markets. Studies found the threegroups of customers with the most potential buying power include local residents living or working
in the downtown area, people within a one hour drive of Bennington, and tourists coming up from
the New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey areas.
The plan stated that for Bennington’s downtown to be successful it must include a diverse range of
activities and stores including services, restaurants/cafes, and specialty stores while also maintain-
ing its historic buildings and small town character. Some areas which the study found
underrepresented include clothing apparel, gift shops, recreational and outdoor apparel stores,
and specialty stores containing Vermont-specific products. Suggested retail goals included
maximizing 1st
floor space for retail stores while encouraging service and business use on upperfloors or on nearby side streets. The plan included three land use goals for the downtown area:
1. Maintain/enhance diversity of uses
2. Ensure efficient use of downtown land to reinforce retail, enhance pedestrian use, and
promote good urban design
3. Create opportunities for future development while maintaining small town feel
The retail study portion of the plan included an analysis of shoppers to find out the areas they felt
were weak in downtown. The results found there were two common areas of dissatisfaction,
merchandise mix and parking. Although parking was an area of concern expressed by shoppers, a
study performed by Southern Vermont College found adequate parking resources in the
downtown area.
In order to ensure downtown is a clean, attractive, and enjoyable place which keeps customers
coming back and draws in new customers, the plan put an emphasis on the need for high quality
retailers. The plan included a section on ways retailers can make their signs and facades as
attractive as possible, while still maintaining the downtown’s value of historic architecture and
small town character. Also included were recommendations on maintaining attractive lighting
and storefront displays.
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The plan stated that all of these factors determine whether a customer returns or whether new
patrons stop in Bennington or simply pass through on their way to another destination. The plan
recommended hiring a person specifically for retail recruitment, retention, and marketing to
ensure only high quality, appropriate retail outlets are allowed in downtown. By making the
leasing process proactive the downtown would contain a diverse selection of stores and services
which specifically cater to the always changing market demands bringing economic vitality to the
downtown Bennington area.
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-Recent Developments Within the Area Wide Assessment District
Since BCRC began working on the Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Area Wide
Assessment one significant redevelopment has occurred and another is well underway. Both
of these developments are on lands formerly owned by Alcaro Motors.
Dollar General
In September 2013, DG Strategic LLC acquired the vacant parcel (50-50-64) on West Main Street
previously used as the car display lot for Alcaro Motors. This site had been vacant since the closingof Alcaro Motors in 2003. Dollar General received its permits and constructed a new two-story
building consistent with the Town of Bennington’s Design Guidelines for the area. The store
opened for business in February 2014.
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LaFlamme’s Furniture
The former Alcaro Motor site (50-57-25) had long been identified as a key redevelopment opportunity
and priority within Bennington’s downtown. The property, vacant since the closing of Alcaro Motors in
2003, received much attention through BCRC’s Brownfields Program, beginning in 2007, to address
numerous issues with environmental contamination. The site was under an approved Corrective Action
Plan but due to lack of resources of the owner who had acquired the mortgage to the property at
auction following the closure of the Alcaro business progress on clean up had stalled.
In January 2014 a fire tore through the LaFlamme’s Furniture building located on Northside Drive in
Bennington. The property was completely destroyed. While owner Christopher LaFlamme vowed to
rebuild in Bennington, it was later learned that due as a result of site constraints that the existing
building was not subject to at the time of construction a new building on the site could only be
constructed at half the size. In order not to lose business in town that wished to remain the Town of
Bennington, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, BCRC and the LaFlammes acted quickly andcooperatively to devise a creative solution.
The Town of Bennington took ownership of the former Alcaro property from Birch Hollow LLC in
exchange for delinquent property taxes due and on May 5, 2014 transferred the property to West
Shore Management, a real estate entity established by the LaFlammes. In exchange, the LaFlammes
agreed to complete the remaining elements in the Corrective Action Plan as part of its renovation
work prior to occupying the building. BCRC assisted the LaFlammes in achieving and understanding of
the clean up requirements and helped facilitate a loan from the State of Vermont’s Brownfield
Assistance Program to help pay for remediation costs. The Town of Bennington also loaned the
LaFLamme’s money from the town’s revolving loan fund to support the clean-up efforts.
Remediation and renovation work is now well underway and sometime in late summer of fall 2014,
Bennington will have a new furniture store on the site of a long vacant, contaminated parcel at the
western gateway to its downtown area. As one additional benefit of this unique and successful
project, the Vermont Agency of Transportation is contemplating the acquisition of the site where
the fire occurred and may look to make long-needed improvements to a crucial intersection along
the town’s Northside Drive commercial corridor.
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-Development Opportunities
A number of properties within the Downtown Bennington Western Gateway Assessment area have
been identified as important current or future redevelopment opportunities. These properties in-
clude:
· Hotel Putnam/Pennysaver Building
Two adjacent and connected historic buildings under the same ownership at the main
downtown intersection known as Bennington’s Four Corners or Putnam Square. In total
the buildings comprise approximately 50,000 square feet. The buildings are both
occupied at the first floor level only. Past redevelopment plans have suggested residential
use for the upper floors of the Putnam Hotel, the return to lodging use or utilizing the
large open space on the second floor of the Pennysaver building as a restaurant or
performance space. The property is now in trust due to the recent passing of the owner.
· National Guard Armory
The Vermont National Guard Armory is a 25,750 Square foot building located in the
parking lot behind the Bennington Town Offices and the Hotel Putnam/Pennysaver
properties. While presently still utilized as an armory, this property may soon become
available. The Town of Bennington is discussing taking ownership of the property should
the National Guard vacate it.
· Bennington Town Highway Garage
The Town of Bennington currently has two highway garages and has acquired land onBowen Road with the idea of consolidating the garages in a single location. When this
happens the downtown highway garage located along Depot Street will become available
for other use. This 5400 square foot building sits adjacent to the Tuttle site.
· Alcaro Motors Building (now under development)
The Alcaro Motors building is located along West Main Street at the western entry to
Bennington’s downtown district. This 6394 square foor property has been vacant since
the car dealership closed in 2003. It has been in BCRC’s Brownfield program since 2007
and has an approved Corrective Action Plan (CAP). The previous owners who acquired
the mortgage from Alcaro Motors at auction did not have the resources to complete the
CAP and were also delinquent in payment of property taxes to the Town of Bennington.To facilitate the redevelopment of this site as noted in the Recent Developments section
of this study, the Town of Bennington acquired the property in exchange for taxes due
and transferred it to a real estate holding company associated with LaFlamme’s Furniture.
The LaFlamme family is presently completing the Corrective Action Plan and preparing
the building for use as a furniture store, slated for opening in late summer or early fall
2014.
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· Alcaro Motors Lot (recently redeveloped)
This one acre parcel was formerly used as the car lot for Alcaro Motors and sits directly
across West Main Street from the Alcaro building. In 2013 the property was acquired by
DG Strategic LLC and a new Dollar General Store was constructed on the site.
· Bennington Brush/Tuttles Lot
BCRC has devoted some time to the property known as the Tuttle Lot. This 0.88 acre acre
vacant parcel in the heart of Bennington’s downtown offers numerous redevelopment
opportunities. The 0.88 acre parcel is under related ownership to the adjacent Bennington
Brush Building and the standalone building commonly referred to as the Green Grocer
building in reference to its prior use. The 0.88 acre parcel has been vacant since the former
H.M. Tuttle Company buildings were demolished in 2005. The Bennington Brush building
is approximately 32,000 square feet in size and presently the VA Clinic and two othertenants. The Green Grocer building was constructed in 2007 along with a 20-car parking
lot and for a very short time housed a deli, grocery store and restaurant. That building has
been vacant since 2008.
The following pages represent some potential redevelopment scenarios for the Tuttle site and the
adjacent properties. This information has been shared with the Town of Bennington with the hopes
that this exercise might spur creative thought regarding prospective developers or users for the parcel.
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Property and Parcel
Inventory
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Property ID Number: 50-50-02
Street Address: 101 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: Harvest Christian Ministries
Owner Name/Address: Harvest Christian Ministries/ 945 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201
Land Area: 0.11Acres
Assessed Value: $ 130,900
Building Age: 1990
Building Size: 2242 square feet 1st floor: 1378 SF
2nd floor: 864 SF
Basement: 1008 SF
Street Frontage: 70 feet on Benmont Avenue and 55 feet on River Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = NA River Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Mixed Residential
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-50-19
Street Address: 107 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Harvest Christian Ministries/945 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201
Land Area: 0.11 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 102,400
Building Age: Constructed in 1925
Building Size: 2146 square feet 1st floor: 1006 SF
2nd floor: 1040 SF
Basement: 1040 SF
Street Frontage: 59.87 feet on River Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = N/A River Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Mixed Residential
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-50-21
Street Address: 109 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Strohmaier Henry M & Cecily B/977 Strohmaier Rd, Bennington, VT
Land Area: 0.07 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 54,300
Building Age: 1940
Building Size: 544 square feet 1st floor: 416 SF
2nd floor: 128 SF
Porch: 90 SF
Street Frontage: NA
Traffic Volume: AADT = NA River Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Mixed Residential
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-50-22
Street Address: 111 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: HSBC Bank, USA National ASSOC
999 NW Grand BLVD, Oklahoma City, OK 78118
Land Area: 0.06 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 92,800
Building Age: 1930
Historic Structure: No
Building Size: 1512 square feet 1st floor: 1080 SF
Basement: 1080 SF
Finished attic: 432 SF
Street Frontage: 31.22 feet on River Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = NA River Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Mixed Residetial
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-50-27
Street Address: 115 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Long Robert J & M Theresa/115 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Land Area: 0.27 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 125,100
Building Age: Constructed in 1913; addition in 1978
Building Size: 1887 square feet 1st floor: 144 SF
2nd floor: 72 SF
1+2 floor: 1671 SF
Basement: 835 SF
Street Frontage: 81.62 feet on River Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = NA River Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Mixed Residential
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-50-32
Street Address: 117 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Hohman John F & Susan C/117 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Land Area: 0.18 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 99,200
Building Age: 1962
Building Size: 1448 square feet 1st floor: 986 SF
2nd floor: 462 SF
Basement: 686 SF
Street Frontage: 40 feet on River Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = NA River Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Mixed Residential
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-50-34
Street Address: 119 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Pedercini Roger/27 Bridges Rd, Williamstown, MA 01267
Land Area: 0.29 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 149,700
Building Age: 1920
Building Size: 2448 square feet 1st floor: 1398 SF
1/2 s fr: 1050 SF
Basement: 1398 SF
Street Frontage: 65 feet on River Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = NA River Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Mixed Residential
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number : 50-50-58
Street Address: 127 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Apollo Industries Inc/105 North End Dr, N Clarendon, VT 05759
Land Area: 1.34 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 197,000
Building Age: 1915(bldg2), 1920(bldg1): add in 1920(RS3),1980(SH5),1988(CP5)
Building Size: 4980 square feet bldg1: 1540 SF bldg2: 440 SF
Storage: 3000 SF (open sided)
Street Frontage: 214.14 feet on River Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = NA River Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: Hazardous Site List Site# = 992634
Priority: SMAC-Site Management Activities Completed
Comments:
-Former lumber yard and fuel oil bulk storage facility
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Property ID Number: 50-50-63
Street Address: 130 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: Bennington Station Parking Lot
Owner Name/Address: State of Vermont - leased to Town of Bennington
Photos
Land Area: 2.5 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 130,900
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Building Age: N/A
Building Size: N/A
Street Frontage: 310 feet on River Street and 65 feet on Depot Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = 5800 Depot Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
-Town of Bennington has lease from the State of Vermont for use of property
-Largest municipal parking lot (182 cars)
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Property ID Number: 50-50-64
Street Address: 262 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: Alcaro Lot - Now Dollar General
Owner Name/Address: DG Strategic LLC
Photos
Land Area: 1.1 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 322,600
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Building Age: 2013
Building Size: 5400 SF
Street Frontage: 240 feet on West Main Street (VT 9)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 6200 Main Street (VT 9)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at speeds
up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
-Former display lot for car dealership
-Recently developed as new Dollar General Store
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Property ID Number: 50-50-65
Street Address: 120 Depot St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: Aubuchon Plaza
Owner Name/Address: Aubuchon Realty Company Inc/23 West Main St, Westminster, MA
Photos
Land Area: 1.7 Acres
Current Use: Mixed retail and office including Vermont DMV
Assessed Value: $ 920,100
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Building Age: 1962, addition in 1979: (ASPH Parking), 1982: (RS1-UTL Frame)
Building Size: Sec1 -1122 square feet 1st floor: 738 SF, 384 SF
Sec2-21783 square feet 1st floor: 21783 SF
Street Frontage: 520 feet on Depot Street and 100 feet on West Main Street (VT 9)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 5800 Depot Street, 6200 Main Street (VT 9)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
-Former site of gas station
-Former Aubuchon Hardware store; now mixed use – retail, gym, VT DMV, restaurant
-Could factor into redevelopment plans for Tuttle’s lot across Depot Street
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Property ID Number: 50-50-66
Street Address: 150 Depot St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: Bennington Station Restaurant
Owner Name/Address: Station Realty LLC/PO Box 396, Shaftsbury, VT 05262
Photos :
Land Area: 0.42 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 595,700
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Building Age: 1897(bldg1) 1961(bldg2)
Building Size: Sec1- 5092 square feet 1st floor: 5092 SF
Basement: 3656 SF
Sec2- 2092 square feet 1st floor: 2092 SF
Street Frontage: 110 feet on River Street and 290 feet on Depot Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = 5800 Depot Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
-Former railroad station; currently restaurant with small conference capability
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Property ID Number: 50-51-01
Street Address: 194 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: Rite-Aid Plaza
Owner Name/Address: PJT Realty CO Inc/50 Service Avenue, Warwick RI
Photos
Land Area: 2.1 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 2,163,200
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Building Age: Constructed in 1964, add in 1997(PA1-ASP Parking)
Building Size: 26632 square feet
Street Frontage: 231.97 feet on Depot Street and 243.68 feet on North Street (US 7)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 5800 Depot Street, 9400 North Street (US 7)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
-Former A&P grocery store; now retail and medical office space with one vacant space
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Property ID Number: 50-51-02
Street Address: 135 Depot St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: JC’s Tavern
Owner Name/Address: Carjo Inc/ 135 Depot St, Bennington, VT 05201
Land Area: 0.3 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 234,300
Building Age: Constructed in 1918
Building Size: 2616 square feet 1st floor: 2450 SF
Basement: 1344 SF
ATT: 166 SF
Street Frontage: 100.67 feet on Depot Street and 128 feet on River Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = 5800 Depot Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-51-24
Street Address: 211 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: J W Properties LLC/ 211 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Land Area: 0.17 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 239,400
Building Age: 1900
Building Size: 9344 square feet
Street Frontage: 72 feet on River Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = NA River Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-51-47
Street Address: 219 River St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: DMC Enterprises LLC/1371 Harwood Hill, Bennington, VT 05201
Land Area: 0.27 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 256,700
Building Age: 1920
Building Size: 4932 square feet 1st
floor: 2466 SF 2nd floor: 2466 SF
Street Frontage: 115 feet on River Street
Traffic Volume: AADT = NA River Street
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at speeds
up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-51-48
Street Address: 198 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Athena Estates LLC/PO Box 502, Stratton Mountain, VT 05155
Photos
Land Area: 0.14 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 257,200
Building Age: 1892
Building Size: 11850 square feet 1st floor: 4250 SF
2nd floor: 3800 SF
3rd floor: 3800 SF
Basement: 3800 SF
Street Frontage: 100 feet on River Street and 55 feet on North Street (US 7)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 9400 North Street (US 7)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
-Former site of Drysdale Department Store (1920’s)
-Currently Knapps Pets & Hobbies but the store is relocating to a more central downtown location
-Mixed-use potential – upper floor housing?
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Property ID Number: 50-51-49
Street Address: 196 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Athena Estates LLC/PO Box 502, Stratton Mountain, VT 05155
Land Area: 0.11 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 148,000
Building Age: 1920
Building Size: 2123 square feet 1st
floor: 1440 SF 2nd floor: 683 SF
Basement: 1440 SF
Street Frontage: 43 feet on North Street (US 7)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 9400 North Street(US 7)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity
at speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-51-50
Street Address: 190 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: Bennington Brush
Owner Name/Address: Applejack Historic Real Estate LLC/PO Box 1527, Manchester Ctr., VT
05255-1527
Photos
Land Area: 1.5 Acres (now 2.0 acres - See Comments)
Assessed Value: $ 844,000
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Building Age: 1880(bldg1) 1900(bldg2)
Building Size: 32554 square feet 1st floor: Sec1-26596 SF, 1798 SF
Sec2- 592 SF
Sec3- 3228 SF
Street Frontage: 92 feet on Depot Street and 182 feet on North Street (US 7)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 5800 Depot Street, 9400 North Street (US 7)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
-Fomer Bennington Brush Manufacturing and later CB Sports retail store
-Former Taylor’s Garage
-Underground gasoline and oil tanks removed
--Lot lines adjusted in 2013 (along with 50-51-51 and 50-51-71)and not yet shown on tax maps;
now 2.0 acres
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Property ID Number: 50-51-51
Street Address: 184 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: Tuttle Lot
Owner Name/Address: Applejack Real Estate Partners LLC/PO Box 1527,
Manchester CTR, VT 05255
Photos
Land Area: 0.75 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 269,400
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Building Age: N/A
Building Size: N/A
Street Frontage: 151.52 feet on North Street (US 7)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 9400 North Street (US 7)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
-Former site of storage building for H.M. Tuttle Hardware
-Site partially improved for parking for VA Clinic on adjacent lot
-Proposed site of downtown State office building – not pursued by State of Vermont
-Lot lines adjusted in 2013 (along with 50-51-50 and 50-51-71)and not yet shown on tax maps;
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Property ID Number: 50-51-52
Street Address: 170 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: Faller’s Music
Owner Name/Address: Faller Bruce I & Wendy/170 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Land Area: 0.27 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 228,900
Building Age: 1896
Building Size: 3912 square feet 1st floor: Sec1- 2400 SF
Sec2- 1512 SF
Basement: 1500 SF
Street Frontage: 50 feet on North Street (US 7)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 9400 North Street (US 7)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-51-53
Street Address: 168 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Tenentes Alexander / 168 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Land Area: 0.07 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 144,700
Building Age: 1900
Building Size: 1720 square feet 1st floor: 1456 SF 2nd floor: 264 SF
Basement: 352 SF
Street Frontage: 36 feet on North Street (US 7)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 9400 North Street (US 7)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-51-54
Street Address: 164 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Common Name: King’s Shoe Repair
Owner Name/Address: Napolitano Antonio & Rosa /164 North St, Bennington, VT
Land Area: 0.06 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 151,100
Building Age: 1900
Building Size: 2640 square feet 1st floor: 1320 SF
2nd floor: 1320 SF
Street Frontage: 35 feet on North Street (US 7)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 9400 North Street (US 7)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity
at speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-51-55
Street Address: 144 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Fraternal Order of Eagles/ 144 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Land Area: 0.07 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 189,100
Building Age: 1920
Building Size: 4437 square feet 1st floor: 2987 SF 2nd floor: 1450 SF
Basement: 1537 SF
Street Frontage: 29.02 feet on North Street (US 7)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 9400 North Street (US 7)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
speeds up to 25mb download/3mb upload available
Zoning District: Central Business
VT DEC Site Inventory: No
Comments:
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Property ID Number: 50-51-56
Street Address: 136 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Owner Name/Address: Regional Affordable Housing/ PO Box 1247, Bennington, VT
Land Area: 0.13 Acres
Assessed Value: $ 264,900
Building Age: 1910
Building Size: 5712 square feet 1st floor: 2100 SF
2nd floor: 2100 SF
3rd floor: 1512 SF
Basement: 1512 SF
Street Frontage: 40.39 feet on North Street (US 7)
Traffic Volume: AADT = 9400 North Street (US 7)
Municipal Water: Present
Municipal Sewer: Present
Electricity and Telecommunications: Electricity to site and broadband internet connectivity at
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