Village centers get boost from state
The Bridgewater Community Center project at the former Bridgewater Village School building, shown here, is one of 30 Vermont projects receiving tax credits from the state. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Projects in Bridgewater and Quechee are among 30 local efforts getting a boost from $3.2 million in tax credits to help Vermont downtowns and village centers.
The projects range from the rehabilitation of historic buildings for new uses to smaller upgrades meant to keep businesses vital in their downtowns. In his Thursday announcement, Gov. Phil Scott said it is important to help these projects during the COVID-19 crisis.
“As we continue to weather the devastating economic impacts of this global pandemic and rebuild our economy, the downtown and village center tax credits will help local communities put themselves in the best position to thrive into the future,” Scott said.
Among the projects: $115,677 in tax credits will go to a local effort to adapt the former Bridgewater Village School building for use as a community and childcare center. Those credits will support work to install a new sprinkler system, a three-stop lift, and complete façade repairs. In addition to the childcare center, this $1.15 million project will provide space for community mobility and exercise classes, social and artistic events, and rentable commercial space, according to the Thursday announcement.
In Quechee, $25,000 in tax credits will support a $145,000 project to turn the former Parker House inn building into a new restaurant. The building was purchased in January by Simon Pearce, who has long operated his renowned glassblowing business and restaurant in Quechee village. The tax credits will help with façade repairs and restoration work to complement the outdoor dining experience, state officials said. They also noted the restaurant will provide 8 to 10 jobs for casual dining and private events.
It is encouraging to see additional support going to projects that will strengthen downtowns and village centers, bolster the business community and add key services. The largest project to be included on this list is the Putnam Block Redevelopment Project, a $31.4 million undertaking in Bennington. Over $140,000 in tax credits are going to two major portions of that redevelopment effort. But no matter what their size, all these projects are important parts of their respective communities, and the economy needs them supported for the long term. Every step in that direction counts.
— Gareth Henderson
