MP-2015-Bennington-00027

ApplicationSummary

ApplicantMunicipality: Town of Bennington

(orleadapplicantifapplyingasaconsortium)
Whatisyourmostrecenttownplanadoptiondate?

10/11/2010

HasyourmunicipalitybeenconfirmedbyyourRegionalPlanning
Commission?

Yes

N/A

No

Ifnot,isyourmunicipalityintheprocessofbeingconfirmed
onorbeforetheapplicationdeadline?

Yes

No

N/A

Ifnot,isthisapplicationforaplanthatwillbesubmittedto
theregionalplanningcommissionforapproval?

Yes

No

N/A

Yes

No

Isthisaconsortiumproject?
IfYes,seelistofParticipatingMunicipalities.
AuthorizingOfficial: Stuart Hurd

GrantAdministrator: Michael Harrington

ProjectType:

Planning for Designated Area

ProjectTypeOther:

ParticipatingMunicipalities:

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Project Description
1(a). Project Title. Name the project as precisely as possible.
Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan

1(b). What does the project accomplish?

The project combines two successful program models - VT Area Wide Planning and VDAT - to create a market
study, site
analyses, feasibility analyses, marketing plans and GIS-based inventory for key redevelopment properties in
downtown
Bennington.

MP-2015-Bennington-00027

2.Whyistheprojectimportant?Describethecontext,purpose,andtimelinessoftheproject,providinganyrelevant
backgroundinformationsuchaspastorpresentplanningactivities,currentissueswithinthecommunityandthestatusofyour
municipalplanandbylaws.IfyoureceivedanMPGlastyear,discussanyrelationshiptothisapplicationandyourcapacityto
simultaneouslycompletebothgrantprojects.

In the past few years, Bennington has suffered, as have many small New England towns, economic hardships brought on
by
the recent recession. Many downtown properties are unused, underutilized or in dis-repair. As noted in the response to
question 3(a) below, the Town Plan has long recognized the importance of a vibrant, resilient and sustainable downtown.
In addition, the recently adopted (2013) Bennington Strategic Economic Development Plan contains strategies to improve
the vibrancy of the downtown through the re-development of key properties. The Economic Plan was developed with the
help of and is being implemented by the Bennington Economic Development Partners (BEDP). The BEDP consists of
representatives from local government, the school system, colleges, business groups, the downtown organization, the
regional planning commission, the regional development corporation, and other interested parties to ensure that
economic
development efforts are coordinated to achieve maximum benefit.
The Economic Development Plan includes as one of its 10 prioritized strategies the Utiliz[ation] of the Brownfield
Opportunity Area program and other sources to identify and map underutilized and vacant properties and develop options
to achieve future development objectives of such sites.
The Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan described in this grant application is a direct result of the concentrated
efforts of the Town, BCRC and the BEDP to implement this strategy. It is a critical next step in the implementation of
the Town of Benningtons efforts to re-develop and re-vitalize its downtown.
In addition to the importance of the timing of the Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan noted above, there exists a
particularly unique opportunity and rationale for doing the project at this time. The Town of Bennington was approached
by representatives from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and
Community
Development (ACCD) several weeks ago with the idea of combining two successful models that have been utilized in other
communities in Vermont; specifically the Vermont Area Wide Planning process and the Vermont Downtown Action Team
(VDAT)
model. Bennington, while suffering significant impacts from the flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Irene, was not
one of the municipalities chosen to participate in the original VDAT project. The ANR and ACCD reps suggested that if
Bennington applied for the maximum Municipal Planning Grant possible, that money would leverage $42,000 in funds ANR
has
available for the completion of area wide planning projects. The MPG in this case is critical to create a project of
meaningful scale to exact the nature and type of redevelopment activities identified as critical in Bennington.
The Town did receive an MPG last year for the development of a detailed plan for improvements that will create a safe
and inviting travel corridor for pedestrians and bicyclists on Benmont Avenue. The Town has contracted with BCRC to
develop the plan. The Town has adequate staff a (full-time Planning Director and a full-time Economic and Community
Development Director) to oversee the successful completion of both grant projects should an MPG be awarded for the
Downtown Bennington Are Wide Plan.

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

ProjectDescription,cont.

3.Howdoestheprojectmeetthecompetitivecriteria?
a. Explainhowtheprojectimplementsideasandactionssetforthwithinthemunicipalplan.Foramunicipalplanorupdate
project,describeanypressingcommunityplanningconcernsthattheproposedplanorupdatewilladdress.

The Bennington Town Plan contains multiple references to the development and implementation of plans and tools to
facilitate the re-development and improve the vibrancy of Benningtons Designated Downtown area.

Chapter 1 A Vision for Benningtons Future

Goals
Goal # 2 Plan development to maintain the towns historic settlement pattern of a well defined urban growth center
surrounded by rural countryside. Provide incentives for investment in the downtown and ensure that new development is
consistent with the areas historic character and form. Support efforts to strengthen and revitalize existing
residential neighborhoods near the towns center.
Goal # 3. Recognize the importance of significant natural, scenic, and historic resources.
Make use of public investment, regulation, and creative development techniques to protect open spaces, natural and
fragile areas, scenic views, and historic sites, structures, and districts that are significant to the community.
Goal # 4. Support policies, public investments, and projects undertaken by both private and nonprofit developers that
help ensure the availability of an adequate supply of housing that is affordable and desirable for all of the towns
residents Promote rehabilitation and reuse of existing sites and structures near the towns center for housing
development.
Chapter 2 Economic Development
2.5 Economic Development Policies and Recommendations
2. Support economic development that provides high-quality jobs while capitalizing on the towns strengths. Economic
development activities shall occur in harmony with the towns historic character, attractive physical environment, and
traditional development pattern of a densely developed center surrounded by rural countryside.
4. Emphasize re-use of existing buildings and vacant commercial and industrial sites, including any brownfield sites
that are identified in town.
14. Continue efforts to maintain and enhance downtown as the commercial, institutional, civic, cultural, and residential
center of Bennington. Maintain the Designated Downtown status as established through the Vermont Agency of
Commerce
and Community Development.
Chapter 3 - Land Use
3.3 Land Use Policies and Recommendations
3. Downtown will remain the commercial, civic, cultural, and residential heart of the community. The town must continue
to pursue public investments and actions that will provide needed facilities and amenities to allow this area to
prosper. Historic resources shall be protected and new building and site development shall be compatible with the
historic character of the area.
5.5 Housing Policies and Recommendations
5. Actively encourage new housing development in and around the downtown, including residential use of the upper
stories
of commercial buildings.
As evidenced above by the multiple references in Benningtons Town Plan to Benningtons Downtown and efforts to
promote,
sustain and improve its vibrancy and character, the Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan implements the general and
specific goals of the Town Plan in multiple ways and on multiple levels.
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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

ProjectDescription,cont.

b.Describewhatkindofcitizenparticipationactivitiesandoutreachintendedtoeducateandinvolvethepublicinplanningwillbe
conductedaspartofthisprojectaswellasanycoordinationandcooperationwithrelevantlocaland/orregionalorganizations.

The Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan project will involve ample opportunity for community outreach and
participation,
as well as coordination with other local and regional organizations. The project steering committee, in addition to
officials from the Town of Bennington, will include representatives from organizations such as the Better Bennington
Corporation, the Bennington Industrial Corporation, Bennington County Regional Commission, Bennington Economic
Development Partners and community representatives. A number of public meetings will be scheduled throughout the
various phases of the project to solicit input from and inform the community of the Downtown Bennington Area Wide
Plan
effort. This will include an initial public meeting following the selection of the consultant and a final public
meeting to wrap up the Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan project, to share the results and to begin to build
excitement
and commitment toward implementation of the plan. Outreach to business and property owners throughout the study
area
will be a critical component of the project, as well.

9/29/2014

MP-2015-Bennington-00027

ProjectDescription,cont.

c.Discusswhetheryourprojectfurthersanyofthefollowingstatewidepriorities.

The Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan furthers the statewide priority focusing in Special Projects for Designated
Areas. In fact, the project will include two of the three types of projects noted under this priority. The Downtown
Bennington Area Wide Plan will be focused in Benningtons Designated Downtown area and will meet the criteria for
both:
Plans, studies and bylaws to improve physical and economic environment such
as downtown master plans and form based codes; and
Infrastructure studies and capital improvement planning in support of
designated areas.

The Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan will involve the following components which are consistent with the
statewide
priorities for FY2015 Municipal Planning Grants:
Existing Conditions Inventory and Analysis The consultant will conduct an inventory and analysis of existing
conditions in and adjacent to the study area. A base level inventory and analysis will be completed for all sites in
the study area and a more detailed analysis will be completed for up to 5 additional sites with adaptive re-use
potential within the district. The base analysis will include such things as an environmental assessment and
identification of brownfield properties, land use patterns, building inventory, infrastructure conditions, maps and
photographs. For the selected properties with redevelopment potential a higher level of analysis will include site
reconnaissance, interviews with owners, identification of recognized environmental conditions and suggestions for
highest and best use.
Market Study The consultant will conduct a study of the market conditions pertaining to the re-use of key
properties within the study area. Utilizing recognized and reliable data sources the consultant will determine the
current and future demand for housing, retail, industrial and commercial uses in the study area. This component of the
project must contain a detailed retail leakage analysis.
Site Analysis The consultant will assess current infrastructure and physical constraints on possible developments
within the study area.
Project Feasibility Analysis The consultant will determine the overall economic and feasibility of preferred
development scenarios for key properties within the study area.
Marketing Plan(s) A marketing plan for Downtown Bennington, in general, which may also include work on branding,
as well as specific marketing strategies to attract capital for redevelopment of critical properties within the study
area, will be developed by the consultant.
Creation of the Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan and Implementation Document The consultant will prepare a
final revitalization plan and implementation document to include:
1. A vision connecting brownfields re-use to redevelopment goals with the study area.
2. A complete inventory for all properties within the study area.
3. Re-use strategies and scenarios and a market strategy for up to 5 selected sites within the study area.
4. A general marketing plan for the study area.
5. A prioritized area wide and site specific implementation plan for up to 5 key properties within the study area.
6. A timeline for plan implementation.
7. Identification of potential funding available for implementation of the plan.
Maps and GIS Database - The consultant will include maps as necessary to illustrate existing conditions within the
study area and at key redevelopment sites. The consultant will be expected to create GIS data based on their analysis
as appropriate.
Each of the elements noted above further the statewide priorities by creating plans to improve the physical and economic
environment of downtown Bennington, or evaluating and looking for opportunities to improve the infrastructure in the

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027
statewide_priorities continued
Designated Downtown area.

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Project Description, cont.

d. How does your project relate to any existing designated Downtown, Village Center, Neighborhood
Development Area or Growth Center? If no designated areas exist in the municipality, indicate "not applicable."

The Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan project study area will be focused in Benningtons Designated Downtown,
resulting
in an updated inventory of real property and existing infrastructure within the downtown, a market study to evaluate
market conditions pertaining to the redevelopment and reuse of key properties, site analyses to look at opportunities
and constraints to develop in the downtown, feasibility analyses to present the overall economic redevelopment
potential
for key properties, and marketing plans for downtown Bennington and for two to five individual redevelopment sites.
All
of this would be supported by detailed maps linked to a GIS database. The Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan will
be
essential to the redevelopment of critical downtown properties at a most opportune time. Just last month H.
Greenberg &
Son hardware and building supply, a longtime downtown Bennington institution, closed its doors. This follows on the
heels of the recent passing of the Greenberg family patriarch and the moving of much of the familys holding into a
trust. In addition to the 2.02 acre hardware and building supply property, the trust controls all but one building in
an entire block in downtown Bennington, and the one remaining building is also on the market. With these properties
potentially in transition, planning for redevelopment in the area becomes more crucial than ever. In addition, the
Town
of Bennington has a downtown highway garage that it hopes to close in the near future as it consolidates two garages
into a single location elsewhere, and the Town has been in communication regarding the potential acquisition of the
National Guard Armory which is also inside the proposed study area. The status of these properties, when combined
with
a number of other privately-owned properties which are candidates for redevelopment, suggest the Downtown
Bennington
Area Wide Plan could not be more timely.

MP-2015-Bennington-00027

WorkPlanandBudget

TaskNumber:

TaskName:

Project Preparation

DescriptionofTask:

Formulate a Steering Committee to work with the Project Manager and Consultant; Approve Scope of

Work; Draft Project Schedule; Issue RFP; Select Consultant.

Responsibility:

Steering Committee/Project
Manager

PaidPersonnel:

Regional Planning
Staff

Ifother,specify:

Hours:

40

HourlyRate:

$50.00

PersonnelCost: $2,000
MaterialDescription

MaterialCost:

TotalCost: $2,000

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

WorkPlanandBudget

TaskNumber:

10

TaskName:

Final Public Presentation

DescriptionofTask:

Final public presentation to educate the community about the Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan

and
the implementation document; Designed to produce excitement for and buy in to the program.

Responsibility:

Consultant/Project
Manager

PaidPersonnel:

Consultant

Ifother,specify:

Hours:

10

HourlyRate:

$0

PersonnelCost: $0
MaterialDescription

MaterialCost:

TotalCost: $0

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

WorkPlanandBudget

TaskNumber:

TaskName:

Conditions and Stakeholder Input

Review of Existing

DescriptionofTask:

Review existing planning docs, econ. and demo. info. and interviews with key, civic and community

stakeholders. Create base level inventory analysis for properties in the study area to include
environmental assessment/infrastructure conditions/etc.

Responsibility:

Consultant

PaidPersonnel:

Consultant

Ifother,specify:

Hours:

60

HourlyRate:

$125.00

PersonnelCost: $7,500
MaterialDescription

MaterialCost:

TotalCost: $7,500

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

WorkPlanandBudget

TaskNumber:

TaskName:

Initial Public Meeting

DescriptionofTask:

Initial public meeting to share with community members the results of initial research and findings

and solicit input regarding project.

Responsibility:

Project Manager/Consultant

PaidPersonnel:

Consultant

Ifother,specify:

Hours:

10

HourlyRate:

$125.00

PersonnelCost: $1,250
MaterialDescription

MaterialCost:

TotalCost: $1,250

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

WorkPlanandBudget

TaskNumber:

TaskName:

Market Study

DescriptionofTask:

Market study pertaining to re-use of key properties in study area using recognized and reliable data

sources. Determine current and future demand for housing, retail, industrial and commercial uses in
study area. Retail leakage analysis included.

Responsibility:

Consultant

PaidPersonnel:

Consultant

Ifother,specify:

Hours:

60

HourlyRate:

$125.00

PersonnelCost: $7,500
MaterialDescription

MaterialCost:

TotalCost: $7,500

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

WorkPlanandBudget

TaskNumber:

TaskName:

Site Analyses

DescriptionofTask:

Consultant will assess current infrastructure and physical constraints on possible developments

within the study area.

Responsibility:

Consultant

PaidPersonnel:

Consultant

Ifother,specify:

Hours:

50

HourlyRate:

$125.00

PersonnelCost: $6,250
MaterialDescription

MaterialCost:

TotalCost: $6,250

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

WorkPlanandBudget

TaskNumber:

TaskName:

Feasibility Analyses

DescriptionofTask:

Consultant will determine the overall economic feasibility of preferred development scenarios for

key properties.

Responsibility:

Consultant

PaidPersonnel:

Consultant

Ifother,specify:

Hours:

12

HourlyRate:

$125.00

PersonnelCost: $1,500
MaterialDescription

MaterialCost:

TotalCost: $1,500

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

WorkPlanandBudget

TaskNumber:

TaskName:

Marketing Plans

DescriptionofTask:

Marketing plan for Downtown Bennington, in general, which may also include work on branding, as well

as specific marketing strategies to attract capital for redevelopment of critical properties in the
study area will be developed by the consultant.

Responsibility:

Consultant

PaidPersonnel:

Consultant

Ifother,specify:

Hours:

70

HourlyRate:

$0

PersonnelCost: $0
MaterialDescription

MaterialCost:

TotalCost: $0

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

WorkPlanandBudget

TaskNumber:

TaskName:

Creation of Area Wide Plan and implementation doc.

DescriptionofTask:

Revitalization plan/implementation doc: Vision-brownfields re-use/redevelopment goals. Inventory.

Re-use strategies/scenarios/mkt strategy-2+ sites. Mkting plan. Areawide & site specific
implementation plan-2+ sites. Implementation timeline/funding.

Responsibility:

Consultant

PaidPersonnel:

Consultant

Ifother,specify:

Hours:

100

HourlyRate:

$0

PersonnelCost: $0
MaterialDescription

MaterialCost:

TotalCost: $0

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

WorkPlanandBudget

TaskNumber:

TaskName:

Maps and GIS Database

DescriptionofTask:

The consultant will include maps as necessary to illustrate existing conditions within the study

area and at key redevelopment sites. The consultant will be expected to create GIS data based on
their analysis as appropriate.

Responsibility:

Consultant

PaidPersonnel:

Consultant

Ifother,specify:

Hours:

60

HourlyRate:

$0

PersonnelCost: $0
MaterialDescription

MaterialCost:

TotalCost: $0

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MP-2015-Bennington-00027

BudgetTotals

TotalProjectCost:

$26,000

(WorkPlan&BudgetTotal)

StateFunds:

$20,000

GrantAmountRequested

MatchFunds:

$6,000

Describesource(s)ofmatchfunds(ifrequired):Municipal staff or volunteer time cannot be

offered as a match.

If awarded the MPG funds, Bennington will match the $20,000 in MPG funds with $42,000 in funds
the
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources will provide to the Town of Bennington for the completion of
the
Downtown Bennington Area Wide Plan for a total project budget of $62,000. A detailed Work Plan
and
Budget reflecting the level of effort and project cost for the entire project has been uploaded as
part of this MPG application.

The Town worked with the Bennington County Regional Commission staff, Bill Colvin, Sustainable
Economic Development Director and Jim Sullivan, Executive Director, to develop a realistic scope of
work and budget. The BCRC staff reviewed the proposed scope of work with Camoin Associates, an
economic development firm, to confirm that the level of effort and hourly rates were reasonable. A
letter from Camoin Associates and a letter from BCRC has been uploaded as part of this MPG
application.

BudgetDocumentation
Uploadormailsupportingdocumentsthatshowtheworkplanandbudgetisbasedonrealistic
information.Ifyourprojectinvolveshiringaconsultant(includingregionalplanningcommissionstaff),
providealetterorotherdocumentationfromaconsultantwithcostestimatesfortasks,including
hourlyrate.
UploadedDocument: 160249-BudgetDocumentation.pdf
MailedtoDHCD

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DocumentName: Budget for Entire Project - $62,000
AttachedDocument: 160265-DetailedBudget-EntireProject.pdf
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