Back to the Past
Acting President Karl brought us back fifty years and opened the meeting with the Pledge Allegiance, a prayer delivered by Joe Preddy and the singing of My Country ‘Tis of Thee.
Acting President Karl relinquished the gavel and proceeded to propose a fine of one-and-nine on everyone (eight) in the room who hasn’t fined anybody at today’s meeting. Eddie defended all of us by pointing out that it was too early in the meeting to propose fines. George was asked about the amount of a fine fifty years ago and he responded $.10, in other words one and no nines. Fine did not pass.
Jan rose to propose a fine of $2.00 (corrected to 1-and-nineteen) on Karl for starting the meeting late. Karl pleaded guilty. Fine passed.
Eddie was fined for using the word “industry” when he was recounting his attendance at a recent meeting of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors where he received an award. Eddie paid the fine and gave a Happy Dollar for winning the award.
Since Last We Met
No anniversaries or birthdays.
The 143 Main St. Initiative
Acting President Karl introduced Steve Mackenzie.
Steve is a former Barre City manager and now vice president of Barre Area Development, Today he will tell us all about its plans to buy the old J.J. Newberry building and the work that will be necessary to redevelop the property. The building has been vacant for about 15 years.
Steve started off by telling us that the Barre Area Development, Inc, (BADC) has heard complaints for years about the Newbury building. In response, part of BADC’s strategic plan calls for the “need to tear down and redevelop the Newberry property.” He went on to say: “For continued revitalization of Barre’s downtown, it is critical to acquire ownership of the property into municipal or private control.”
The property is assessed at $325,800 and has a sale price of $1,300,000. Precedents for dealing with recalcitrant property owners and downtown abandoned buildings include St. Albans and Bennington Town. The advice from the St. Albans city manager: “Hold your nose-pay the price.” BADC is prepared to execute a formal purchase order for $1,000,000 with a term of six months for fundraising. The effort so far has the unanimous endorsement by the BADC’s Board of Directors who have pledged $75,000 in donations. The purchase will require a public fundraising campaign. BADC has requested $400,000 from the City Council and will need to raise $625,000 from the business community and the public. The ultimate objective is to sell the property to a private developer or transfer it to the City for $1.00.
The potential ultimate uses of the property might include building a hotel, retail/office space or housing. Among the benefits to the city could be a tenfold increase in municipal tax revenue ($12, 800 to $105,000). Steve pointed out that the Initiative is consistent with the City of Barre’s 2023 Strategic Plan; to keep Barre affordable by adding to the grand list; facilitating sustainable economic development; creating strategies around underutilized Main Street properties; enact policies that encourage Main Street activity; and continue to identify potential downtown development opportunities. He also went on to say that there would be: no tax stabilization request; no tax exemption has been requested; and there would be no loss of taxes on this property.
There is work ahead: providing a notice of intent to execute a P&S agreement; preparing a donor solicitation letter and pledge form and a donor list; and initiating publicity and a fundraising campaign.
Rotarians were thoroughly engaged and showed their interest by peppering Steve with several questions and comments toward the end of his presentation. They showed their appreciation with a warm round of applause.
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