BENNINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – New life could come to the old Bennington High School property thanks to a boost in funding.
Lawmakers say the project could mean 39 apartment units– including 17 that are new, affordable housing– and a community center.
It’s one of two plans now set to receive $1.5 million through the brownfields program. That’s in addition to $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and help from the developer, Hale, LLC.
The whole project is expected to cost $49 million.
The property has been vacant for 20 years.
“It puts this historic structure back on productive use, on the grand list, and we’re hoping that it’ll all come together very, very soon,” Bennington Town Manager Stuart Hurd said. “This idea of a public-private partnership for this project had to happen, the town could not have done it on its own, the private developer could not have done it on its own.”
The project also includes moving the senior center into the old school building.
Voters will weigh in on the sale of the senior center on Town Meeting Day.
