News - BCRC

news & notes

BCRC Energy Committee Meeting

The BCRC Energy Committee will meet via Zoom on Friday November 19th at 4 PM to discuss regional solar projects and energy program goals for 2022.

ARPA 2.0 Webinar for Municipal Officials

Join BCRC, WRC, and VLCT on November 3rd at 4PM for a presentation on the ARPA process and potential projects. Come with questions and exchange ideas with other Southern VT municipal officials. Registration is not required, but you can submit questions in advance by emailing cfishburn@bcrcvt.org.

Bennington County Intrapreneur Challenge

Bennington County companies that receive more $500K in annual revenue can apply to the Intrapreneur Challenge! Companies can propose a revenue-generating innovation for a chance to participate in the program which includes workshops, mentoring and more! Click here to apply by November 15th.

2022 CEDS Project Submissions Now Open

Submissions are now open for 2022 CEDS! The CEDS is a federally-approved action plan for growing the Southern Vermont economy with a regional public process. Each year the CEDS is refreshed with new and updated “CEDS Projects” submissions which highlight projects, programs and activities that address Southern Vermont’s greatest needs and enhance the region’s competitiveness. The project submission deadline is November 30, 2021. Submit a CEDS project here.

Regional Housing Bylaw Survey

BCRC's Regional Housing Bylaw Survey is now available to view. The survey includes municipal analyses and recommendations to increase opportunities for housing development. Click here to view the survey report.

Statewide GMP Webinar on Electric Vehicles

Interested in electric vehicles, but curious what it’s like to own and drive one? Or have you thought about going electric in your community but are not sure where to start, and what rebates are available? Green Mountain Power (GMP) is making it simple and fun to learn about electric vehicles and charging at this upcoming EV webinar with GMP on Tuesday September 21st, at 7:00PM.
Electric vehicles are great to drive, more affordable than fossil fuel vehicles to operate, and all the rebates available make switching to green driving so easy. Transportation with fossil-fueled vehicles is the top source of carbon emissions in Vermont, so switching to an electric vehicle is the top way Vermonters can cut greenhouse gas emissions. EVs are also less expensive to ‘fuel up’ and require less maintenance, so drivers save thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle. Plus, GMP has electric vehicle charging programs that can help you save.
We look forward to seeing you at the webinar Tuesday September 21st at 7:00pm. Bring your curiosity and passion for cutting carbon. See you then!

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83275391279?pwd=R0pnZ1pHbTJvSDJWWk43UUJYOU5Mdz09

Recording: Knowledge Bites: ARPA Update Webinar

Join us to learn about the most recent updates on the American Rescue Plan Act funding from Vermont League of Cities and Towns and how the Regional Planning Commissions are helping towns prepare for the surge of investment coming their way.
Presenters: Katie Buckley, VLCT; Jim Sullivan, BCRC; Chris Campany, WRC

Housing Summit
Wednesday, October 13th, from 9:00AM to 3:30PM at the Arlington Commons

A full-day conference intended to highlight the challenges to providing needed housing while exploring policies and strategies that can lead to solutions. To details on how to register, please click here.

Planning for the Future of Our Forests
Free Workshop - Forest Economics and Ecology

This workshop will provide an overview of the economic value of our forest resources while also reviewing ecological principles that are fundamental to a healthy natural environment.
Free and open to the public and a light meal will be provided for all attendees. Registration not required but please contact Jim Sullivan if you plan on attending so we order enough food.

Energizer Reuse Plan Public Meeting

A public meeting to provide an update on the work to date and to solicit community input into possible reuse scenarios for the soon-to-be-vacated Energizer facility in Bennington will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, July 21st from 6:00pm-7:30pm.
Meeting info – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83594181724?pwd=MkdmcW1iQUNNNDM3YWFtV0g1bVFnZz09
Meeting ID: 835 9418 1724; Passcode: 865019
Phone Info: 1 929 205 6099; Meeting ID: 835 9418 1724; Passcode: 865019
The Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC) was hired by the Town of Bennington, utilizing funding from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and a Municipal Planning Grant (MPG) from the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development to produce a reuse plan for that will examine possible redevelopment opportunities for the nearly 300,000 SF facility positioned on just over three acres in Bennington’s downtown. A steering committee made up of representatives from local government, area business and housing organizations, businesses and lenders, neighborhood representatives, the school system, VT DEC and the EPA has been developed to oversee the process and through an RFP process Camoin 310 of Saratoga, NY was selected to assist with the project. Work on this plan will wrap up by September 2021.

Village of Manchester Land Use & Connectivity Study

BCRC is assisting the Village of Manchester on a planning study to assess reuse potential of several sites and connectivity improvements through the Village's central intersection.

Climate Change and Economic Opportunity Forum

On Thursday, June 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM the Vermont Council on Rural Development and Vermont’s Climate Economy Action Team will host a virtual forum for residents of Southern Vermont with local business leaders to highlight how confronting the climate crisis can also create economic opportunities for Vermonters. Please join to hear from Shires Housing Executive Director, Stephanie Lane; the founder and president of Stevens & Associates, P.C., and principal for M&S Development, Bob Stevens; and Studio Hill Farm Owner, Jesse McDougall about how their businesses are tackling climate change and the opportunities they see for the Southern Vermont economy. Audience members will also be encouraged to share their stories and visions for how we can make Vermont more affordable, grow jobs and address the threat of climate change.
Please register for this forum at: rebrand.ly/sovtclimate

Economic Recovery Bridge Program

This program allocates $30 million to businesses impacted by the pandemic, with priority given in the first 30 days to businesses who have not previously received economic assistance. The application portal will open on June 7th. Find the latest information here.

Vermont Energy Planning Forum

The Vermont Department of Public Service, together with the Bennington, Addison, and Rutland County regional planning commissions will be hosting a live ZOOM public forum on June 8th at 4 PM to provide input as the Department works to develop the new Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP). The new CEP is due to be completed early next year and your input now will help shape that important policy document. The forum will include an overview by DPS staff and brief presentations by each of the three regional planning commissions, followed by time for local officials, legislators, and interested residents to offer input based on their experiences with their own municipal energy planning work. There also will be time to ask questions of any of the participants. Click here for more information about the planning process. Join the Zoom meeting here.

BATS User Survey

The Bennington Area Trail System (BATS) has published an online survey to assess use levels on Bennington’s trail system and to solicit input on the trails future development. The short survey, which will be open until June 4th and takes 5 – 15 minutes to complete, seeks responses from all users of the trail system. Questions request basic demographic information on current trail users, inquire as to how and when the trails are used, and offer opportunities to rate and comment on aspects of the trail system and management. Read the full press release here. Complete the survey here.

SVHC Seeks Public Feedback on Everett Estate Reuse

Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is seeking public input through an online survey on the reuse and development of the Everett Estate, the site of the former Southern Vermont College (SVC). Reuse options are being explored for the property’s twelve buildings, which include the historic Everett Mansion and Carriage House as well as several dormitories and classrooms. The property includes a network of trails that is currently open to the public, and athletic fields that are available to local sports leagues for use through the Town of Bennington.
Residents will have the chance to provide feedback through an online survey that will be open until May 28th and is accessible through links on the BCRC and SVHC websites. Read the full press release here.

Vermont Arts Council Cultural Facilities Grant

Cultural Facilities grants award up to $30,000 to Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities to enhance, create, or expand the capacity of an existing building to provide cultural activities for the public. Projects such as wiring, heating, adding ADA accessibility features (e.g. elevators, lifts, assistive listening systems, ramps, and bathrooms), lighting, and stage improvements are eligible. Deadline: June 7. Click here for more information.