News - BCRC

news & notes

2021 Community Resource Fund

The Community Resource Fund seeks applications for implementing projects that further our understanding of local food systems and address food insecurity in Bennington County. Read more about the 2020 grantees here. Apply now
Deadline for grant: October 31, 2020.

The Future is Digital Challenge

The Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) has partnered with Udacity to offer educational training to rural Americans interested in entering the digital workforce. Bennington County residents are eligible to receive scholarships. For more details, click here.

NeighborWorks of Western Vermont Grant

The Re-Housing Recovery Program offers grants up to $30,000 per unit for repairs needed to bring rental units up to Vermont Rental Housing Health Code guidelines. For more details, click here.

Deadline for grant: December 20, 2020

Bennington Form-Based-Design Revisions to LUDR

August 24, 2020

The Town of Bennington has worked with consultant BCRC to develop draft form-based-design standards for the Town Center area of the municipality. Presentation and draft revisions are available...

BCRC Scoping Study for a Trolley Line Shared Use Path

BCRC staff are executing a scoping study to assess the feasibility of developing a shared use pathway connecting Bennington, through Pownal, to Williamstown, MA along the trolley bed line of the Berkshire St Railway.

Bennington County E-Bike Online Workshop

July 8th at 7:00PM

Want to learn more about electric bikes, which ones are available locally, and the incentives currently available? Want to hear from some E-Bike owners who are using their bikes for recreation and transportation?
Join an online workshop next Wednesday, July 8, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The Dorset Tomorrow Energy and Transportation Task Force and the Bennington County Regional Commission have come together to co-sponsor this event for area residents interested in learning more about this fun and low-impact way to travel. You will hear from and be able to ask questions of:
· Dave Cohen, VBike
· Barrack Evans, Battenkill Bikes
· E-Bike owners sharing from their experience
Register for this Zoom Meeting by going here.

Land Use Essentials Webinar Training

Monday, June 15 at 4:30 to 6PM

Please register to attend BCRC's annual Vermont land use essentials training. This year we will cover planning issues in the age of COVID-19.

Executive Committee Meeting

February 28, at 9:00AM
Second Chance Animal Center
1779 Route 7A, Arlington

The next Executive Committee meeting will be held on February 28, 2020, at 9:00AM, at Second Chance Animal Center located at 1779 Route 7A in Arlington. Agenda will be posted soon.

Heating your Home with Wood

Tuesday, December 10th from 5:30-7:30PM
Union Underground, 4928 Main Street, Manchester Center

Learn about the benefits of heating your home with wood or wood pellets, as well as the great rebates available through Efficiency Vermont for the purchase of a cord wood stove, wood pellet stove, or wood pellet furnace or boiler. You also will be able to see the wood pellet boiler system used to heat the Union Underground building, and Emma Hanson, Wood Energy Coordinator with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation will be on hand to discuss wood heating essentials and to answer all of your questions. Click here for more information.

Drive Electric Bennington Event

Weds, Sept 18 from 3:30pm to 6:30pm
The Bennington Station

Come view electric transportation options in person...

BCRC Energy Committee Meeting

Thurs, Sept 12 at 5:30pm
The Manchester Community Library

A roundtable meeting of the BCRC energy committee will be followed by a presentation on the regional TCI initiative...

Notice of Public Hearings

Sept 19 at 6PM
The Loose Cannon Cafe, 139 Main Street, Bennington

The BCRC will be holding public hearings to consider approval of the North Bennington Village Plan, the Stamford Plan, and the Pownal Plan. The BCRC will consider comments at the hearing regarding conformance with the statutory requirements and will vote to approve the plans. For more information, read the full notice here9-19-2019_public_hearing_notice.pdf.

Vision 2020: Building low-carbon world presentation

July 11, 2019, 5-7pm at Arlington Memorial High School

Come see a presentation by Dr. Edward Cameron about building a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive world. Questions: Email Madison at mkremer@bcrcvt.org.

17th Annual Employee Ownership Conference

Where: Davis Center, UVM, Burlington
When: June 12, 2019

Nineteen in-depth workshops put on by some of the most sought-after experts in the field. Who should attend? Business owners considering employee ownership as an exit strategy; economic development professionals; employees interested in learning more; entrepreneurs; bankers, accountants, attorneys, and financial planners. Session included on sharing ownership broadly within an LLC, partnership, or corporation -- without using the ESOP or co-op structures. This session would appeal to any owner looking to enhance benefits that will support employee recruitment, retention, and engagement. Brian Murphy of Dinse will be part of the team delivering that piece. For information and to register: http://veoc.org/2019conference Certain discounts available.

Lye Brook Study Public Meeting

Where: Manchester Town Hall at 40 Jeff Williams Way in Manchester
When: Thursday, May 2 from 5:00 - 6:30PM

Join us to discuss the findings of a study commissioned by the BCRC on Lye Brook. For more information and a map, please click here.
The final draft of the Lye Brook Feasibility Analysis is now out for review.

Draft Arlington Hazard Mitigation Plan

Please respond with comments by May 22

The draft Arlington Hazard Mitigation Plan is out for review. Send all comments to Michael Batcher at mbatcher@bcrcvt.org or call 802-442-0713 ext 2. All comments must be received by 4PM on May 22.

Southern Vermont Economic Summit

Where: Grand Summit Resort, Mount Snow
When: Thursday, May 23

This daylong learning and networking event is aimed for municipal, community and business leaders that focus on the long term development of Southern Vermont’s economy. This year’s theme is Investing in Southern Vermont’s Future – strategies for planning, focus, and developing the economy. For more information and to register, click here

Save the Date - BCRC Annual Meeting

Where: Taconic Hotel in Manchester
When: Wednesday, May 22

ICS 402 Training

Webinar Training Details Coming Soon.

ICS 402 is an overview of the Incident Command System (ICS) and how it can be utilized in your community. Please make sure to sign up for the course through the Learning Management System (LMS). Or visit the VEM Training Page for information on how to sign up if you have not used LMS before. If you have any questions or problems signing up, please reach out to Allison Strohl at astrohl@bcrcvt.org.

USDA Community Connect Grant Program

Application Deadline: April 15, 2019

Projects funded by these grants help rural residents tap into the enormous potential of the Internet for jobs, education, healthcare, public safety and community development. Grant forms and resources can be found here.

Road Foreman Meeting

Where: Shaftsbury Town Garage on North Road
When: Monday, April 29 from 10AM - 12PM

Natasha Duarte, Director of the Composting Association of Vermont, will be discussing compost use as a way to meet some of the requirements of the Municipal Roads General Permit and Stormwater Management guidelines. For more information, click here.

Volunteers Needed for Buffer Planting in Manchester

Where: 904 River Road, Manchester, just south of the intersection of Richville and River Roads
When: Monday, May 20 at 1PM

Please join us to plant a 100' buffer along the Batten Kill, with about 160 containerized native trees and shrubs. For more information and volunteer details, please click here.

Vermont Rivers and Roads Training Program Schedule

Various locations and times.

Check the flyer for multiple trainings being offered this year.

Backcountry Rescue Training

Where: Park House at the Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park, 340 Recreation Park Rd. in Manchester, VT
When: Saturday, May 18, 2019, 8:30AM - 12:30PM

This multi-disciplined training is free and open to everyone, but is aimed at police, fire, and rescue. See the training flyer here.

Electronic Recycling Event at The Dorset School

Where: The Dorset School
When: Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 9AM - 12PM

This event is open to everyone, not just residents of Dorset. There is no charge but monetary donations will be accepted and proceeds will go to help the school. Please click here to see the flyer with more information.

Ice Jam/Spring Flooding Seminar

February 5, 2019

Vermont Emergency Management and partners will host Vermont's annual ice jam and spring flooding seminars this month. All are welcome to attend. For information about which topics will be covered, click here.
When: Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 10am-12pm
Where: Manchester Rec Center, Park House, 340 Recreation Park Road, Manchester Center, VT

Local Concerns Meeting

January 29, 2019

Meeting about safety improvements at the VT Route 67A, Matteson Rd, Silk Rd and College Dr intersection. Join us to discuss concerns regarding the safety and operations at this intersection and your input into potential solutions.
When: Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 6:30PM
Where: Bennington College, Elizabeth Coleman Center for the Advancement of Public Action (CAPA) building.

Form-Based Standards for Municipal Plans | Randall Arendt

December 12, 2018

VIDEO RECORDING: Presentation by land use planning expert, Randall Arendt, on form-based approaches to regulating development design in small communities with limited staff.

Vermont Public Transit Policy Plan Forum

December 4, 2018

Regional forum to gather input on existing public transportation services, gaps and challenges, and solutions. Forum will be held at the Vermont Department of Health Community Room from 1-3PM on December 18. Click here for more information.

BCRC Q&A Meetings with Municipal Officials | Nov 27&29

November 9, 2018

Tues, Nov 27 & Thurs, Nov 29 at 6:30pm: November 27, 6:30 PM at the Sunderland Town Offices and November 29 at 6:30 PM at Cole Hall in Shaftsbury. Continue reading for more info...

National Take a Hike Day at Ninja Trail in Bennington

November 9, 2018

Saturday, Nov 17 at 10am: RiseVT, BCRC, and ACT are hosting a local hike on the Ninja Trail in Bennington as part of National Hike Day. See details...

BCRC Bylaw Revisions for Review and January Vote

November 8, 2018

Proposed revisions to the BCRC Bylaws will be voted on at the January BCRC meeting. Review the proposed changes...

BCRC Executive Committee Meeting with BCIC

October 2, 2018

October 10, 2018: BCRC and BCIC will hold a joint meeting in the The Bank of Bennington at 12PM. Please see the agenda here.

Public Meeting - Manchester Park and Ride Improvement Study

October 2, 2018

October 25, 2018: VTrans will be hosting a public meeting to gather input on the needs and issues of the existing park and ride lot at 5PM at Manchester Town Hall. For more information, please see the notice here.

Request for Qualifications - Solid Waste Alliance Education and Outreach Program

October 1, 2018

October 26, 2018: Bennington County Regional Commission, on behalf of the Bennington County Solid Waste Alliance (BCSWA) is requesting qualifications from parties interested in developing and implementing an education and outreach program for businesses, schools, institutions, event organizers and members of the public to implement significant parts of the BCSWA Solid Waste Implementation Plan (SWIP).

Public Meeting Notice - Vermont Aviation System Plan

September 24, 2018

October 9, 2018: VTrans is hosting a public meeting to discuss the future of aviation in Vermont, and updates to the Aviation System Plan, which will guide development of public-use airports in the coming years. For more information, please see the notice here.

BCRC Energy Committee Mtg - Oct 5 at BCRC Offices

September 19, 2018

October 5, 2018: The Energy Committee will meet at BCRC offices in Bennington, VT. More details posted on the Energy Committee page...

BCRC Executive Committee Mtg - Sept 26 in Arlington, VT

September 18, 2018

Sept 26, 2018: The Executive Committee will meet in Arlington, VT. More details posted on the Executive Committee page...

Draft North Bennington Village Plan for Review

September 17, 2018

Village of North Bennington, VT - The Planning Board has prepared a Village Development Plan for public review. A public hearing is being planned for October 2018. More details to come...

Form-Based Codes in Municipal Plans | Public Workshop

September 4, 2018

Oct 17, 2018 at 5PM: There will be a meeting of the Commission to hold a public hearing on the Sunderland Town Plan and host presentations on local and regional healthy community initiatives...

BCRC Meeting & Public Hearing - September 20
at Bennington Masonic Hall

August 31, 2018

Sept 20, 2018 at 5:30PM: There will be a meeting of the Commission to hold a public hearing on the Sunderland Town Plan and host presentations on local and regional healthy community initiatives...

Healthy Community Planning Primer Launched

August 29, 2018

Bennington County, VT - The Bennington County Regional Prevention Partnership (RPP) has published a community planning primer for promoting healthy communities through substance misuse prevention...

Invitation for Bids - Culvert Repair

July 17, 2018

Village of North Bennington, VT - Project consists of concrete box culvert wall and wingwall repair and improvement of upstream bed material. Bid packages and plans available at the offices of the Village of North Bennington. Sealed bids due Friday, August 3rd at 3pm.

BCRC Meeting & Public Hearing - July 26
at Lake Shaftsbury State Park

June 22, 2018

July 26, 2018 at 5:30PM: There will be a meeting of the Commission to hold a public hearing on the Pownal Town Plan, host a presentation on the Green Mountain National Forest, and enjoy a pavilion picnic...

Stark Street Pop-Up Park | June 16 & 17 | 2-5pm

June 11, 2018

Bennington | Bike and walk to Stark St Park: Two-day event to deploy and assess possible new amenities at the park. Stop by and share your thoughts

Upcoming Meetings | Input on Regional Economic Dev.

June 11, 2018

Southern VT Economic Development Strategy: An initial set of public meetings will be in both Bennington and Windham for residents and business owners to provide input on a regional development strategy...

BCRC Executive Committee Mtg - June 14 in Arlington, VT

June 6, 2018

June 14, 2018: The Executive Committee will meet in Arlington, VT. More details posted on the Executive Committee page...

Request for Proposals - Lye Brook Berm Removal

Updated June 1, 2018

Due June 15th by 5pm: BCRC is seeking proposals for the study of potential impacts of partial or full removal of a berm along the Lye Brook in Manchester, VT. The attached RFP provides details on the project and requirements for a proposal. Also included is a study completed by engineering students from the University of Vermont who completed assessments of the area.

Road Foremen Supervisor Safety Training in Bennington

May 24, 2018

June 27th from 10am - 1pm at the Bennington Highway Garage: VTRANS instructor will review OSHA's Employer Responsibility points and provide guidance and resources to meet these requirements. RSVP by June 21st.

Land Use Essentials Trainings on June 11th and 13th

May 8, 2018

Monday, June 11th at 4:30pm - Solomon Wright Public Library in Pownal Weds, June 13th at 4:30pm - Sunderland Town Offices - Please join us for a workshop on the basics of land use planning for municipal officials...

BCRC Housing Forum - Presentations Available

April 20, 2018

Presentations from the Housing Forum on Weds, April 18th are posted...

BCRC Annual Meeting - RSVP by May 11th

April 20, 2018

May 17, 2018 at 5pm - West Mountain Inn - Arlington, VT - Please join us for the Annual Meeting of the BCRC...

Bennington Bike/Ped Study for North St Area

April 20, 2018

The BCRC completed a report to identify transportation infrastructure problems and projects to address them in an area centered on North Street and the US 7/Kocher Drive intersection...

BCRC Executive Committee Mtg - April 12 in Arlington, VT

April 2, 2018

April 12, 2018: The Executive Committee will meet in Arlington, VT. More details posted on the Executive Committee page...

April is Bennington County Career Month

March 27, 2018

Beginning March 28, and lasting through the month of April, Bennington County is celebrating local career development opportunities with a series of events in the area. See full schedule of activities...

BCRC Housing Forum - Weds, April 18th in Bennington

March 26, 2018

Weds, April 18 at 5:30pm: A housing forum covering current housing statistics by town, municipal strategies to improve housing, and private, public, and non-profit housing development initiatives...

Request for Proposals - Independent Auditing Services

March 5, 2018

Due March 26 by 5pm: The BCRC seeks auditing services for FY'18 through FY'20. Questions regarding RFP must be directed to Stacey Eggsware, Financial Director, no later than March 14...

Public Hearing for Bennington Town Plan - Energy Chapter

February 20, 2018

March 15 at 5:30pm: At the next commission meeting, there will be a public hearing on the confirmation of the Town of Bennington's Town Plan, which was recently amended to incorporate an Act 174-compliant energy element. Meeting will be at Bennington Project Independence...

Request For Qualifications - Historic Depot Roof Repair

February 12, 2018

Village of North Bennington, VT - Project consists of removal and replacement of all membrane roofing as well as inspections and repair/replacement of associated roof infrastructure. RFQs due Tuesday, March 13th at 5pm. Contact Jim Sullivan, Local Project Manager.

BCRC Joint Committees Mtg - Feb 22 at BCRC Offices

February 12, 2018

February 22, 2018 at 4:30 PM: The Plan Review Committee and Energy Committee will have a joint meeting at BCRC offices. More details about the meeting are posted on the committees' pages...

BCRC Executive Committee Mtg - Feb 7 in Arlington, VT

January 30, 2018

February 7, 2018: The Executive Committee will meet in Arlington, VT. More details posted on the Executive Committee page...

Invitation for Bids - Sidewalk Construction

January 30, 2018

Village of North Bennington, VT - Construction of new concrete sidewalks, granite curb, and signs. Bids due Thursday, March 1st at 2pm. Pre-bid conference February 14th. Contact Jim Sullivan, Local Project Manager...

Invitation for Bids - Construction of Multi-use Path

January 29, 2018

Town of Bennington, VT - Construction of Applegate to Willowbrook Path, consisting of 480 feet of multi-use pedestrian path. Bids due Thursday, March 1st at 2pm. Contact Mark Anders, Municipal Project Manager...

Southern Vermont Housing Summit

January 22, 2018

Friday, February 9th from 1pm -4pm. Highlighted topipcs will include housing supply and demand data, a panel discussion on housing products, and housing programs and tools. All are welcome!...

New Forest Connectivity Requirement for Town and Regional Plans

January 2018

In 2016, the Vermont legislature passed Act 171, an act relating to timber harvesting. The legislation requires, among other stipulations, that municipal and regional plans indicate important forest blocks...