11-1SG Coaliton for the Preservation of Historic Brandon
Grant Round:
2011 February
Grant Program:
Small Grants
Grant Type:
Other Grants
Grant amount requested:
2,500.00
Please provide a brief description of the project for which you seek funding.
The Coalition is currently litagating to defeat/block an application for a proposed strip mall containing a large supermarket, six additional stores and a restaurant south of Brandon on Rt. 7. This mall would be outside the core downtown and would not be within walking distance. The mall would duplicate the entire retail space of our downtown and directly compete against our downtown. An economic expert has testified that it will "hollow out our downtown." Like many Vermont towns we are strugging to preserve and strengthen our "designated downtown" as called for in our town plan.
Primary Issue Area:
Land & Water
Please break-down/categorize the program expenses:
| Proposed Item | Estimated $ Amount | Would grant funds be used for this item? |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Fees | $9,000.00 | Yes |
| Court Filing Fees | $2,000.00 | |
| Expert Testimony | $5,000.00 | |
| Property Option Renewal | $2,000.00 |
Whom does your group need to make this project happen?
Please explain how your group will engage members from your community in this project.
Engaging our community has been difficult. Many people see the mall as a potential employer. However testimony before the DRB has stated that the project would merely move jobs from downtown to the mall -- and that most of those jobs would be part time, minimum wage. Currently the grocery store employs part time cashiers and the management has all been brought in from other towns. Since the most powerful politician in town will directly benefit from the mall, many people are afraid to commit or speak out in opposition. Both businesses and individuals have expressed concern about repercussions. We are planning a benefit musical event but reality tells us this will probably be attended by the same small core group that is willing to make a commitment to the coalition.
If your group receives a NEGEF Grow grant, how do you plan to pay for remaining expenses?
| $ Amount | Source |
|---|---|
| $5,000.00 | Individual Contributions |
| $2,500.00 | NEGEF Grant |
| $5,000.00 | Preservation Trust Match |
| $3,000.00 | Residual from 2010 |
Please list these materials or services
| $ Amount | Item |
|---|---|
| $2,000.00 | Legal Advisement |
| $500.00 | Expert Testimony |
Please describe what changes will occur in your community and its environment when your group's project is successful.
If the Coalition is able to prevail in our fight we believe our downtown will be preserved. We currently hold an option on land adjacent to our current supermarket. We are hopeful the corporation will accept this option and will expand the current store. We believe they will. We also have one building which is empty of tenants. This building will be more attractive to businesses once they see that the downtown will remain viable.
Please list how many people in your community your group expects to actively engage in this project.
20
What relevant skills does the group need (but does not currently have access to) to help move the initiative forward?
We function fairly well but our biggest need is someone with professional fund-raising skills.
What relevant skills do current members of the group have to help move the initiative forward?
We have two lawyers in the group who are able to work with the attorney we have hired. Also actively involved are a real estate sales person, a former town manager, a former town zoning administrator, members of the Planning Commision, at least one Selectman, people who are current shop owners, and those who has chaired organizations within the town.