Barre City Council Commits $400,000 to Buy Vacant Building
In a contentious decision, the Barre City Council has voted 4-3 to allocate $400,000 towards a nonprofit’s campaign to purchase a long-abandoned building on Main Street. The building at 143 North Main St., once home to a Newberry’s five-and-dime store, has remained vacant since 2010 and is currently valued at $325,800. The Barre Area Development Corporation aims to raise the full $1 million needed for the purchase by June.
Debate and Dissent
Despite the majority vote in favor of the allocation, the decision has sparked controversy among city councilors and residents. Some councilors and community members expressed concerns that the funds could be better utilized for other pressing needs, such as aiding homeowners affected by recent floods in 2023 and 2024.
Ellen Kaye, a Barre resident, shared a poignant account of a city council meeting where flood victims were left without assistance, contrasting it with the proposed allocation for the vacant building. The emotional impact of her words resonated with many in attendance, highlighting the stark contrast between priorities.
Challenges and Alternatives
Opponents of the allocation raised valid points about the city’s financial constraints, emphasizing the need for investments in infrastructure and housing. Questions were also raised about whether the city had exhausted all options to address the vacant building, including potential legal remedies like eminent domain or stricter enforcement of property ordinances.
The Barre Area Development Corporation acknowledged that the building in question may require significant renovations or even demolition, adding to the complexity of the situation. Despite uncertainties about the building’s future use, the nonprofit remains focused on meeting the fundraising goal by the June deadline.
Looking Ahead
As the nonprofit continues its fundraising efforts, the community remains divided on the best course of action regarding the vacant building. The decision to allocate city funds has underscored broader debates about resource allocation, urban development, and public priorities in Barre.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the Barre Area Development Corporation strives to secure the remaining funds needed for the building purchase. The outcome of this campaign will not only shape the future of the Main Street property but also reflect the values and aspirations of the Barre community as a whole.
