lilaprilshowers t1_jcqv0wq wrote on March 18, 2023 at 9:23 PM

Reply to comment by hippiepotluck in Former SVC campus in Bennington being sold for destination resort. by SVTer

It was already unused. What do you want? More abandoned decaying buildings in Bennington? You can bet the Airbnb owners are furious about this.

hippiepotluck t1_jcqw0xo wrote on March 18, 2023 at 9:30 PM

I know. And it’s probably the best possible thing that could happen. I’m just saddened and a little salty that so much of Vermont is a tourist attraction catering to folks who don’t live here while those who do can’t afford even a crappy apartment, nevermind a home.

Filmerd t1_jcyyn59 wrote on March 20, 2023 at 5:04 PM

Bennington doesn't have much going for it although it has a lot of potential given its location. Cottage industry only goes so far. You need a diversified economy for things to thrive.

Investment coming in will provide employment opportunities for local residents. You can bash it for catering to out of Towners if you want, but I'm not sure what this sub would consider to be a good alternative to help the local economy considering there are so many examples of small towns in VT being supported by out of state tourism.

What about all the ski areas that attract lots of out of Towners that keep folks in small towns employed during the winter months? Are you going to bash those people visiting and spending tourism dollars because they don't have in-state residency? Having a tourism draw has been a strong economic force in helping support local economies, especially in Vermont. I'm not sure there's a better alternative. You need investment for things to improve.