Building a stronger sense of neighborhood pride and commitment through protection of the Bend’s natural resources and historical structures, enhancing the community’s physical appearance, and supporting reasonable economic growth with increased housing stock.
About
BRI Vision Statement
“Greensboro Bend achieves sustainable growth while protecting its natural and historic resources, while exhibiting a strong sense of community.”
BRI Mission Statement
“Furthering economic, social, cultural, and equity-centric development by building community partnerships that improve the quality of lives for Greensboro Bend families.”
Background
The Bend Revitalization Initiative (BRI) was created in April, 2018 in response to concerns voiced by Bend residents at the March Town Meeting. A visioning process was conducted with about 25 Bend and other Greensboro residents. This led to the following BRI goals:
- Support home improvement in the Bend and attract new housing stock (rentals or homes for sale)
- Enhance the physical appearance of the Bend
- Increase opportunities for community interaction
- Attract economic development to the Bend and provide jobs
- Seek funding for the above initiatives
Who We Are
The BRI is composed of Greensboro community members interesting in revitalizing the Bend. Our group includes longtime residents of the Bend, new residents, business owners, retirees, and young parents.
If you would like to get involved and join in the fun, let us know! We love getting new ideas and working to implement them!
The Bend Revitalization Initiative became a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in February, 2021. The officers are:
Dan Predpall, President – bendrevitalizationinitiative@gmail.com
Nancy Hill, Vice President – nancydhill@gmail.com
Jane John, Treasurer – jjohns47@comcast.net
Contact Us:
If you would like to join us, or just want to talk, please contact us at:
bendrevitalizationinitiative@gmail.com
Or, call us…we are all in the phonebook!
Get Involved
Join us!
Your involvement will make a difference! No pressure! Just attend our meetings and listen. Suggest new ideas. Volunteer to take-on a task (a small one or a bigger one). Attend an event. Everyone is welcome! Join the the fun and support our progress!
Contact Us:
If you would like to join us, or just want to talk, please contact us at:
bendrevitalizationinitiative@gmail.com
Or, call us…we are all in the phonebook!
Projects
June, 2024:
Repurposing of the Methodist Church & Parsonage
The Bend Revitalization Initiative (BRI) applied for a grant from the Village Trust Initiative (VTI), a collaboration of Preservation Trust of VT, Council for Rural Development, and the Vermont Community Foundation, to renovate the closed Methodist Church and Parsonage on Main Street.
The purpose of the VTI is to repurpose old and historical buildings in very small towns in Vermont.
In August, 2024, the BRI was notified that we were one of seven out of 72 applicants awarded a grant.
May, 2024:
Construction of a Trailhead
in the Bend
In 2023, the Bend
Revitalization Initiative conducted a fundraising to obtain funding for a
Trailhead where the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail crosses Main Street.
The Trailhead was constructed during the summer of 2024, and opened in September.
The Trailhead includes bike racks, a picnic table, many benches, a bike repair station, a mural the celebrates the railroad history in the Bend, and a parking lot.
April 2022:
Bend Municipal Plan
The Bend Revitalization Initiative won a grant from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to prepare a Municipal Plan for the Bend.
The Plan was completed and published in April, 2022 and is available here.
November, 2018.
The Bend PLACE Project
Lauren Sopher, then a student at the University of Vermont, prepared a PLACE Study, or Place-Based Landscape Analysis and Community Engagement Study.
The report is included here.
