by Don Keelan

Arlington, Vermont sits halfway between Bennington and Manchester. For the past 40 years, the economic and cultural compass needle pointed north to Manchester. Over the past five years, the needle appears to have moved 180 degrees. 

Bennington, ever so deliberately, has witnessed unprecedented development. This development is the substantial repurposing of long-abandoned manufacturing, educational, inn, and retail facilities. 

Development enhancements have recently taken place at the county’s only hospital, the Bennington Museum, and municipal properties. Just as important, the town’s community spirit continues to show through hosting the Garlic, Battle Day, and Mayfest public events. However, what has stood out over the past several years is the work of the corps of volunteers who have brought to life the celebration of our nation’s 250th Anniversary and, next year, Vermont’s similar anniversary. 

Housing remains a major crisis throughout Vermont. In Bennington, it is being addressed head-on: The downtown Putnam Project, the Benn Hi, and the former Energizer manufacturing facility, when fully repurposed and after corralling investments of more than $150 million, will provide over 200 units of housing, office, and community space. Still to be added are the repurposing of the Bradford Mill/Lauzon Machine Shop properties. 

The SWVMC is making substantial changes: a state-of-the-art EM center, the Hoyt-Hunter Center for Oncology, Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health, and an expanded day care, The Learning Tree. The hospital also recently announced its planned 18-physician residency training program at the Putnam Project office complex. 

Repurposing doesn’t stop in Bennington’s downtown. A developer from Westchester County is in the final stages of state approvals for transforming a small portion of the 370-acre former Southern Vermont College into a five-star residential resort. The public will use the rest of the property for hiking and other recreation and conservation. 

Virtually next door to the old SVC, another major restoration project is underway. The long-abandoned 250-year-old Walloomsac Inn, when completely restored, will be open to visitors and travelers.

Around the corner from this historic property, the Bennington Museum has recently completed a major transformation of its exterior and interior entrances. And just a half-mile west of the museum, the Monument Arts and Cultural Center’s trustees have overseen the development of this 1^st class theater showcasing numerous musicals, theatrical, and visual arts events. 

Two well-known and committed Bennington leaders had the foresight to bring forth much of what is taking place today. The long-time Bennington town manager, Stu Hurd (1948-2025), and Tom Dee, who led SWVMC for nearly two decades, were always convinced Bennington had a wealth of untapped resources — its people and abandoned properties. What was missing was the foresight, commitment, and compassion to embrace innovation. Today, it is ever present and almost contagious. 

A good indication of Bennington pride is how well-kept the municipality’s rolling stock of cars, trucks, and equipment is. It is also encouraging to see the positive changes within the police department over the past five years. 

With all that is happening in Bennington, it must remain vigilant. It is often said, “public safety is the underpinning of economic development.” Presently, Burlington is having to deal with this axiom. Bennington’s leaders should do all they can to ensure that Bennington-based, long-time mental health service organization UCS can regain its status as the county’s first-class provider of this critical service. 

What takes constant attention by all who have Bennington’s interest at heart is the town’s schools. The goal should be that no school should be below par in delivering its academic services. Local school performance is another major pillar in a town’s economic success. 

I would be remiss not to mention the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce. This long-time Bennington organization consistently leads the charge in Bennington’s resurgence. 

And let us not ignore the Vermont News & Media (Bennington Banner) and its commitment to Bennington. Such dedication comes at a time when so many other news organizations have abandoned their reporting venues. 

If you doubt Bennington’s forward progress, note that on September 18, 2026, in Rutland, the MAUHS football team defeated Rutland High School, 14 to 12. The last time this feat was accomplished was 30 years ago.

The author is a U.S. Marine (retired), CPA, and columnist living in Arlington, VT.