Vermont Business Magazine The first weekend of October will see a transformation of downtown Bethel into a more walkable area with pop-up shops that highlight its unique culture and assets, public spaces and public art that show off the natural beauty of the area, and improved transportation options for bike riders and pedestrians. Among the installations will be pop-up storefronts and a beer garden, a pocket park, buffered bike lane, street beautification, improved crosswalks, and designated transit stops – all along the town’s Main Street. AARP Vermont is teaming with the Bethel Revitalization Initiative (BRI) and Team Better Block to coordinate efforts. A team of local volunteers and stakeholders will be matched with specific tasks to create the new spaces, and workshops will be held through BRI’s Bethel University to further engage community members and leaders.
Home in Bethel destroyed during Irene flooding. US Fish & Wildlife Services photo.
“We’re excited to be able to bring this project to Bethel and work with BRI folks who are so committed to making improvements in the community,” said Kelly Stoddard-Poor of AARP Vermont. “This is a unique way to do something new in downtown Bethel, let people experience the changes and see what could be – and most importantly, to let them participate in creating it. We think people will be amazed at how vibrant and welcoming this downtown space can be after the physical transformation.” The plan for the temporary redesign was developed by members of the community, town officials, and business owners at meetings and gatherings over the spring and summer.
“We love our town, it’s pretty great. Of course there are always things that could be better, but it doesn’t have to take years to make changes,” explained Lisa Warhol of BRI. “Better Block will help us all see how great downtown can be and test out potential improvements.”
The Better Block organization works around the world to help communities dream, test, and build momentum for change– especially in neighborhoods that have become neglected, vacant, or rundown. “The Better Block recognizes that the work of rebuilding our towns and cities begins one person at a time, one block at a time, one street at a time, one neighborhood at a time,” said Andrew Howard of Team Better Block. “When coupled with visionary and innovative leadership from the public sector, the private sector, nonprofits, and the philanthropic community, this approach can be truly transformative.”
The event begins at 3 pm on Friday, Sept. 30 and finishes Sunday, Oct. 2, at 3 pm. Highlights include live music both Friday and Saturday nights, family-friendly games and activities, and even a chance to try out some new e-bikes. Residents and the public are invited to visit and experience the transformation. Details of the weekend’s activities can be found at http://bethelrevitalizationinitiative.org/better-block.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization with 138,000 members in Vermont and 40 million members nationally. Through a wide array of special benefits, services, and information resources we help our members make important choices, reach their goals and dreams, and make the most of life after 50.
Source: BURLINGTON, VT September 26, 2016 -- AARP