BENEFITS FOR THE
DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Downtown Transportation and Related Capital
Improvement Fund
Designated downtowns are eligible
to receive loans, loan guarantees, or grants up to $75,000 from
the Vermont Downtown Development Board for capital transportation
and related capital improvement projects to support economic
development. Grants may not exceed 50% of a project's cost.
Contact: Vermont Downtown Program, 802-828-3211
Act 250
The Act 250 threshold for reviewing "mixed income housing"
and "mixed use" projects is eased from the current
limit of 10 housing units. In a designated downtown, the new
threshold is on a sliding scale that ranges from 20 units in
a community with a population under 5,000, to 100 units in a
community with a population over 20,000.
Contact: VT Environmental Board, 802-828-3309
Priority Consideration by State Agencies
Priority consideration by any state agency administering any
state or federal assistance program providing funding or other
aid to the designated downtown area, provided the project is
eligible for the assistance program, with consideration given
to such factors as the costs and benefits provided and the immediacy
of those benefits.
Contact the relevant state agency directly, or Vermont Downtown
Program, 802-828-3211
Special Assessment District
For those communities that choose to enact a special assessment
district (also known as a special benefits district or business
improvement district), funds that are raised can be used for
both operating expenses and capital expenses.
Contact: Vermont Downtown Program, 802-828-3211
Traffic Calming Options
Designated downtowns have the authority to post speed limits
of less than 25 mph to help calm traffic and make the downtown
a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Contact your Regional Planning Commission
New Signage Options
Within a designated downtown district, alternative signs may
be posted by a municipality to help guide visitors to transportation
centers, and unique educational, recreational, historic or cultural
landmarks. The signs must be uniform within the district and
be approved by the local legislative body and the state Travel
Information Council.
Contact: Travel Information Council, 802-828-2651
Locating State Buildings
When considering leasing or constructing a new building, the
state will give priority to downtown locations. This will be
done in consultation with the municipality, and be based on
the suitability of the function for a downtown location.
Contact: Department of Buildings and General Services, 802-828-3314
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