NEWPORT DAILY EXPRESS   Thursday, November 29, 2007

Welch Discusses City plans with officials

U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (center) discusses future development in downtown Newport with City Manager John Ward, Council President Paul Monette and CEO of the Newport City Renaissance Corporation, Trish Sears. (Photo by Christopher Roy)

By CHRISTOPHER ROY
Express Staff Writer

Rep. Peter Welch told Newport City leaders yesterday that he will do what he can to help bring federal dollars for development in the city.

“My job is to try to help you be successful,” he said, during a meeting in the City Council Room. Welch said the purpose of his visit was to meet with city officials and hear about the revitalizing plans. “My hope is that my colleagues, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Pat Leahy will find someway to be (financially) helpful.”  The freshman representative, who made a swing through Orleans County yesterday, told Trish Sears, CEO of the Newport City Renaissance Corporation that it was great the city received their Downtown Designation.

The designation makes the city eligible to receive state funds and financial incentives.  “It is very exciting not only for Newport, but the Northeast Kingdom as well,” Sears told Welch, during a meeting with other city leaders. “We see Newport as the gateway into the Northeast Kingdom and Vermont.”

She also credited President/CEO of Jay Peak Resort Bill Stenger for assisting on the difficult United States/Canadian border issues. Sears added that the Newport Renaissance Corporation is a project for economic and community development.

“The waterfront development is only one aspect of it, downtown Main Street is huge,” Sears told Welch. “For that project to be successful, Main Street needs to be all it can be.”

And there are some native sons to Newport who are helping make that happen, she said referring to likes of Burlington developer Tony Pomerleau.

“They are challenging local business leaders to match their investment,” she said.

The primary area city officials are looking at rehabilitating the structures between Second and Central Streets. They have also been working with officials about filling the empty condo units at the Emory Hebard State Office Building. A couple of the units that were designated as retail units have been vacant since that facility opened close to 10 years ago.

However, the condo unit that faces the lake may soon be home to a restaurant.

City Manager John Ward said a new passenger boat, the Newport Belle, is expected to arrive this week. When it finally sets sail, it will offer daily cruses around Lake Memphremagog.

“We’re really excited about that,” said Ward who added it will be docked in the area of Railroad Square. He added that he hopes the Agency of Transportation will help with the engineering and permitting fees that are expected to cost several thousand dollars to rebuild the wharf that dates back to the 1800s. “That’s where the boat will dock at.”

The city is also looking at developing the Newport State Airport that is located in nearby Coventry. The current plans are to expand the runway 1,000 feet so customers to such resorts as Burke Mountain, can easily land with their larger planes.

“Right now the high end jets are restricted in (winter) weather,” she said, noting that Lyndon State Airport will not allow night landing and has no expansion plans. Once complete, the runway will be equivalent to airports in Rutland and Montpelier. “We’re actually moving ahead well with that.”

Financial assistance may also come from large corporations like Casella Waste Services.

Sears also feels that the low value of the American dollars may bring tourists from outside the country.
Welch, who also took time to tour the Main Street and waterfront, spoke very highly of the downtown merchants and restaurants. He also called the view breathtaking.

Ward, told Welch that former Gov. Howard Dean can be credited for that.

“Many people had a vision, but he is the one who made it happen,” said Ward who called it a world class waterfront.

“This is one of the most beautiful spots in Vermont, and it has a great future,” said Welch, referring the city as a whole.