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Barre Area Development launches $1.1 million campaign to buy 143 Main Street
Summary
Barre Area Development (BADC) launched a public fundraising drive to acquire 143 Main Street (the former JJ Newberry building), seeking $1.1 million with a target decision date around June 1; organizers said $475,000 is committed and $625,000 remains to be raised.
Barre Area Development announced a public fundraising campaign to acquire 143 Main Street, the long‑vacant property known locally as the former JJ Newberry building, with a $1,100,000 target to secure ownership and spur downtown redevelopment. "We decided that we would make a $1,000,000 offer," said Steve McKenzie, a BADC board member who outlined the group's strategy to obtain site control so the community can decide the building’s future.
McKenzie said the organization has paid a $5,000 option fee and set a target decision date of about June 1 for whether fundraising will succeed. He said $475,000 has already been committed, including a $400,000 allocation previously approved by the city council, and that BADC directors have collectively pledged $75,000. "If we are gonna meet the goal, then we'll have 30 days to get to closing," McKenzie said. Organizers said if the purchase is completed they anticipate transferring the property to the city to access grant programs and then run a public planning process about reuse.
