WPTZ:Burlington Leaders Unite Behind Moran Redevelopment

Plan Would Be City’s Biggest Waterfront Project In Years

BURLINGTON, Vt. — In a display of political unity, City Council Republicans, Democrats, Progressives and Independents joined Mayor Bob Kiss Monday outside the hulking brick Moran Plant as they urged voters to approve its ambitious redevelopment. They did not dwell on the fact an alternative question also on the March 4th ballot would do the opposite — tear the whole thing down.

The Moran Plant was built in 1953 to make electricity — it burned coal on the Lake Champlain shoreline until it was shuttered in 1986 — and occupies one of Vermont’s most valuable pieces of real estate.

Under the new plan, the six-story building would be reborn in a roughly $21 million project City Hall planners have worked for three years to assemble.

Moran would become a multi-purpose entertainment and sports complex with new restaurants, skating rinks and an observation deck overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.

The “Moran Center” plan includes a new Children’s Museum, expanded Community Sailing Center, and The Ice Factor — which developers say would be the largest indoor ice and rock climbing facility in the world. It is patterned after a successful facility in Scotland, said Phil McCully, the Montreal developer who also appeared at Monday’s news conference.

Not all favor the plan. Opponents launched a successful petition drive this winter to get a second question on the ballot — tearing the faded brick monolith down and extending the popular Waterfront Park further north in its footprint.

Critics say the city needs added tax revenue, estimating the redevelopment would add between $2-$6 million to the economy and 80 permanent jobs. Park space does none of that.

“If the vote goes down… I don’t know when the next opportunity, if ever, will come along again,” said Kurt Wright, the Ward 4 Republican and City Council President. Wright argues the waterfront needs more year-round visitor traffic to boost businesses now located there who often struggle during the more desolate winter months.

If voters approve the Moran question, Kiss plans additional engineering and legal work which includes the mix of public and private financing. Kiss anticipates federal support would be available, though financial details must be determined. If local property tax rates would be impacted, he said a second vote would be required before construction begins in 2009.

“This is an asset for City of Burlington,” Kiss said, on an unusually balmy February day. He has plenty of support from all but one member of the City Council.

“I ask every voter in Burlington to give it a chance,” said Barbara Perry, a Ward 6 Independent. “Just give it a chance.”