February 28, 2008 What's in store for abandoned Vermont power plant? Play video

(NECN: Burlington, VT) - Some see it as an eyesore on Burlington, Vermont's waterfront -- an abandoned power plant, decommissioned more than 20 years ago. Now, the rundown, seasonal home of a community sailing center.

City officials and Burlington's business community are trying to revitalize this property. They're proposing a major redevelopment project that would turn this into a recreation destination -- with an indoor ice and rock climbing facility, a childrens museum, an expanded sailing center, a restaurant and an outdoor staking rink.

Thursday, they made their last push to residents before Town Meeting Day next Tuesday, when voters will be asked whether they want the city to explore the project -- or, in a separate question, whether they think the plant should be demolished.

Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss sees this as an opportunity to generate revenue, create new jobs and offer more year-round opportunities at what some say is an underutilized waterfront.

The proposal has its critics, though, who say there are too many unanswered questions and financial concerns. The redevelopment is estimated to cost about $21 million and that's money some say should go towards improving existing infrastructure and programs -- and perhaps towards a more modest project there.

NECN's Anya Huneke has the story.