The Benn High redevelopment is expected to create 22 workforce housing units with five units at or below 80% AMI and all other units at 80-120% AMI. The Sponsor estimates there will be 24 new permanent full-time jobs created, and 35 full-time jobs retained, 85% of which will be high-quality jobs at a living wage and 75% of which will be accessible to people without a bachelor’s degree. Commercial tenants were chosen to maximize access to broad community benefits, including childcare, recreation, education, and senior services. A new childcare center will offer many seats for local families, with a majority reserved for those with lower incomes.

The YMCA will greatly expand community access to recreation and youth programs. The Sponsor estimates 4,308 individuals currently benefiting from the recreational center programming, with a projected 1,940 new users. The University of Vermont Extension estimates that more than 1,000 individuals in the community will benefit from their offerings, which include agricultural, nutrition, and community development resources.  Senior programming will also grow, offering wellness, cultural, and social activities for both current and new participants.