A significant development project in Brattleboro has secured a $4 million funding boost from the Vermont Treasurer’s Office, as announced by Treasurer Mike Pieciak on March 12, 2026. This investment will support the first phase of The Village at Winston Prouty, aiming to establish a vibrant neighborhood featuring over 250 energy-efficient multi-family residences.

During his announcement, Pieciak emphasized his deep connection to the community, having grown up in Brattleboro and received early childhood services from the Winston Prouty Center. He highlighted the importance of this investment in addressing local housing challenges, stating that it aims to enhance affordability for younger populations and families, thereby encouraging them to settle in the area.

The overall plan for the Village includes the construction of approximately 300 housing units. Pieciak noted the project’s access to trails and campus services, which he believes will significantly bolster community integration and development. The Treasurer’s office has a program that has now facilitated investments exceeding $130 million statewide, aimed at promoting affordable housing solutions in Vermont.

The initial phase of the project, which includes the development of 28 workforce housing units, has a predicted cost of $9.5 million, with demolition already underway. Funding remains a focal point, as project organizers eye the goal of securing an additional $2 million within the next two months. Local community leaders are collaborating to address the housing deficit, which has been identified as a major obstacle to economic growth in the region.

Leaders from the Prouty Center, including Executive Director Chloe Learey, have expressed their daily encounters with the impacts of the housing shortage, affecting not only families in need but also businesses struggling to retain employees due to high living costs. Learey described the project as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to significantly improve housing solutions in Brattleboro.

Chris Campany, who serves as the Windham Regional Commission’s executive director, remarked on the strategic planning efforts that have evolved since 2019, aiming to realize the vision for the property originally owned by the Austine School for the Deaf. The collaborative approach has engaged multiple stakeholders, positioning the project for success.

Local officials, including Town Manager John Potter, underscored the importance of encouraging young people to build their futures in Brattleboro. They view Pieciak’s investment as a testament to Vermont’s commitment to tackling the critical housing shortage, with this project symbolizing a key opportunity for revitalization in the community.

Adam Grinold, executive director of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, reiterated the project’s potential as an economic driver, framing housing investment not merely as construction but as a foundational step towards fostering the next generation.