SVHC Seeks Public Feedback on Everett Estate Reuse

BENNINGTON, VT—May 14, 2021—Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is seeking public input through an online survey on the reuse and development of the Everett Estate, the site of the former Southern Vermont College (SVC). SVHC purchased the 370+ acre property in 2020 with the intent of maintaining local stewardship of this vital community asset as it transitions to its next phase.

SVHC is working closely with the Town of Bennington and the Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC) to develop short and long-term plans for the property.

“Southwestern Vermont Health Care is committed to keeping the former Southern Vermont College property and its trail system accessible to our community,” stated SVC Project Director Brian Lent. “This survey is great way to capture our region’s feedback regarding the property’s importance and potential future opportunities.”

Reuse options are being explored for the property’s twelve buildings, which include the historic Everett Mansion and Carriage House as well as several dormitories and classrooms.  The property includes a network of trails that is currently open to the public, and athletic fields that are available to local sports leagues for use through the Town of Bennington.

Residents will have the chance to provide feedback through an online survey that will be open until May 28th and is accessible through links on the BCRC and SVHC websites. Survey results will inform how SVHC assesses community value of future development proposals at the Everett Estate. An overview of survey results will be made available to the public this summer.

About SVHC:
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVHC includes Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, and the SVHC Foundation. SVMC includes 25 primary and specialty care practices.

Southwestern Vermont Health Care is among the most lauded small rural health systems in the nation. It ranked fourth nationwide for the value of care it provides by the Lown Institute Hospital Index. It is a four-time recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. It has also received the highest marks possible from The Joint Commission, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Leapfrog Group.  

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.

About BCRC:
The Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC) was created, pursuant to 24 V.S.A. Section 4341, by the seventeen towns and villages it serves and works with and on behalf of those municipalities to build strong, resilient, and sustainable communities, to foster economic prosperity, and to promote a high quality of life for residents of the region.

This mission is accomplished through direct planning and community development assistance to town and village governments, through preparation and implementation of regional plans and studies, and through synergistic working relationships with local and regional organizations. The BCRC works cooperatively with local governments to establish and advance regional cohesiveness, actively advocate for adherence to adopted regional policies, and facilitate effective communication between local, state, and federal levels of government.