BURLINGTON, Vt. -
The former Moran Plant on Burlington's waterfront has sat empty since the mid eighties. Monday, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger is taking action and keeping his campaign promise.
"Within 90 days of taking office, I would make a "go, no go" decision about the future of the Moran plant," said Weinberger.
And exactly three months after taking office, he did, "The city will not go forward with the former administrations plan," said Weinberger.
That plan was to turn the building into a new ice-climbing business; which Weinberger calls a complicated speculative, real estate venture.
"I will not risk Moran becoming another Burlington Telecom," said Weinberger.
Instead the city hopes to solicit private bids, to take over the vacant building. And as part of his plan, Weinberger will find a home for the Burlington Community Sailing Center, which is using the area to provide recreational activities on the lake.
"It's time for the Burlington Sailing Center to have a permanent home after 18 years of being one of the top sailing centers in the country," said Weinberger.
Weinberger says the city hopes to start the competitive bid process by the end of September.
