NEWPORT, Vt. (WCAX) - Newport is pushing to create a new version of itself with the launch of a new campaign.

The city recently launched the Newport Initiative to get ideas from the residents about what they want to see downtown.

The community was hit hard by the Kingdom Con EB-5 scandal over a decade ago, literally leaving a hole just off Main Street.

Newport Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase says he hopes voters will approve a TIF district to front infrastructure projects needed to spur development. That initial city investment will be paid off with future property taxes from development.

“If we don’t do something to change Newport’s outlook, we know that this community, like so many communities of its size and isolated location, is quite likely to spiral,” he said.

Right now, 4,400 peopl

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