Green Mountain Track Stables Come Tumbling Down

By Susan Bush
09:36PM / Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Rubble litters the ground at the Green Mountain Park as work to raze the property's former stables unfolds.

Pownal, Vt. - Work to raze dozens of dilapidated structures that once stabled the Thoroughbred horses that raced at the former Green Mountain Race Track on Route 7 is underway.

Numerous barns have already been torn down and more will come down, according to town Selectmen's Chairman Nelson Brownell. In addition to the barns, another race track staple, the tote board, has been removed from the site now known as Green Mountain Park, Brownell noted.

"What's happening is that Progress Partners [property owners] are having the barns taken down and they are using some locals to do it," Brownell said. "They're down there and they are disposing of things as they should; the [stable roof] shingles are going someplace different than the blocks, it's all going like it should."

An e-mail sent to Progress Partners principal Richard F. Hein asking for comment on the park was not answered. A phone call to another Progress Partners principal, Frank Cantatore of White Plans, N.Y., seeking comment on the stable razing was not returned. An individual who answered the phone at the Cantatore Industries office said that Cantatore would probably not be available for comment today.

Progress Partners principals have said that plans for the 144-acre parcel include building residential units, retail outlets, a large, permanent farmer's market, a community area near the Hoosic River, and other ventures. Since purchasing the property from former owner John C.Tiegtens in 2004, the group has hosted Shriner's Bingo games and the Bennington Car Show. A Tri-State Fair is expected to occur on the grounds in August.

Brownell said that town officials and Progress Partners principals have recently been engaged in discussions with state officials about the plans for the property.

Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 413-663-3384 ext. 29.