Developer plans retail and apartment complex in Vermont city

NEWPORT CITY, Vt. (AP) - A developer has announced plans for a $6.5 million four-story retail and apartment complex in Newport City, Vermont.

The Caledonian Record (https://bit.ly/2orc8en ) reports developer Rick Bove, of Burlington, is also planning for indoor parking and an outdoor plaza on the top floor of the former JJ Newbury store. Bove is well-known in the state for Bove spaghetti sauce and Italian foods.

Ernie Pomerleau, a fellow developer, says the project will help bring affordable housing to the downtown area.

The retail and apartment space will help fill a vacant block downtown left after a scandal ended plans for a hotel.