Our Projects
Local Support
Since early 2017, BRI has met with landowners, business owners, financial groups & state officials to help grow Bethlehem’s business community.
Sinclair Lot
The Sinclair Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1978 that left behind lead, asbestos and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in the soil and groundwater. For the last forty-three years, the 4.8-acre site has been an empty, largely unused, overgrown eyesore that has been a blight on our downtown. In 2021, BRI purchased the lot, then secured an $500,000 EPA Brownfields Clean-Up Grant for it in early 2022.
Among the key priorities identified by Bethlehem residents as part of its 2016 Master Plan are the town’s high property tax rate, health concerns from a local landfill and preserving the town’s unique character downtown. Nearly 68% of respondents from the town survey would like to see more commercial development, with an emphasis on bringing more small businesses to Main Street to accommodate residents and invite more tourism. The town’s Master Plan identifies several key goals including protecting property values through new economic development, planning for future population increases, and address zoning strategies to protect the town’s scenic and natural resources.
BRI Development, LLC’s (BRI) strategy fully aligns with Bethlehem’s goals to maintain a small-town feel, to market and promote Bethlehem to visitors and investors, and support availability of new housing. Our primary goal is to remediate the site for development, mitigating any and all public health concerns due to site exposure.
Public Hearing Recording
Public Hearing Documents
Co-Working Space Feasibility Study
In 2019, Bethlehem Reimagined secured a $25,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study on whether a co-working space on Bethlehem’s Main Street was a viable option. Over the past two years, we had received input from various business owners and townspeople that affordable shared work/office space was needed. We contracted with the Arnett Development Group, which specializes in these types of studies, to prepare a report and provide the framework necessary to bring this lively, co-working space to town. The study concluded in Spring 2020.
Ballots & Beer Fundraiser
On July 8, 2018, Bethlehem Reimagined hosted a fundraiser to purchase a vote-counting machine for the Town elections. Over $3,500 was raised and we rounded out the donation to $4,000 to buy the machine. Tested in October it’s ready for the upcoming November elections. Now our residents won’t have to wait up until the wee hours of the morning after Election Day to find out the results. Many thanks to The Colonial for hosting this successful event for us and for all those who donated food and funds to make this a great success.
Mountain Bike Economic Summit
On Nov 13, 2018, Bethlehem Reimagined hosted an event at The Maplewood Country Club that encouraged local hospitality and retail business owners to learn more about how the mountain biking economy could benefit Bethlehem. Guest speakers shared their experiences and knowledge with all as Bethlehem began building public trail systems that residents and visitors can enjoy!
Supported Businesses
Rek-Lis Brewery Expansion
“Over the course of several months to several years of planning, designing, and operating Rek-Lis Brewing Company, there are a couple of great local people who have made the journey much easier. Don Lavoie has been extremely helpful in guiding and leading us through the town planning and zoning boards, which can e an intimidating experience for someone who has never done it. Paul Greenlaw has also been a great help in regard to connecting us to land and business owners in town, and to people and institutions who have been helpful in the area of financing our business. These guys want to see Bethlehem be the best it can be and they are showing it by helping new business owners through the difficult process of starting up. Thank you Paul, Don and Bethlehem Reimagined!”
Ian Dowling
Rek-Lis Brewing Company
Wayside Inn Ownership
“Opening a business in Bethlehem has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The community has been so supportive. I met Don during my first week here and he has helped me with referrals and advice ever since. He has provided wonderful recommendations on contractors, staff and various other organizations and events in the area to partner with. I am so happy to be a part of the Bethlehem community and can’t wait to see how this town blossoms in the coming years.”
Sarah Levy
Wayside Inn
We Have the Power to Impact Our Future, and We’re Doing Something About It
Since late Spring 2017, our group has been meeting with landowners, business owners, financial groups, and officials from New Hampshire’s Department of Economic Development to begin the work of helping grow Bethlehem’s business community.
Happening Now
Public Meeting Notice
BRI Development, LLC a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bethlehem Reimagined, Inc., will be conducting a public meeting on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM to review and gather comments for the Draft Analysis of Brownfields Clean-up Alternatives (ABCA) being submitted to
Who We Are
Featured Initiatives
Bethlehem Reimagined Receives Donation from The Autosaver Group
Bethlehem Reimagined Receives Donation from The Autosaver Group December 2, 2022 BETHLEHEM, NH - Bethlehem Reimagined, Inc. (BRI), parent company of BRI Development, LLC, today announced as it has received a $20,000 donation from The Autosaver Group to support cleanup...
BRI secures cleanup grant, retains engineering firm for Brownfields project
BRI secures cleanup grant, retains engineering firm for Brownfields project BRI DEVELOPMENT, LLC PRESS RELEASE BETHLEHEM, N.H., November 18, 2022. BRI Development, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bethlehem Reimagined, Inc. today announced it has been awarded a...
BRI Secures EPA Brownfields Clean-Up Grant for Sinclair Lot
BRI Secures EPA Brownfields Clean-Up Grant for Sinclair Lot May 16, 2022 BETHLEHEM, NH - May 16, 2022. BRI Development, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bethlehem Reimagined, Inc., a 501(c)3 corporation, today announced it has been awarded a $500,000 Brownfields...
Our Top Priorities
Bethlehem has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when it became internationally famous as a summer tourist destination. With over 30 “Grand Dame” hotels, Bethlehem attracted world leaders, dignitaries and celebrities. Today, Bethlehem is poised for growth.
The revitalization of the Colonial Theatre and the addition of Rek-Lis Brewing brought a new vibe to the Village. Recent additions, including the new Chandler Hotel and Presidential Mountain Resort, bring visitors here to experience our wonderful town and add much-needed tax revenue to help stabilize our tax rate. Developing our empty lots will further enhance our economy and strengthen our community.
Helping Businesses Grow
We advise and bring resources to existing businesses so they can expand and grow, creating new jobs and increased tax revenue.
Filling in the Gaps
Our first goal is to help commercial property owners on Main Street get in contact with entrepreneurs looking to come to Bethlehem or help a resident take a home-based business to the next level.
Financial Resource Coordination
Grants, low-cost loans and interested investors are all available. Our goal is to be a resource and provide guidance for entrepreneurs so they can take advantage of funding opportunities.
Make a Donation
$500,000 Raised
Sinclair Lot Project
Our primary goal is to remediate the site for development, mitigating any and all public health concerns due to site exposure. Enticing commercial and residential development, including expansion of a senior housing complex adjoining the site will be our next area of focus.
Get Involved
Over the course of several months to several years of planning, designing, and operating Rek-Lis Brewing Company, there are a couple of great local people who have made the journey much easier. Don Lavoie has been extremely helpful in guiding and leading us through the town planning and zoning boards, which can e an intimidating experience for someone who has never done it. Paul Greenlaw has also been a great help in regard to connecting us to land and business owners in town, and to people and institutions who have been helpful in the area of financing our business. These guys want to see Bethlehem be the best it can be and they are showing it by helping new business owners through the difficult process of starting up. Thank you Paul, Don and Bethlehem Reimagined!
Get In Touch
Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy
Bethlehem Reimagined, Inc. and subsidiaries is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law.
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