Long-vacant ‘pit’ in downtown Newport nears new chapter with purchase plan

An undeveloped vacant lot in downtown Newport in March 2024. File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerOn a recent summer afternoon in downtown Newport, portions of Main Street were bustling: Vendors were setting up for the Wednesdays on the Waterfront concert series, neighbors chatted at a cafe, and visitors were enjoying the town’s flower displays and sweeping views of Lake Memphremagog.However, one part of downtown — “the pit” — sat quiet and empty, as it has for over