242 Main has brought a community of young adults together where they can fearlessly share what matters and learn to respect each other. It’s Burlington's voice for diversity in art and the human experience, fostering social bonds and confidence. It’s launched many young people on creative paths that led to fulfilling lives. 242 Main is an institution led by our city’s youth and nurtured into a national landmark. It has a treasured history of inclusivity and a triumphant legacy of being the nation’s oldest, longest-running all ages punk rock venue.

242 Main has championed the growth of young adults who are confident, critically-minded, and engaged with their peers and community. It has fostered generations of creative community-minded citizens and is an irreplaceable resource. We see Mayor Weinberger, our city department chiefs, and each of our City Councilors, as citizens sharing our vision for a healthy, participatory city that respects diversity, inclusion, empowerment, civic engagement, and creativity. We understand that deferred maintenance has jeopardized all the programs inside Memorial Auditorium, where 242 Main lives.

We ask that as you resolve the structural issues with Memorial Auditorium by repairing or redeveloping the building, please keep 242 Main in its current location, operating as a teen-led program that can continue its legacy of serving Burlington’s youth in its uniquely powerful and historic way, providing an outlet for their creative and social vision. Please make this ‘community benefit’ a priority within the redevelopment process.

This will make our community stronger by demonstrating that we all share an inclusive vision and a spirit of living up to our responsibilities to each other and the meaningful things we’ve built together.

 (Photo by Tim Snow, @TimSnowPhoto)