Kent residents have approved buying nearly half an acre of land off Railroad Street.  During a town meeting Thursday night, Kent residents gave approval to the $190,000 land purchase.  First Selectman Bruce Adams says the plan to to construct a visitors center with public restrooms.  The facility would also include showers for people hiking the Appalachian Trail, which runs through Kent. 

Discussions about the design of the facility will be held at a later date.  

The town has a $500,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development to cover the costs of the project. 

The need for restrooms was prompted by The Kent Village Barn closing its bathrooms to the public.  Port-a-potties were set up by the town off Maple Avenue behind the Historical Society's Swift House.  The STEAP grant originally was for a parcel of land off North Main Street, but the town lost its bid on that lot.  The state approved changing the terms of the grant for this new proposed parcel.