Famous Author Bankrolling Hometown Building Revival

PLAINVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A well-known author is using his own money to help revitalize the town he raised his kids in.

Jeff Kinney is the creator of the ' Diary of a Wimpy Kid ' series.

He's been buying property in town to help revive Plainville' s downtown area, which was once known for its manufacturing and textile industries, and make it more of a destination spot that residents are drawn to.

He already bought a bookstore that he's been using to host events that raise money for the town.

Kinney said his plan, which was unveiled before the town's Planning Board Wednesday night, is to develop and build up the town center that brings people together with places such as a restaurant, wide green spaces, markets, and even a beer garden. "We finally have enough of the pieces put together that we can make a meaningful difference in our downtown," he said.

The potential cost of the project?

It's in the tens of millions of dollars, a cost that he is funding on his own.

WBZ's Chaiel Schaffel ( @CSchaffelWBZ reports)

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