Letter to the editor: Vote against spot zoning

Norwich Bulletin

Norwich -

I urge all Norwich voters to vote for those candidates for City Council who favor smart development, not spot zoning.

The worst effect of the proposed zoning change on Washington Street across from The William W. Backus Hospital will be the hideous traffic problems that will accompany the commercial development. It is bad enough now. Aggravated traffic problems will affect everyone living in or traveling through Norwich.

People living on Washington Street will not be able to get out of their driveways safely, and those living on side streets will have great difficulty getting onto Washington Street. Traffic will be a nightmare.

We have West Main Street as an example of what strip commercial development does to traffic safety. Let's not spread that nightmare to other sections of the city.

MARCIA ERICKSON

Vote for smart development

Norwich Bulletin

NORWICH -

How considerate of the developers to remind the good citizens of Norwich the City Council represents 38,000 and not the select few wanting the Washington Street rezone to pass — those being the out-of-town developers, their out-of-town lawyers, Aldermen John Crooks and Larry Goldman, the four out-of-town property owners with options and three resident property owners with options.

So, is the rezone a step in the right direction for Norwich or simply a step to the bank for a select few?

Nov. 6, I encourage my other 37,991 fellow citizens to vote for City Council candidates whom you can trust our future to. Candidates who won’t give developers and their lawyers free rein in our city. Candidates ensuring smart development.

Watch for public hearings on the Washington Street rezone. Let’s show them neighbors define neighborhoods and cars and developers do not.

Lastly, thanks to the folks I chatted with across town as I handed out fliers. It’s a pleasure working with you on this defining issue for Norwich.

DAVID SWEDIN
Norwich

Washington Street project doesn't make sense

For the Norwich Bulletin

I adamantly oppose the Washington Street development proposal that would alter the landscape at the edge of Norwich's Historic District and disturb an actual historic site just for the sake of one more Walgreens, Starbucks and Webster Bank.

There are so many reasons this development does not make sense. One is the monumental amount of retail space going to waste right now at the nearby Norwichtown Mall. What's wrong with that existing space?

Think about pharmacies for a moment. Traveling a short distance from the proposed Washington Street site to the Norwichtown Green, one passes Uncas Pharmacy and a Stop and Shop Pharmacy. There's also Utley and Jones on Lafayette. That makes three pharmacies within a stone's throw of the site. Do we really need a fourth pharmacy within this small tract of land? The coffee shops and banks follow this pattern also.

If you're going build something, build something worth building. Give the community something it does not already have. Wouldn't a movie theater better serve our community by fostering culture and providing entertainment? I think it's time to make Norwich a destination for more than just picking up grandpa's pills and some overpriced coffee. How about you?

GREG BOYD
Norwich

Spot zoning benefits only the developer

Norwich Bulletin

It is past time for the Norwich City Council to say no to proposals from commercial developers to use spot zoning to enrich themselves. Spot zoning makes a mockery of Norwich's Plan of Conservation and Development and the city's comprehensive zoning ordinance. The only real beneficiary of such spot zoning is the developer, and their gain comes at the loss of property values and the quality of life in nearby residential neighborhoods.

It appears that the proponents of an ill-conceived Commercial Overlay District throughout Norwich are back and are pursuing what was always their primary objective. This was and remains the development of a retail strip mall through spot zoning along upper Washington Street across from Backus Hospital and in the midst of an established, viable residential neighborhood.

All members of the Norwich City Council should see this latest ploy for what it is and should reject this badly flawed concept out of hand. To initiate the spot zoning change, the developer must secure at least one Norwich alderman to introduce the application. City council members ought to decline this dubious honor and avoid becoming the developer's enabler. Norwich residents expect and deserve no less from their elected officials.

RICHARD ERICKSON

Are we about to be subjected to spot zoning?

Norwich Bulletin

NORWICH -

My comments are in reference to the Aug. 30 front page story, "Norwich projects advance" and the announcement of an update on economic development.

The claim is made the developers withdrew plans for the overlay district. If this is fact, why were plans visibly being flaunted to a member of the Norwich Neighborhood Coalition Aug. 29?

My understanding is the area still under option is from Benedict Arnold's birthplace to the Canterbury Gift Shop.

Are we about to be subjected to spot zoning? Are the residents of this neighborhood being held hostage by threats of a strip mall being erected on this plot of land?

BEVERLY A. BROWN
Norwich