Community Corner
Letter: Long-Term Vision Needed for the Town of North Branford
Dan Armin, a member of the Economic Development Committee, discusses the need for goals and a vision for North Branford's future.
The following is a letter that Dan Armin presented to the North Branford Town Council:
As a member of the Economic Development Committee, I view my job to support, promote and advocate projects and ideas that serve to expand and diversify the town’s commercial base, consistent with the character of our community. Our infrastructure and therefore every resident depends on our mission being successful.
Find out what's happening in North Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
I have found it very difficult to be this advocate since there appears to be an absence of a long-term vision for the town and the examples of this condition are endless. Houses are placed where commercial business logically should be and vice versa. Also a lack of a "look and feel" of the town, perhaps something like an underutilized façade program could have alleviated. In addition, many vacant business properties look unkempt at best.
Right now I see the town at a critical juncture. We have new development opportunities and numerous positive qualities to offer potential business – quality of life, location being close to 1-95, 91 and the world's best hospitals, and citizens dedicated to the towns long-term health and sustainability.
Find out what's happening in North Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
There are also many urgent needs indeed: schools desperate in need of infrastructure upgrades and modernization, outdated police and emergency infrastructure and, yes, the lack of a town center from which cohesion could sprout.
This is why it is necessary at this time for Town Council, boards and commissions to develop this vision for the town and establish long-term goals. It is only then we can successfully market our product to develop and maintain a strong vibrant local economy that will preserve the quality of life our town offers.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our newsletter
________________________________________________________________________________________
Share your ideal long-term vision for North Branford in the comments.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
