The so-called Costco development at Exit 56 is actually more than just a Costco. It’s a huge, 238,000 square foot shopping center with up to eight retail stores. As much as 90 percent of the area would be covered with asphalt. East Main Street at Exit 56 could be widened to eight lanes at points. Traffic would be greatly increased, along with pollution and loss of wildlife habitat.

The many small businesses currently operating around Exit 56 pay nearly $4 million in real estate and personal property taxes each year, with few negative impacts on town services, the environment, or the quality of life in Branford. Encouraging more business development of this type will bring better tax revenues with fewer negative impacts over the next decades.

The Sound should reflect these facts when publishing articles about the proposed shopping center. Focusing only on Costco deflects the public’s attention away from what is actually being proposed. It’s not just Costco. A huge shopping center isn’t right for Branford’s environment, our quality of life, or the future.

Kate Galambos

Branford