The one thing that may define Clinton more as a community, second only to the choices we make today, is our past. Our past is preserved in the historic buildings that we have inherited. These historic landmarks not only tell our story, but they also tell us who we are as a community and where we came from. Without these structures we would become a soulless, faceless strip mall of industrial and economic development.

Too many gifts of the past have already been lost to irresponsible economic development due to a lack of insight for the sole purpose of expanding the tax base. This is exactly the crossroad at which we find ourselves today regarding the land site at the corner of Route 81 and Main Street. We have a very unique opportunity here to make the right choice.

Unlike our neighboring shoreline towns, we have a train station with direct access to Main Street. With the impending expansion of the railway system to our town, we have a choice as to how visitors and commuters will be greeted. Upon departing the train, they can either face the back of some big-box commercial building and a parking lot or be welcomed with an inviting setting showcasing and featuring the character of Clinton.

We have an opportunity at this site to create and incorporate a thoughtful mix of shops, cafés, and historic buildings with a landscaped, pedestrian-friendly path leading to Main Street that says “Welcome to Clinton.”

Gary Borgnis

Clinton