The people of Clinton have a unique opportunity in preserving the character of our town regarding the land use of property on the corner of Hull and Main streets. There has been a general consensus that a multi-purpose use of that property with a pedestrian sidewalk, a diversity of shops, and preserving of the historic buildings that exist would create an inviting entrance to our town from the train station and also connect visitors and customers to Main Street businesses.

Recently members of this administration and the CVS Corporation tried to overrule the will of the people in attempting to put a big-box CVS at that location. Besides increasing traffic at an already-congested area, cutting off the train station from Main Street, losing more of our historic buildings, and violating planning and zoning regulations, that permit was denied.

Once again this administration and Clinton CVS are attempting to obtain another permit for this location. We can respond in several ways. We can demand that members of this administration who would personally benefit from this transaction recuse themselves from this matter. We can attend town hall meetings, voicing our opinions and holding politicians accountable and we will remember their names when it comes time to vote.

Until the CVS Corporation decides to support the will of the people who support their business and become a good neighbor, I suggest a town-wide boycott of CVS. The products they sell and the pharmacy services they provide can be easily obtained at Walgreen’s, Stop & Shop, or Shop Rite. Boycotting the front of CVS with signs as a group will certainly get the media’s attention until CVS decides to do the right thing.

Gary Borgnis

Clinton