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An Extra Layer of Protection

In deciding what the allowable square footage for industrial sites in Clinton should be, there are many considerations. The 16 square miles that comprise the town of Clinton are a very complex mixture of industrial and residential. It’s important that Clinton grow and expand its tax base and employment opportunities, and preserve its character in a responsible and thoughtful way. I would suggest that there is an advantage to limiting industrial sites to 40,000 square feet rather than a blanket 100,000 square feet for all proposals of any kind, anywhere.

Each industrial proposal must be evaluated by its proposed land use, its location, and its impact on the surrounding area. Limiting industrial sites to 40,000 square feet with the possibility of granting a special variance exception would give our community an extra layer of protection and control over how our town will develop. In expanding this process to include approval of a variance, it would also include involvement of the people in making this decision instead being controlled by only a few in the administration.

If the proposal is appropriate and desired, it is much easier and cost effective to grant a variance exception to 40,000 square feet for a business than it is to deny a proposal for an established 100,000 square foot site. To simply open up our town to any industry, anywhere, just to increase our tax base would be irresponsible and detrimental to the character and quality of life of a place we call home.

Gary Borgnis

Clinton