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The Public Interest

I thank the Clinton Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) for listening to legitimate public concerns about relocating CVS from its current location to the corner of Hull and Main streets. The unanimous vote to deny that application made on Feb. 13 was gratifying. Commissioners put the public interest ahead of personal relationships and political pressure.

Commissioner Gary Bousquet’s vote to deny was unexpected, but much appreciated, though his Freedom of Information complaint is a cloud that lingers over the commission.

Clinton can put that corner to much better use and greater value as an integral part of transit-oriented development. CVS can find a more suitable Clinton location that will accommodate a drive-up window that is a convenience for their pharmacy customers, and the owners of that corner will find their patience well rewarded.

Special thanks go to PZC Chairman Mike Knudsen, who presided over the public hearing and regular meeting with grace, dignity, and a sense of fairness. Public skepticism is fed when public hearings or meetings appear to be conducted in a manner that favors either side. Mr. Knudsen patiently struck a very fair balance.

One hopes that the Republican Town Committee will re-nominate him and the other Republican commissioners whose terms expire in November.

Clinton should remain vigilant. The developer has a lot invested and is unlikely to accept the PZC’s decision without a court appeal, or it may reapply and address the reasons given for the denial. Certainly the proposed building design was objectionable even to the few public supporters and would have alienated many loyal CVS customers.

The CVS proposal had to be denied, but it took good judgment and political courage to do so.

Kirk Carr

Clinton