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Need to be Vigilant

Last month, the Clinton Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) voted unanimously to deny the development for a CVS on the corner of Hull and West Main streets and adjacent properties. The members of the Clinton Historical Society applaud that vote and thank the commissioners for their wise decision, especially those commissioners who have resisted this development travesty since its first application.

So, why do the citizens of Clinton need to be vigilant? The change of heart of some of the commissioners may not have come out of wisdom, but out of a plan to get CVS what they wanted all along: a big-box store in the center of Clinton with a drive-thru. The unanimous vote came after the defeat of amendments by PZC commissioners Christine Goupil and Alan Kravitz to include denial reasons regarding inconsistencies with the town Plan for Conservation and Development.

The unanimous vote came as a shock! Something was up to make the strong CVS supporters on the commission vote for denial. Now those of us in opposition think we know what was up. The denial motion as passed set the stage for denied applicant Doug Benoit to submit an application correcting the all-too-obvious and distasteful shortcomings of the denied site plan and present a much more aesthetically pleasing building, most likely with a drive-thru. Because the denial did not include Christine Goupil’s reasons, the new application will be approved. The will of Clinton’s citizens will be denied. They are supposed to feel grateful for not getting the ugliest building.

I encourage your readers to watch for further citizen action requests.

David Bautz

Clinton

David Bautz is president of the Clinton Historical Society.