This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Residents Would Express Outrage

Clinton residents made it very clear at public hearing: The community is opposed to the relocation of CVS to the corner of Route 1 and High Street. The primary concern was the increased traffic at the Clinton’s most dangerous intersection on Route 1. After public hearing, the application was denied. Selectman John Giannotti owns part of the property at that corner.

On July 10, following executive session excluding the public, the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) announced it decided to approve a new CVS plan never made public. That new plan now includes a drive-through. Zoning regulations don’t allow a drive-through on that corner. The new plan appears to be even more dangerous than the original, as pointed out by two PZC members. The bizarre rationale expressed by other PZC members for approving this dangerous plan included belief that the property is currently unsightly and fear that the applicant might otherwise build an uglier building. Unbelievable!

Obviously, the Friendly’s site would be a far better location, away from that dangerous intersection. At a meeting I attended, someone alleged the Friendly’s property was originally targeted, until a selectman steered the plan to the corner of Route 1 and High Street.

All of this is very disturbing. Why did PZC choose not to hold a public hearing before making this decision? I believe it’s because it knew residents would again express outrage. This approval and settlement must now be presented to a judge. It’s likely that judge will ask if the public was allowed to view the plan and comment. The answer is no.

We can only hope the judge sees through this scheme to circumvent the public and denies this settlement, thereby voiding the approval, including the drive-through. Then, in November, we need to replace all questionable members of PZC.

Vincent Cimino

Clinton