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10/13/2021 08:00 AM

Sense of Community


A vibrant town center is the lifeblood of a community. Branford is fortunate to have its town center at the site of the historic Town Green, where militia soldiers conducted their drills during the Revolutionary War. Today, it’s bordered by historic churches, a renovated Town Hall, and a series of storefronts—some that are empty and some that have seen better days. Tom Brockett believes that Branford deserves a town center that will live up to its potential.

We need to attract a diverse group of businesses that will bring new customers to the town center. We need to support the business community with incentives and events that will contribute to their success. The revitalization of the town center is not an issue that just impacts a few business owners. It will help attract new businesses, which in turn, will become new taxpayers. It will entice Branford residents and visitors to come to our town center to shop and to enjoy the restaurants. Most important, it will enhance our sense of community.

As an architect with more than 60 years experience in my own practices in San Francisco then New York, I understand that the role of the designer is to find what is special about a place and help realize that potential. For the 16 years I’ve lived here, I’ve longed to see someone champion that goal for the town center. Tom Brockett is that person and that is why he has my vote.

Beverly Willis

Branford