I almost pulled a "U-ee" in front of the dance studio.
The sign announces that a development called "Quinebaug Landing" is to be built on the land at the intersection of Route 20, and Holland Road. The current site of abandoned old mill buildings, overgrowth, and no inspiration. I would like to think the owner of the land read one of my previous postings suggesting just this kind of development, but I understand that others can have awesome ideas as well. Either way, it is a great way to rescue that corner, and I wish the developer the very best of luck.
This morning I wrote to the owner to acknowledge his wonderful idea for developing the area. I also told him the sign needs some tweaking since it can hardly be seen to drivers heading east bound, and it comes up way too fast on the west bound side. Ideally it should be directly at the intersection with two signs in order for those at the light coming from the south and north can view it as well. When an opportunity like this comes to a financially stressed area, we have to do everything we can to help it succeed. The jobs that would come from construction, shops, restaurants, and offices are so needed.
It will be nice to drive up onto that intersection and see anything other than the wasteland it has become, and to see a facility that will actually take advantage of the rivers beauty.
Now, all we have to do is wait. Wait for interested businesses to tell the developer that they are on board. Seeing how well other business developments have filled in around town, even in a time of "economic downturn", I have a great deal of confidence.
If I had the money, I would be one of the first in line, and put a cafe, and art gallery right on the river. For those of you with more of an ability to invest, take that dream as inspiration, and go for it. I don't think a better investment could be made in today's economic climate.
One more thing, it is all about location, and this site has it all.
You are correct - the sign is in a terrible location. I noticed it, but every time I drive past I try to spot something else I may have missed since I only have about two seconds to read it! It absolutely peaked my interest to the point where I "googled" the name and came across this post. I'm with you on the thought that this would be a valuable asset to our community. I'm tired of driving 30+ minutes in every direction to get to shopping destinations. Yes, we have a Hobbs Brook - but there's nothing like variety, keeping residents in town stimulating the local economy. And yes, jobs, jobs, jobs. I say bring it on... I just hope the loud-mouth, set-in-their-old-ways, refusing-to-change crowd doesn't step in and squash this prospect before it even starts.
ReplyDelete-Christiana
I contacted Mr. Olson, and mentioned how the sign was useless as is, and he replied, "Thanks for the input." I hope the developer is serious about this. So far, I am not sure.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, too. And I hope they are serious enough to fight all the people who won't want them here. People hate change... even if it's good.
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