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Showing posts from July, 2022

Enfield Square Redevelopment: What Enfield Could Have Asked For—And Didn’t

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The town approved millions in public support—without tying the deal to walkability, entertainment, or shared spaces residents said they wanted. Proposed project presented to Town Council last year. The Target store is to the right rear. Redeveloping Enfield Square is critical. Once our downtown—a hub of activity and identity—the mall is now a shell of its former self. In public comments and a survey of over 1,000 people, residents voiced a clear desire for the redevelopment: not just retail, but gathering places—entertainment venues, a movie theater, live music, family-friendly spaces, and walkability. Yet on June 2, when Enfield had the most leverage, the Town Council approved a generous package of financial incentives without securing any binding commitments to many of those community goals. Progress, But Not Vision   For sure, the town is taking steps to address the problems at Enfield Square.  The developer, Woodsonia Acquisitions, will redevelop the site into a mix of hou...

A case for the Felician Sisters' affordable housing project

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An op-ed I wrote for the Journal Inquirer in support of Felician Sisters' housing plan. It appeared Wednesday. But the op-ed also makes a case that our town government lacks authentic leadership. The Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on this project was continued to July 28.