The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received October 4, 2023.
I read with interest the P&Z candidate profiles. I note the incumbent candidates state their desire to preserve the rural charm of Haddam and commitment to listening to residents.
It sounds great– but P&Z’s record raises questions about how genuine these claims are. Of note,
- The commission has canceled over half of its meetings in the last year when members could have spent time on planning and improving our regulations to preserve our rural charm.
- The P&Z considered numerous controversial projects in the last few years to allow a tattoo parlor in Higganum Center (essentially spot zoning which could have later, unforeseen consequences), extending Truck Bar hours, or allowing a second Dollar General. In all cases, many residents showed up or wrote letters expressing strong opposition. And in all cases, P&Z passed these changes and overrode residents’ concerns.
Revitalizing Higganum Center could be fantastic for Haddam– but it could also be disastrous, if done poorly. The focus of town officials bringing in any business has resulted multiple Dunkin Donuts, Dollar Generals, liquor stores, bars, gas stations, gun shops, and a smoke shop where the owner was arrested for selling marijuana to minors. All in a town of less than 10,000 residents. Haddam has the lowest per square foot real estate value of any Connecticut River Valley town despite having the highest median household income. I believe that having so many of these types of businesses has hurt our residential property values.
I encourage Haddam voters to vote to replace the incumbents. My votes will be for Mike Karam, Tim Teran, and Scott Brookes, who are committed to balancing thoughtful economic growth with the desires of our community.
Sandra McCurdy, Higganum
