Mass Transit or Trojan Horse?

Okay, here's something you guys need to know about: Yours truly has been asked to serve on a steering committee to assist the town's Planning Commission in figuring out how to spend a $50,000 private foundation grant to explore the potential for promoting a "village-type mixed-use development" in the vicinity of the Stratford Train Station. The general idea, as far as I can gather, is is to create apartments or condos within walking distance (tentatively defined as a half-mile) of the train station for 20- and 30-somethings who commute by rail. The benefits would be:

• Help revitalize Stratford Center

• Grow the tax base

• Attract more younger singles and families.

The downside is, obviously, higher population density in or near the Historic District (Trojan Horse!).

Now, obviously a measly $50K isn't going to create some new development -- it's only to pay some "consultant" (nice work if you can get it) to envision what this development might look like and where it could be sited. At last night's inaugural committee meeting, the Stratford Square shopping plaza was one site that was mentioned.

Now, I must admit I have major philosophical problems with the underlying premise that more people will be forced onto mass transit because the government plans to make it artificially too expensive to drive (see? I already can't help myself). However, I figure it's better for the neighborhood to have a voice (actually we have two — Historic District Commission Chairman Tom Yemm of Broad Street was also at the meeting).

But my presence on this august body will only be meaningful if you guys let me know how you feel about this issue and whether OSNA should be supporters, opponents or benign observers. Please e-mail me at mbingham@conntact.com or phone me at 378-7725.

Yr humble servant,

Michael Bingham