Improvements at the Clinton Town Marina Make a Difference

When you are really proud of something, you want to show it off. That's why officials in the town of Clinton want to invite the governor of the State of Connecticut to witness for herself the dramatic "before" and "after" improvements at the town marina.

One of the reasons First Selectman William "Willie" Fritz contacted Governor M. Jodi Rell's scheduling secretary last week to ask that she visit the marina was so the governor can see how state funds were put to good use-"And see how great the place looks," added Fritz.

Many improvements to the town marina were paid for by a $100,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) state grant. They include new lighting, furniture, landscaping, fencing, and a flagpole.

All around town, selectmen report people's talking about the dramatic improvements that have made the town marina the place to be this summer.

Selectman Dolly Mezzetti, at last week's Board of Selectmen meeting, said she and her family often go to the marina for a snack or ice cream cone after dinner and the place "is packed!"

"It is beautiful," she said.

Selectman Ray Apel agreed. As a member of the town's Harbor Management Commission, Apel helped see the project through to its fruition.

On a sunny day last week at lunchtime, Clinton resident Alan Anderson sat at one of the green metal tables under an umbrella and ate his lunch while watching the water and boats.

"This is pretty nice," he said, taking a break from his job in town.

Anderson said he's a lover of the water and an avid (hobby) fisherman.

"People pay a lot of money to come to a place like this and I live here," he commented.

New Dockmaster Tim Wahl said the improvements to the marina have brought an influx of so many residents and visitors to the area. He particularly noted the number of senior citizens who visit the marina to sit and watch the water and boats, grab a meal from the snack stand, or bring a picnic lunch or dinner.

"I don't think they felt as comfortable down here in years past," said Wahl.