A powerful speech was delivered at the Norwich Community Development Corp. (NCDC) annual meeting by Donald Poland, an urban planner. See the Jan. 29 article, “Planner: Norwich should invest in itself to attract economic development.”

His message: Downtown is the image of Norwich — Fix it. The subject of the marina came up in the Q&A and he more or less said forget the marina/boat launch. Put your money in downtown. It needs a new face. He praised the Wauregan restoration and urged the city to do more of such projects.

So let’s have more discussion about restoring the Reid & Hughes. Presently investors are not inclined to put money into Norwich because they think they’ll have to fight City Hall. Consider this: The cost to demolish the R&H (approximately $800,000) should be used instead to entice a developer to restore it.

Another parking lot does not put tax money in our coffers but a restored building would. It is a win, win. Demolition is a lose, lose.

We, who think this is a sensible approach, need to let council members know via letters, phone calls or attending the council meetings. Let’s take back our wonderful city.

Susan Masse

Vice President, Norwich Heritage Trust

Norwich