I commend Clifford Marlow's op-ed for his steadfast and outspoken concern about the progressive blight in New London highlighted in, “CuriousCT contributor knocks city’s stonewalling of blight records,” (March 17). Years ago, New London was the attraction for us. We loved the retail stores in downtown, the scenic water drive along Pequot Avenue and the majestic homes on Montauk and Ocean Avenues.

Now, I see ever-encroaching degradation of properties extending outwards from downtown, including along the water views and properties heading towards Ocean Beach. It is appalling that city officials have not been proactive over the years to this visible problem nor created lasting solutions for the good of the city. The fact that you are hearing excuses and hesitancy from the current director of Planning and Development are emblematic of the depth of this problem.

This is a public problem. It needs to be publicly visible in the city’s enforcement and owner delinquencies because all New London suffers in the end. Look at other decayed cities in America and tell me this is not true! New London is not alone. Waterford is heading in this direction, albeit not to the same degree − yet. We must all pressure our cities to be progressive and proactive in securing their beauty and our property values.

Gene Griffen

Waterford