Recently, the Groton Town Council declared that Groton is at a crossroads facing an uncertain future without public support of the monster  Mystic River Bluffs project. It claims the project will expand and diversify the tax base, produce needed revenue, and provide housing that will entice workers to “call Groton home.”

Lest anyone has forgotten, early 1980s Groton retained a consultant to assess the town’s potential for economic growth. That consultant identified the 144 acres of land zoned industrial and technological at the Interstate 95-Route 117 interchange as a potential site for an industrial park. It recommended water and sewage lines be extended along Route 117 to encourage and facilitate development.

In 1985, voters authorized $2 million for that construction, after being told future development would increase the grand list, generate revenue, and create jobs. Those earlier promotions in retrospect amounted to little more than hot air.

Groton seemingly has been at a crossroads for years. Moving beyond that point will necessitate change that has nothing to do with Mystic River Bluffs. In view of the potential significant impacts of that project on the area, this council owes residents a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the proposal by independent forensic accountants. Nothing less will suffice.

R. A. Voyer

Mystic