In September 1997, an opinion piece in the “Mystic River Press” discussed changes occurring in Mystic: renovation, construction, and expansion. All of which was going on at the Mystic Marine Life Aquarium, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, the A&P on Route 1, and the Rossie Mill at the Mystic Seaport as well as a project downtown on Water Street. Certainly, it all showed signs of positivity and belief in the future of the area.

But the writer also noted that some saw it as signs of destruction of the past and the betrayal of the sense that Mystic has reflected all these past years. He admits all cannot stay the same but asks that the whole picture be viewed. Positive commercial advances are hard to criticize, but the Gravel Street property is residential as is the majority of Mystic, a “village,” part of which is in Groton and the other part in Stonington. It is in these areas that the sense of Mystic should be retained. I believe that this is exactly why the Groton Historic District Commission was established and I am very disappointed with their decision on this property.

Judy Hicks

Mystic