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Big Box — Big Emotions
By Bob Davidson, Canton
It would be nice and I hope it will eventually be possible for the citizens of Canton to make a decision on commercial development with their heads. I apparently annoyed at least one Voice reader by having the audacity of expressing my views about Route 44 in Canton [Bad Movie in Canton, by Raymond C. Squier, October 26].
That gentleman insulted me and suggested I leave town. He erroneously assumed that I operate a car dealership on Route 44 and, in his frustration, insulted the appearance of that business. While the gentleman referred to me as a "self-anointed commissioner of architectural taste," he apparently had no problem assuming that role himself, as evidenced by making disparaging remarks about a local car dealership.
It is unfortunate that an excellent, well-maintained business had to be brought into this. In regard to them, I can only say they run a great dealership and contribute in many ways to our community.
As for my leaving town—sorry, not likely. My wife and I have lived here for seventy years and our families have been members of this community about as long as any family still in town. We love it, but we know run-down property, closed business buildings with tarp-covered roofs, oil store tanks, and a closed hot dog stand in poor repair when we see them. Next to them, a big box store properly designed and with appropriate landscaping would be a major improvement.
Canton is a wonderful place to live, but an honest comparison of our section of Route 44 with the Avon/ Simsbury section does not reflect favorably on our past growth and development plans. We can make Canton even better. It will not come by insulting each other or well-run existing businesses.
Ray, I am sorry if you felt I insulted your town. I like it just as much as you do. We can disagree without being disagreeable. I'll try, and hope you’ll join me.
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