What Would You Do?
Author: J. B. Howick, Townsend City Councilman, Ward 1
What Would You Do? JB Howick Townsend City Council, Ward 1 Several months ago, a gentleman was in our store and asked if I sat on the City Council. When I said yes, he started asking questions about who owned the empty lot at 100 Broadway across from The Commercial Bar and how it could be developed. Despite its small size, it seems that it would be a valuable development. We spoke about what could happen on the lot, who owned it, and what various kinds of development would mean for the city.
Was I in favor of his ideas? Not particularly. Like others who have looked at that lot he wanted to build a fast-food service, meaning the lot would be a small building and a lot of pavement and concrete adding congestion to an already congested intersection while distracting from existing services in the city and doing little to nothing to help beautify a city that, on approach from either direction on Highway 287, can only be described as "industrial." I told him I'd love to see some trees and a little green space. He wanted to paint a mural of trees on the side of the building.
So... what would I like to see there? Personally (and this is only my opinion), I'd like the city to buy the property and create some much-needed parking for the city — complete with some trees and green space. In fact, it would be nice to have some simple structures like a signpost that points to businesses and recreation or an interpretive display that describes the history of the city and the importance of the area. A nice place for people to stop and enjoy our fair town before continuing their journey. And some trees would be nice.
At the moment, everyone is kinda taking advantage of the generosity of the owner, Robert Peccia. Some of us have permission. My store uses it to unload flatbed trucks so we don't close streets. Rotary depends on the lot for parking during Fall Fest and uses it for their Christmas Forest during the Christmas season. But the vast majority of users don't have permission and are just parking: from people stopping for a quick coffee and donuts at Mountie Moose Bakery to people looking in at the amazing creations at Goose Bay Glass to folks relaxing at The Commercial Bar to residents attending a City Council meeting. The property is just kinda "there".
However, that won't always be so. Before the economic challenges of COVID-19, Mr. Peccia had sold the property to Valley Bank, which was considering opening a branch. That deal has fallen through. Robert Peccia recently sent a letter to the City explaining that he plans to develop the property — but he didn't say how. He likely doesn't really know how. The letter was certainly a polite reminder that he owns the lot and has rights, both of which are entirely true and correct. The City has known the Peccia family for a very long time and has always appreciated its relationship with them.
But what could be done with the property? Our store would be happy to find another way to unload pallets if that property is used to really benefit city residents and businesses. We're not so much in favor of losing that convenience for an absentee owner business (not that we have any choice in the matter, it's Mr. Peccia's property to sell or develop as he sees fit). So, what I wonder is if city residents think the City should work with Mr. Peccia to develop the property into something we really need. There are grants that can be applied for, foundations that can help and donations that could be sought from local residents and businesses, but in the end, it would require a commitment by taxpayers. And I respect the pain that would be, following the water rate hike.
But... would you do it? Before you answer, note that while my idea covers the various needs and uses the property already serves while making it beautiful and easier to maintain, it won't be the only idea out there, and I'd love to hear what you have to say!
What do you think? Visit this week’s survey at https://howick.org/survey or send an email to keithjr@howick.org. Please remember that while I am a member of the Townsend City Council, these opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of other council members or any policy of the city.
Local government works best when it hears from the people! And this is one of the many ways we’re trying to hear everyone’s voice. Thank you!
