Noank Main Street Reconstruction

As of these evenings, many citizens, residents, business owners, and other interested parties are feeling confused about many of the unknown aspects concerning and related to the proposed redevelopment of the center of Noank. Much of the concern stems from the unknown, and it would be helpful if all parties could communicate more easily and regularly. As the lead party involved in initiating this project seems to be the Dept of Public Works, we have been willingly and appreciatively provided with a great deal of information by that department, and their representatives and employees. All of our inquires and requests for related information have been courteously answered and presented. The information provided to date has been helpful and has brought to mind many questions by residents, that the answers to, would be helpful in better understanding the project and processes involved.

It is a well understood and tolerated, that Noank is a very unique, if not quirky, place to live, work in and with, maneuver around, and govern and maintain. It’s a place that successfully coexists within the Town of Groton, and it is very use to and experienced with helping to solve problems, in association with the Town, and providing for the needs of its own residents, business’ and tourists. Noank residents are, at most times, tolerant, though skeptical of change, and have a deep appreciation and respect for its past and are very adept at and experienced with solving problems effecting it. When it became apparent in the mid 1800’s that Village residents would benefit, long term, from a convenient, safe, easily accessible and respectful solution to burial problems by consolidating the many and often times, unknown and or forgotten burial spots scattered about, within its midst, residents formed the Noank Valley Cemetery Association, that has, to this day, quietly, beautifully, respectfully and frugally managed to fulfill an important need for residents living in Noank, over the past 175 years, acknowledging its occupants existence, and providing for its residents needs and, their descendants as well. When residents needed fire protection in the latter part of the 1800’s, they solved the problem by establishing, funding and supporting the Noank Fire District. They took on the cost and task of building, equipping, maintaining and providing educated personnel to and for the original firehouse and its replacement, the current firehouse. When its residents needed a safe and reliable water source, it sought permission and established, funded, built and maintained the Noank Water Co. and oversaw the systems’ design, layout, and its installation, and provided and funded round the clock personnel to operate and maintain it, for the past 63 years. The district, in cooperation with the Town, oversaw the building and care of the Park on Main Street, in the early 1950’s , and maintains it to this day. When Noank needed emergency response services and vehicles, it funded and incorporated that service into the Fire Dept along with providing and educating personal, available around the clock. It has established, funded, and maintained parks and open spaces here, as well as public access to the water, and the rest of the world on those waters, and it gladly shares many scenic views and vistas with anyone who cares to look. When trash disposal in the Town and the District became a problem, Noank solved its problem with a one collector, unified pick up system that has worked remarkably well for the district and this part of town. These are just a few examples of this communities’ cooperation with the town and the benefits enjoyed by both, and the general public, and we’re hoping that the same can be enjoyed again. As daunting, complicated and technical as these tasks may have appeared when they were proposed, we continue today to enjoy their benefits.

So, with regards to the project at hand and the towns request for input, we need try to continue respectfully working towards solutions to certain real or perceived problems with the comfortable and safe use of, and maintenance and protection of many of the aspects that contribute to the fragile balance everyone is working hard to achieve, and an outcome that is tolerable to all.

It might be helpful to first identify subjects that a majority of those that are interested will agree on, and thereafter we can negotiate, “tolerable to most people,” solutions, for the remaining aspects of the proposals. Just a thought.

As for my project hopes, I am in favor of the road resurfacing and drainage improvements, the existing sidewalk problem mitigations and rebuilding, the installation of period appropriate granite curbing to match/enhance existing granite, and the replacement of bituminous and or concrete curbing with granite throughout the project area. I also would rate underground utilities placement as a very high priority.

Thank you for your consideration.

Dave Blacker