(not in my backyard)
February 13, 2007
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
The sky is falling, the world is ending. Walgreens Pharmacy has the nerve to begin discussions with some in Bridgewater about rebuilding at the former CVS site, just off Central Square. It was only five years ago that Walgreens considered building at 9/19 Summer Street – the site of the current CVS Pharmacy.
Since that time five years ago, the dilapidated houses at 9 & 19 Summer Street were taken down, and CVS left its old location to build a new store. So, in Bridgewater we have that site vacant. But, we should not forget the plaza on Broad Street near Main Street – an empty storefront there, as well as a smoke shop and tattoo parlor (both legal businesses, just perhaps not indicative of a thriving downtown). A little further down is the empty building that was the Broad Street Tavern, Bob’s, and a host of other enterprises through the years. And around town there are more boarded up or empty buildings.
I am not trying to depress anyone, merely stating (what is obvious to me) that commercial space is available – and businesses are not running to locate in Bridgewater.
So, why the anger directed at Walgreens? Quotes in the paper from Marilee Hunt and Stephen Elliott speak to the ruin our little town will endure should we be tempted by Walgreens. Walgreens, CVS, Brooks, whatever. To me, the more choices, the better prices and deals for local citizens. Further, these businesses bring jobs to the community – a store manager, a few assistants, pharmacist, pharmacy techs, photo techs, and many other jobs. Can someone explain to me the problem with all of that?
It is clear that as townspeople we want more money for the library or schools or whatever. Where is that money supposed to come from? A business is considering coming to Bridgewater – hiring employees and paying taxes to the community. But, according to our NIMBY group, anywhere but that location (or this location, or this location, or…) Excuse me? A business wants to locate near the center of town, and close to the 10,000 students of BSC. This is logical, and consistent with the main rule of business – location, location, location.
I hope that someday the NIMBY’s of Bridgewater will get the message that saying ‘we want business to come to Bridgewater’ so we can have your tax dollars means that we have to allow them to build somewhere.
