Recently, South Windsor residents have noted a surplus of new infrastructure in town, with the main purposes of accommodating new businesses and rising housing demands. While the new developments mainly receive positive attention, controversy sparks when focus turns to the abandoned buildings scattered throughout town.
Various buildings have been built including a new Starbucks, and Cold Stone Creamery located on Cedar Ave. A third facility was also built next to these two, but is yet to be utilized.
It’s situations like these that have caused a rising emotion of concern in the community. There are numerous places in South Windsor that have been abandoned or closed down that are in need of a new business to take over the space. However, instead of using these pre-existing establishments, the town has continued to invest in building brand new buildings, even if there is no plan to utilize them.
Geissler’s, Hot Leathers, Buckland Mall, Evergreen Walk, 481 Sullivan Ave, 1170 Ellington Road, 825 John Fitch Blvd, and more, are buildings in South Windsor that are either abandoned, left empty, or for sale. Eddie Bauer and Stonewall Kitchen are two more companies that have recently closed their locations in Evergreen Walk permanently, opening even more space for new businesses to take advantage of.
Not only do the unoccupied buildings create an unappealing environment, but they create negative financial, ecological and safety impacts. The cost of living has the possibility of escalating if these new shops raise the overall price level of the area. Local businesses may also raise prices to match demand. The increased desire for new development in these areas can cause home and rent prices to increase as well.
Social media has been a hotspot for the strong opinions and voices of the residents in South Windsor. The South Windsor Message Board on Facebook is where the majority of conversation has developed, making it known within the town that this topic is a widespread issue that has stirred up passionate reactions.
Facebook users have written, “what is going on in the former Geisslers plaza?!?!?!” and “these towns continue to develop and knock down open land yet have tons of deteriorating buildings. They need to develop those first. This development should be done at the Geisslers property,” clearly expressing their uneasiness.
Other users mentioned the impact new developments may have on local wetlands and surrounding wildlife. Many residents claim the reason they once moved to South Windsor was for the “beauty and farmland,” as one anonymous user wrote, yet they are disappointed in how much the town has changed over the past 20 years.
That same user concluded with, “don’t get upset because the bears and coyotes are roaming in our yards when we have taken away their homes and they have nowhere else to go,” a comment that was highly reacted to and agreed with.
It is evident South Windsor residents have strong opinions relating to new developments and lack of use for old buildings. The question is, when will arguments be resolved and changes be made?
