Published March 04. 2021 8:32PM
Eugenia Villagra
As an urban municipality with an extensive coastline, the City of Groton’s impact on Long Island Sound is considerable and vice versa. Groton Conservation Advocates, a non-profit 501(c)(4) group committed to protecting Groton’s environment, therefore asked the two mayoral candidates in the March 8 primary election to express their views on city environmental issues so we could share them with the public.
Democratic incumbent Mayor Keith Hedrick and Democratic challenger Town Councilor Aundré Bumgardner responded. Because both candidates showed significant knowledge of Groton’s environmental issues, we opted to focus on their environmental records and aspirations for the city rather than endorse one candidate.
While you still can, visit the Mystic Education Center, drive all around it, and picture what a spectacular asset Groton could have for its entire people.
Groton The developer of a proposed mixed-use development at the Mystic Education Center property will hold an “open house” format virtual meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday to update people on the project and answer questions.
Groton Planning and Development Director Jon Reiner said the developer, Respler Homes, plans to give a presentation on the status of the project and will be available to address questions and concerns.
“Participation by all is encouraged,” a notice states. “Respler Homes and their development team will provide an update and answer questions regarding Mystic River Bluffs. All meeting attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of both Respler Homes and team members about any aspect of the approval process and the project as it is currently envisioned.”
Published January 11. 2021 12:01AM
John M. Waller
Last February, I learned of the development plan for the former Mystic Education Center. Once I grasped the incredible opportunity that this project presented for the economic development of Groton, I reached out to the developer, Respler Homes, to see if they might reserve space for a performing arts space. They invited me to tour the property, and to my amazement, they revealed a little known 322-seat auditorium/theater and mentioned that they would be delighted to keep and renovate the auditorium, but the ultimate decision would rest with the Town of Groton. A subsequent tour, to be co-hosted by Wendy Burry of the Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition was scheduled for March 24, but then COVID-19 happened.