Looking for better ways to shop in Groton

Groton is fortunate to have a manager of economic development promoting the town’s commercial interests, but growth also will be largely dependent on the local, regional, state and national economies.

Groton is divided in many ways — a city government within the town operates independent police and fire departments, and exclusive subdivisions containing multi-million-dollar, waterfront homes lie only a short distance from lower-income neighborhoods.

In addition, the commercial strip on Route 1 and small shops in downtown Mystic may all be part of Groton but are as different as night and day.

This newspaper for the most part is encouraged by concepts outlined last week by Paige Bronk, Groton’s new manager of economic development, to help improve both areas.

He envisions the shopping centers and strip malls in the Long Hill Road area becoming mixed-use developments like those at South County Commons in South Kingstown, R.I., combining a village of stores, services and restaurants with luxury apartments and condominiums.

This notion has potential merit but it certainly won’t happen overnight, or even within the next year. And while it may be true that there are “gaps” in retail and services available in Groton’s so-called “Miracle Mile,” such as stores selling building materials, garden equipment, electronics and appliances, along with full-service restaurants, the fact is that the three major malls along Route 1 do provide a wide range of commerce.

These consist of Groton Shoppers Mart, anchored by Big Y and Ocean State Job Lot; Groton Shopping Plaza, which houses Benny’s and the U.S. Post Office, and the shopping area across from Drozdyk Drive, which includes T.J. Maxx, Dollar Tree and the Goodwill Store and Donation Center.

This section may not be visually appealing, but it does draw shoppers from surrounding towns who have grown accustomed to finding groceries, hardware, household goods, clothing, furniture, used books, musical instruments, fast-food restaurants and many other businesses all within a short driving distance.

The challenge would be to continue offering such basic supplies and services in a more upscale commercial environment.

As for Mystic, Mr. Bronk hopes merchants will expand their products, services, hours of operation and branding to attract more out-of-town visitors.

The historic waterfront village long has been a popular hub for tourists, but shop owners have for years complained about empty storefronts, especially after a fire destroyed Mystic’s 160-year-old Central Hall Block in 2000.

Now, however, there is reason for hope. The property’s owners finally announced last month they are seeking permits to begin construction on a platform to house a new building. While Historic Mystic LLC said it is not ready to discuss plans, Groton planning officials have called the project active and said obtaining the permits to install pylons and build the base for the planned structure is a first step.

After years of stalls and false starts as owners debated what should be rebuilt at the site, the Groton Planning Commission approved a plan in 2012. It calls for a structure that will extend over the Mystic River, be four stories tall, have six street-level retail spaces and 12 two-bedroom condominiums above. Even better is the fact there also will be a wooden walkway and deck allowing public access to the water. Certainly the views from that deck will be a substantial improvement from the tall wooden fence that for years has marked the empty spot.

As for charting Mystic’s future, Groton would be well served to better coordinate its efforts with the town of Stonington, home to the eastern end of the downtown village.

Groton is fortunate to have a manager of economic development promoting the town’s commercial interests, but growth also will be largely dependent on the local, regional, state and national economies.