Published on 02/07/2002

To the Editor of The Day:
I was very pleased to read that it appears that there is a commitment to keep Three Rivers Community College in Norwich; however, I don't believe that the state Public Works Department plan to consolidate Three Rivers on the New London Turnpike is the best idea.

The increased traffic alone presents a major problem. It is heavy on this road already with the Norwich Golf Course, Norwich Ice Rink, the schools, the cement company trucks, not to mention the added traffic from the Mohegan Sun Casino expansion. It will only get worse once the new casino hotel is opened and fully staffed. At this point will the street be able to accommodate the additional vehicles on this residential street? I don't think so.

Nor is there any way to open up shops, coffeehouses, restaurants, etc. that can be enjoyed by the faculty and students who may have time between classes to relax or to shop. If the college were to be relocated in the downtown commercial area it would open up many opportunities to develop these types of businesses.

There is already a push to revitalize “The Rose of New England,” and by adding the college to this plan our once-beautiful city center could start to flourish again. A busy and vibrant downtown benefits everyone. Many other cities have gotten the benefits of having a college in the heart of their downtown. Norwich deserves that additional benefit as well. 

Jane Caulfield Fusaro
Norwich