The newly approved building development on Main street in Niantic has led to a lot of public discourse. The developer's plans seem to be deliberately obfuscating the impact it would have on traffic in downtown Niantic. This is critical considering that the area is already busy, particularly in the summer, and adding more cars would only make it worse. The proposed exit on Baptist Lane would undoubtedly create more traffic, especially during the summer.

Furthermore, I struggle to see how the development would benefit our community. Luxury condos are not only inaccessible to the average resident, but also take away from the character of our town. The planned displacement of Café Sol - a cultural hub of the town - and the residents of 344 Main St. is particularly concerning. Will Niantic still be a community that people can live in if every part of our town becomes unaffordable?

I urge our local leaders to consider the impact of this development on our community and take steps to ensure that Niantic remains a livable and affordable place for all. Let's prioritize the needs of our people over the profits of developers.

Nick Menapace

Niantic