Downtown Norwich at 350

Happy 350th Birthday to the Rose City! Norwich remains a thriving community in 2009, but you may not know that passing through - or more likely bypassing - downtown. For all the urban renewal and best intentions, the heart of Norwich has never really gotten its act together. A drive down Main Street reveals many empty storefronts, businesses with very unimpressive facades and very few people. The Viaduct that bypasses downtown treats travelers to a view of the unadorned backs of buildings, like the now closed YMCA, and the long deserted train station. This is a shame, since there is some spectacular architecture downtown dating back decades, notably City Hall itself. There are new and refurbished projects such as the Otis Library, Wauregan building and Mercantile Exchange. Add in the likes of American Wharf and the Spirit of Broadway, and you see the unrealized potential everywhere. You may really have to take a long look, though.

First impressions are important. The parking garages and the old Fleet building are ugly monstrosities that block some of the best views of the city. They need to go. Move the parking to the area around the Norwich Bulletin, which doesn't need that space anymore thanks to downsizing. Lose the old YMCA and open that area up. Move the Catholic Charities out of there, too. If a mass transit center won't replace the train station, make it into a park connected to the harbor. And what's a scrapyard doing next to American Wharf?

Despite all efforts, downtown Norwich has never been in close proximity to big employers. Higher education and medical centers can provide a badly needed infusion of people to patronize businesses and even live there. I can't help but think that downtown would have generated more interest from investors if the city's attractions weren't so hidden. And will someone please occupy the front of the Flatiron Building in a very conspicuous way while tearing down the abandoned Dunkin Donuts across the street? It's a downtown worth revitalizing.