Letter to the Editor: In Support of Target Project and Traffic Plan

The following is a letter to the editor:

To the Editor:

As a new Town Meeting Member and long-time resident of Burlington, I write today in support of The Gutierrez Company’s proposal to rezone the Canyon site. While I see many benefits in developing the land, I’m most pleased to hear that Gutierrez will invest millions into fixing Middlesex Turnpike and that Target is interested in the property.  

I continue to hear people in the community saying that they do not want another “big box” retailer like Target in Burlington.  However, why wouldn’t you welcome a reputable retailer such as Target?  It has an excellent standard for community giving, contributing a percentage of its profits to local programs and organizations. For example, Target supports the school districts it resides in, providing funds so kids can have what they need to succeed. Even though the Woburn Target lets Burlington residents allocate funds to Burlington schools, I am sure that our schools will get much more from a store located in Burlington.   

But, honestly the most important part of the Canyon project is Gutierrez’s commitment to fixing the traffic situation along that part of Middlesex Turnpike. Without a developer investing the millions that are required and getting MassDOT to focus on this important area, the traffic situation will never change. Or, what’s worse is that the retailers and companies down there will leave because the traffic is so bad. They plan to widen the road and add more turning lanes – and as we all know needs to happen – they will fix the signaling so everything is better timed.  

If you just meet with the Gutierrez Company at one of their forums or look at their website, you’ll see that what they propose to do to Middlesex Turnpike will absolutely fix the traffic situation – and there’s no better time than the present! 

I encourage all Town Meeting Members to strongly consider the benefits of rezoning the Canyon site and I hope we’ll all become well informed about the project before we vote on it.

Sincerely,

Darlene Griffin, Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member

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