Downtown Canton: Looking Back & Moving Forward

By Guest

Dear Editor:

In 1953, I was brought to Canton by my parents. It was a very different place then. (Family and friends questioned, “Where? Why way out there?”) At that time only routes 138 and 1 and old Route 128 were the main highways. There were a lot of farms, large estates, narrow roads, and woodland. Many families living here were old-time descendents of Italian and other ethnic backgrounds with long-established roots. Then the new Route 128 opened up, making Canton an especially desirable community for those who worked in Boston. The land area of Canton grew and changed in appearance. However, the downtown remained shabby and factory like, with the exception of a few historical buildings of period architecture. We also had a terrible odor for many years (Plymouth Rubber). As progress changed the demographics and dynamics of the town, we were fortunate to have political leaders with a vision for attracting wonderful companies, which have located in town and created a good tax base as well as supplying jobs.

A group of concerned citizens, downtown business owners and town officials worked for several years and very diligently to create an overlay district for the center. This expanded the downtown area to include several streets abutting the center. The goal was to make the downtown wider and more pedestrian friendly. This overlay was approved at a town meeting by the citizens — and hopefully the concept is still evolving! The town sought and received a government grant, which has brought a more pleasing, user-friendly downtown. I admit we need to maintain and repair. Like other American towns and cities, we have traffic problems, especially during school bus and commuter hours.

Seven years ago, Plymouth Rubber was sold and purchased by a company from another state. The Downtown & Around-Town Business Association provided many forums on different times and dates to give the townspeople a chance to learn and question the validity of their plans for the cleanup and use of the property. They spent a lot of money and complied with town boards to meet overlay requirements, yet only once have the residents been asked at town meeting to vote on these proposals. We have lost tax revenue for several years, missed out on cleanup opportunities, lost proposed green space and parking, etc. Unfortunately, most people who care, including myself, have been remiss in not speaking up. The downtown needs a place for people from all walks of life to be able to live here. This includes young professionals, young/middle aged married couples, and divorced or widowed adults. Some seniors do not wish to live in senior or gated communities. Also, there was concern with the last proposal for Plymouth Rubber that it would negatively impact the schools. Why, then, are we still needing classrooms even after this project was not approved?

A few more clean, healthy places to open a small business would be welcome! I am privileged to be part of a new zoning bylaw that allows for mixed uses in the downtown. Our community is very tight. Observing my neighbors, most have one car, take the train, walk, shop, and enjoy our downtown.

I love this town and would like for more people from all walks of life to be able to move here and participate in government. Unfortunately, the more affordable homes seem to be tear downs, which reduces the number of starter homes in town. Please let yourselves be heard by writing, texting, and participating. Don’t let yourselves be complacent.

We need people who care for our town to participate on boards and run for office.

Sincerely,

Helen McHowell

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