Burning Question Of The Week: Should Groton Stop The Mystic Streetscape Project Until Fall?

Downtown Mystic business owners pleaded with the Groton Town Council this week to stop the Mystic streetscape project immediately and restart it in the fall, so they can try to recover during the summer tourist season.

They said they project, which has torn up sidewalks and jammed traffic downtown, is destroying businesses. Four shops have moved out or closed since March. At least two others said they can’t endure more losses through August or they’ll fold.

Project Manager Rick Norris said contractors are working hard but don’t have a firm deadline yet on when paving would start and be completed. They’re meeting with state transportation officials this week.

Groton Planning and Development Director Mike Murphy said delaying the project could have financial consequences and result in higher labor costs.

What do you think? Should Groton pull the plug anyway, and resume the project in October?