Winsted's giant broken promise

One of Winsted’s most obvious industrial eyesores remains unoccupied and off the tax rolls half a decade after the town purchased the property for a dollar with the promise that the land would be marketed and developed. As 2010 comes to a close, the old Lambert Kay building at the corner of Main and Lake streets is a giant reminder of that broken promise.

On Monday night two area developers again brought plans to the Board of Selectmen to purchase the Lambert Kay property — formerly a manufacturer of pet supplies — and turn it into either a used building-supply store or a flea-market store with tractors, lawnmowers and other odds and ends.

Such plans have repeatedly been shot down by different Boards of Selectmen in town, who have complained that the plan is not ideal for the property. Town leaders have expressed their hope that the building could be developed into a mixed-use residential and retail space, or perhaps a public safety complex.

Unfortunately, the economy is not cooperating with selectmen’s dreams. In the past several years, Winsted has seen little interest from large-scale retail developers, while thrift, pawn and used furniture shops have managed to survive. As much as we would like to grow and prosper, Winsted has years to go before it becomes the next Great Barrington.

Putting a giant high-priced (or even moderately priced) apartment complex in the middle of town with more storefronts — when there are plenty of empty ones throughout town — doesn’t make sense for Winsted right now. And building a giant public safety complex would be an unacceptable expense when town departments are all being required to make cutbacks. The fact is that there are very few reasonable options available for the Lambert Kay property, and that’s why it hasn’t been redeveloped.

If a local businessman with money  and an idea to sell used goods wants to set up shop at the old factory, he deserves a shot. A few tractors and lawnmowers, instead of a giant broken promise, would provide a welcome change of scenery.