To the editor:

There was a time in the not-too-distant past that Warren was strictly the pass-through town. Our role was to set the traffic lights to flash yellow on the Fourth of July so the cars could traverse our streets quickly to get in and out of Bristol for the festivities. Storefronts were empty, buildings and sidewalks were in disrepair, and there was seemingly little interest in doing much in the way of changing our collective future, shy of a few residents without the resources or support to make any tangible changes.

Enter a small handful of folks with the drive and the passion to understand our town’s potential and persevere against the odds. Despite the same lack of resources, they exchanged their own blood, sweat, tears, and oftentimes personal finances to revive the inhospitable streetscape. The creative community rallied to carry out a vision for the town that was difficult for most to imagine at the time.

Through every kind of adversity, including a pandemic, small businesses held on by their fingernails, and new ones chose to take the risk and put down roots. People in town got on board, and an influx of fresh faces arrived to take advantage of the upswing. Warren was barely recognizable compared to several years prior, often in the best possible ways. People weren’t just passing through; they were participating. We were thriving again, not for profit, but for community.

But now there’s a shift. Resources are being funneled to particular sections, while others are overlooked if they’re not considered a part of a specific vision or aesthetic. Out-of-state firms are buying up large swaths of real estate and driving out anchor businesses, some of whom have been part of our fabric for decades. While the Water Street boom is acknowledged and appreciated, neighboring businesses on Main are navigating lower turnout or empty tables. Rents are doubling for businesses and residents alike. Generational Warrenites are struggling to maintain their assets. Necessary characters are being driven out. The people who started the resurgence in the first place are living in a constant state of insecurity, as outside developers seek to profit off their sweat equity.

So, what can we do? First and foremost, show up. Explore the whole town. Try dinner and drinks in a different place. Go see live music. Buy a gift. Have a coffee with your neighbors. Attend Town Council and Board meetings to gain insight into what’s happening and communicate with officials to make sure they’re providing equitable assistance. Acknowledge the working-class struggles that have been overcome to keep it all going and recognize the looming threats that will further impede our cultural infrastructure. Appreciate the quirks that make this town so special. Don’t take what we have for granted, because it feels as though we’re on the cusp of losing it.

Remember that we’re all in this together. Keep Warren weird. And save Main Street (again).

Mary Hunt
50 Wheaton Street