At the same time, the town common took on new
importance as a permanent oasis of greenery. Often the focal point
of an historic neighborhood, the green now serves as much-needed
open space in a geography of strip malls and shifting business
centers. Yet while town greens throughout the state endure as
symbols of hospitality and tradition, these irreplaceable assets
are also increasingly endangered by vandalism, traffic, road
building, commercial zoning, and the other threats associated with
an era of suburban sprawl.
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The town green
means pride of place
As downtowns increasingly moved or
disappeared in the twentieth century, the meetinghouse green
diminished in importance as a business center in Connecticut. Its
central location, however, contributed to a continuing role as the
focus of civic activities ranging from war bond rallies to peace
protests.
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