Communities are like habitats – big picture change will drive out some species while encouraging others.

Things sure have changed since George Washington rode what was then called “Boston Road” on Oct. 19, 1789 through Middletown on his travels through New England. The Wangunks who once gathered atop a high knoll now called “Indian Hill” that overlooks the same byway might not even recognize their old stomping grounds, thought the rivers they fished in still flow.

“At one we arrived in Middletown on the Connecticut River, being met two or three miles from it by the respectable citizens of the place and escorted by them. When dinner was getting ready I took a walk around the town from the heights of which the prospect is beautiful. Belonging to this place, I was informed that there were about 20 sea vessels . . . the country hereabouts is beautiful and lands good,” the President wrote in his diary.

Though his visit lasted just two hours it made a great impression on town citizens who then changed the name of the road to Washington Street to honor the first president and his visit.

– from a marker on Veterans Memorial Green that fronts Washington Street/Route 66

The character of a community is revealed in what is valued – a balance of open space and businesses, residences, zoning to encourage a healthy mix to answer needs and wants, infrastructure, a public library, the preservation of the “bones” – architecture, history, cultural landmarks – and the way to pay for it all – surely a weighty task.

What people decide in every town meeting across the U.S. leads to a place worth living or eventually prompts a move to somewhere else. Decisions made shape the now and grow the future.

Middletown is a vibrant small city on a tidal river with a diverse population. With a wealth of ethnic restaurants, a wide Main Street and urban neighborhoods, it has literally acres of interesting architecture from every era plus a tidal flow of people from the Wesleyan University academic population (and their families), who add to the city's character with arts, culture and taste. The university's vast campus, sidewalks, greenscapes and structures that serve students and academics simply enrich the appeal.

Many who live here or pass through take it all for granted, but these elements don't just “happen.” George Washington certainly understood that change and human nature have to be guided by leadership, good judgment and vision coupled with action.

All of which the members of the Middletown Planning & Zoning Commission are charged with as they consider a proposed zoning code text amendment to modify Section 30.02 Institutional Development Zone (Uses) filed by Board of Education member Ed McKeon that would block new commercial development for a neighborhood on the northern side of Washington Street. It currently has two zones: mixed residential and commercial (MX) and institutional development (ID).

For anyone interested in a multi-facet balancing act of land use, tax revenue, growth, business expansion and community needs, a copy of the existing and proposed text is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk for the Wednesday, March 13 Planning and Zoning public hearing, 7 p.m. at the City Hall council chambers, deKoven Drive.

The most recent P&Z meeting in February lasted until midnight, considering a proposal of Acquisition Holdings LLC on behalf of developer Robert Landino and Centerplan Companies to change the text of the zoning code for that same area with two zones. Residents lined up to speak, with the majority against “opening the door” to the proposed change.

Visuals in the form of map boards and a slide presentation were displayed; there was talk of a proliferation of drive-throughs, idling cars in line and emissions, clattering dumpsters, chain coffee shops versus independent businesses in the city; the potential of nonconforming status for landowners, a loss of value for homeowners and of sweat equity that has reclaimed houses and streets. About the shredding impact for North End neighborhoods which currently serve as drivers and trucks seek to escape congested Main Street after crossing the Arrigoni Bridge over the Connecticut River.

The future walkability of the area came under scrutiny as Washington Street often clogs with vehicles – and pedestrians using crosswalks face off with frustrated drivers simmering in a left-turn gridlock at peak commuting time. One man told the story of his year-long quest around the U.S. to find the most attractive place to relocate – and picked Middletown. Nearby Meriden was referenced in a don't-choose-this-solution for its golden mile of chain restaurants along East Main Street due to a zoning decision. A stretch of Washington Street was dubbed “gasoline alley” as fueling stations form a tight line-up with fast food outlets, small and larger strip malls and their parking areas.

March is a season for change in nature as well as in the affairs of humans.

Seed racks are out, skunks are on the prowl, sap is running. Feet want to wander this time of year, itchy for explorations. One recent sighting – an old stone springhouse and farmhouse built in 1789 – the same year that George Washington rode through Middletown – are up for sale. Imagine the lives witnessed as time and generations have flowed by.

Mud season, stick season – whatever it's called, we're all navigating life between winter and true spring in more ways than one.

“Weathered” as a term takes on new meaning – take a gander at people's faces the next time you're out and about. We all could use some sun and green grass time.

Editor's note and update: The zoning change was approved. For on ongoing dialogue about this issue, consult The Middletown Eye, a news blog for the community by the community with editor Ed McKeon.