Nothing has been rebuilt after a fire that happened in 2000

MYSTIC, Conn. (WTNH) -- Unlike the beloved outfield wall of Fenway Park, downtown Mystic's green monster is seen by some as an eyesore, and a reminder that nothing has been rebuilt after the March 2000 fire that wiped out eight stores along West Main Street.

"It's very ugly and it needs to be...come down," Dianne Brody said. "It would be wonderful to have more retail."

Dianne Brody works at The Blue Horse across the street. Brody, like many, would like to see something replace the green wall with port holes, allowing a look at the empty space that remains.

"A shoe store would be really good. Hey, you never know," Brody said laughing.

"I would like to see a parking lot. I mean if you solidify the foundation to a point where you could fit forty extra cars past this fence then maybe more of these shops would get more business," Victoria Ragsdale, of Mystic, said.

Developer Rod Desmarais, who owns Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream with his wife, envisions retails shops with housing above. He is set to go in front of the Planning Commission Tuesday night for plan approval.

Shortly after the wall went up stores complained that people didn't know to walk farther down the street to the stores beyond the wall, so the town put up a sign. Visitors have gotten to know the wall and know what's beyond it, but they are still surprised to see the wall.

"I thought they'd have it finished by now but obviously not," Carl Metzradt, of New Jersey said.

News 8 is told rebuilding the block is no easy task because most of it sits over water and is in a historic section of town.

When asked if he thinks he'll see some stores when he comes back next year, Metzradt said, "I'm hoping."

So are many others.