WEST BRATTLEBORO — Citizens Bridge” would not have been my first choice of name for the new structure, but it is a creative solution to rising contention over the name.
Since that name has now been voted in, I have an important plea that I hope is “punctual”: an apostrophe, please! The proper way to punctuate the new bridge name is “Citizens' Bridge.”
Aside from being correct, that little mark should also help dispel confusion about whether the new bridge enjoys corporate sponsorship. The senseless lack of an apostrophe is part of Citizens Bank's branding, and I do think it's important to distinguish our town's new structure from that brand.
And speaking of brands, Brattleboro's own “brand” includes our intellectual heritage. Given the number of travelers who flock here year-round for cultural events, including the recent literary festival, proper punctuation is a wise choice.