Cashman Forced to Close Hardware Store

Jeff Cashman, business owner and Clinton resident, has been in a year-long struggle with the town over the zoning and operation of his farm.

Due to the financial hardship of the lawsuit, attorney's fees and lack of business revenue, he has been forced to close his retail store, Cashman Tool & Hardware.

"I've lost the financing for the store," said Cashman in a call to the Clinton Patch. "It's that bad. I have no working capital anymore."

Cashman, who has owned the store on West Main Street for nine years, said the massive financial burden of the lawsuit has forced his mortgage company to inform him that he's lost the financing for the retail store.

Cashman says he has suffered financial problems due to the fact that the town will not allow him to operate his 25-year old farm, Sprucey Hill Farm on River Road.

"This is a farm that has operated for 25 years," said Cashman. "I have the documents, the zoning permit, the everything to prove it.  How can this happen? How far do I go to survive and protect my farm and business?"

Cashman says that despite hiring attorneys and talking to town officials, "no one is listening or helping."

He also says the town has spent "$4,000 in legal fees over a $10 permit."

"This year has been torture for me and my family," he said.