Workplan
Overview:
The WEDC is committed to promoting sound economic development in Windham, Maine. Our charter includes supporting the growth and expansion of current businesses and encouraging location of new businesses to Windham, while advocating the interests of the community.
We have identified the following objectives as our current economic development priorities:
- Development projects:
1. Wastewater and Stormwater management – The WEDC believes implementing a sewer system in North Windham is vital to the long-term environmental and economic health of the town of Windham. Stormwater management also plays an important role in responsible development. In support of this initiative, the WEDC is:
- Looking for opportunities to assist with the load design and capacity planning phase of the development of a sewer system in North Windham.
- Interested in assisting with the analysis of innovative stormwater management techniques including opportunities to combine public and private initiatives.
- Willing to participate in the sponsorship of necessary studies in order to assist financially with the project.
- Looking at ways to educate the public on the short and long term benefits of building a sewer system in North Windham.
2. Anglers Road Project
- The WEDC recently entered into a Purchase and Sale agreement for the property at the corner of Anglers Road and Route 302. The plan is to acquire the property, realign the road with White Bridges Road in order to improve traffic flow and safety at that intersection and develop the remaining land into buildable lots suited for development.
3. Keddy Mill Project
- Currently monitoring the Keddy Mill Project to determine need, if any for future WEDC involvement. Maybe able to facilitate leverage of Brownfield’s, and other grant moneys.
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Re-zoning - The WEDC supports evaluating the current zoning guidelines and looking for opportunities to encourage the growth and expansion of current businesses while advocating the interests of the community.
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Support changes to Zoning and Land Use Ordinances to promote desirable economic development.
- Establish Windham's competitive advantage in attracting high value jobs.
- Create a “Fast Track” development review process for high impact projects in approved zones.
- Streamline the process of planning board review.
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Support changes to Zoning and Land Use Ordinances to promote desirable economic development.
- Transportation - The WEDC is dedicated to working with the Town Council to establish transportation initiatives as a priority for both economic development and maintaining quality of life in the region.
- Continue to support the establishment of a lateral access road system in the commercial district to improve safety, improve traffic flow and increase access to commercially zoned properties.
- The Anglers Road re-development project noted above is also a key transportation initiative, and will improve traffic flow along the route 302 corridor.
- Continue to support planning and construction initiatives in the Route 302 Commercial Corridor.
Conclusion:
The WEDC is committed to working to foster economic and community development within the Town of Windham. This document outlines our current focus and priorities, as well as current economic development projects.
The WEDC is also committed to working closely with the Town Council to implement and assist with these projects. We look forward to receiving guidance and strengthening our relationship with the Town Council. We are eager to work closely with the Council on these very important economic development initiatives and/or others as may be mutually agreed upon.