Committee recommends council rename recreation sites as ‘Windham Community Forest’

By Ed Pierce

The steering committee overseeing the East Windham Conservation Area and Lowell Preserve has recommended to the Windham Town Council that the sites be renamed as the Windham Community Forest.

Two conserved outdoor recreation properties in Windham,
including the East Windham Conservation Area and
Lowell Preserve, are expected to be renamed as the
Windham Community Forest by the Windham Town
Council during a meeting on Sept. 22.
COURTESY PHOTO
   

In January, town councilors established the East Windham Steering Committee to guide the process of creating a vision and management plan for the combined parcels of the East Windham Conservation Area (700 acres) and the Lowell Preserve (300 acres) and to provide ongoing oversight of the maintenance of operation of the sites. One of the tasks of the committee was to “seek public input and recommend a new name that unifies the shared character and use of property” which is jointly managed by the Town of Windham and Presumpscot Regional Land Trust.

The East Windham Conservation Area opened to the public in 2024, and Lowell Preserve opened in 2000. Committee members brainstormed potential names and included them in a FlashVote survey for Windham residents in August with Windham Community Forest receiving the most votes.

The preserved site is part of a 2,000-acre conservation corridor and larger than any state park in Southern Maine. A connecting 30-mile trail network links the Windham outdoor recreational sites with the North Falmouth Community Forest and Blackstrap Hill Preserve owned and maintained by Falmouth Land Trust. It is also the largest wildlife habitat, clean water, and recreational trail corridor in Greater Portland.

The Windham Town Council is expected to approve the new Windham Community Forest name for the sites during its meeting on Sept. 22.

East Windham Conservation Area

With nearly 10 miles of multi-use trails and hilly and forested terrain, the East Windham Conservation Area is a mix of hardwood trees and offers scenic views of the White Mountains and Little Duck Pond with three main trails running throughout the property.

Funding to create the area was about $3.7 million and included a $1 million grant from the Land for Maine’s Future initiative. In 2021, voters from Windham approved a $1.8 million conservation bond using open space impact fees and another $400,000 raised privately from public donations. A Land and Water Conservation Fund federal grant for $500,000 was obtained to pay for the infrastructure improvements at the site.

In June 2022, Windham residents voted during the Annual Town Meeting to allow the town to enter a partnership with Presumpscot Regional Land Trust to purchase and conserve 661 acres near Little Duck Pond in East Windham. The project acquired the forested acreage for recreational opportunities in Windham while also adding 1,545 feet of undeveloped water frontage on Little Duck Pond, the 150-acre Deer Wintering Area for hunting, and Atherton Hill.

The site includes Atherton Hill, which at nearly 600 feet, is the largest hill in Windham. It also features 2,000 feet of frontage along Little Duck Pond and 1,500 feet of pristine headwater streams that lead to Forest Lake, Highland Lake, and onto the Presumpscot River and an excellent wild brook trout habitat. Lowell Preserve, a 300-acre site owned by the town and for which the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust holds a conservation easement, is adjacent and includes an additional five miles of multi-use trails. The area offers programming opportunities for school and afterschool groups and creates an accessible one-mile trail for people of all ages to walk, push a stroller, and bike to visit Little Duck Pond.

Lowell Preserve

With eight miles of trails, ranging from moderate to difficult, through scenic forest, Lowell Preserve offers 308 acres to explore with interesting forest views, topography, and geology. The views change with the seasons as some areas are dominated by evergreen hemlock while beech, maple, or oak are more prevalent in others. There are both permanent and intermittent streams within the preserve that run in the valleys of the gradual hills. Unlike many other preserves, rocks are plentiful ranging from exposed ledges to smaller exposed stones to large glacial boulders in interesting granite formations near the trails.

It is a diverse network that accommodates multiple outdoor recreational activities, from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and use by ATVs.

The McIntosh Brook runs through the preserve and there are many areas with gradual inclines. <

Voters to determine fate of Windham Middle School repurpose proposal

By Ed Pierce

The Windham Town Council has approved placing a referendum question on the ballot in November for purchasing Windham Middle School for $1 once it is vacant in the fall of 2027 and repurposing the facility into a Community Center and housing town offices and the Windham Public Library.

Windham Town Councilors have approved placing a 
referendum before voters on Nov. 3 to approve issuing 
general obligation bonds of up to $19.5 million to
finance the costs of repurposing Windham Middle School
for use as a community center and moving town offices and
Windham Public Library there. This is an artist's depiction
of the completed project. COURTESY PHOTO     

A motion was passed unanimously during Tuesday evening’s town council meeting to ask Windham voters on Nov. 3 to approve issuing general obligation bonds up to $19.5 million to finance the costs of rehabilitating the Windham Middle School for use as a community center, including the costs of design, engineering, professional services, site preparation, construction, renovation, operating costs, and other improvements and furnishings as may be required in connection with the project. The proposal includes appropriating up to $2 million of the town’s fund balance as the Town Council deems reasonable and necessary to reduce the borrowing amount and directly pay for costs of the project.

Councilors will conduct a Special Town Meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 to answer questions the public may have about the proposal, which addresses shortfalls in the current municipal buildings, each of which carries long-term replacement costs and short-term maintenance and repair costs. The project was developed over the past two years by the WMS Repurpose Advisory Committee and would consolidate town hall offices, parks and recreation, social services, the food pantry, clothing and medical closets and the library to the building, which RSU 14 is vacating upon opening of the new Windham Raymond Middle School in August 2027.

An amendment to the motion advancing the referendum was made by Windham Town Councilor Katie Cook for the council to recommend approval of the referendum.

The existing Windham Middle School building first opened in 1974 and was intended for a capacity of 483 students. That number has grown in the past 52 years to 650 students and some sixth graders being housed for classes at the adjacent Field Allen School, which was built in 1949.

In November 2023, a plurality of voters in the school district, which encompasses Windham and Raymond, approved a referendum to build the new Windham Raymond Middle School with about 77 percent of construction costs paid by the Maine Department of Education’s Major Capital Construction Program. The total project budget to construct the new school is estimated at about $171.5 million, with the state funding $131.7 million of that expense and residents of Windham and Raymond paying the remaining $39.8 million.

As part of the referendum to obtain $131.7 million in state funding for the new middle school, RSU 14 voters agreed that the existing Windham Middle School could not be used as a school again, since the state had already contributed funding for substantial repair costs over decades of the building’s use.

In formulating the proposal as to how best to repurpose the WMS building, WMS Repurpose Advisory worked with an architect and design team and toured the Westbrook and Gorham Community Centers to see how those towns adapted old school buildings for community center facilities.

Determining that the basic structure of the school was sound and that it offered 80,000 square feet of available space, the committee looked at the existing town buildings with long-term replacement costs and short-term maintenance, parking improvements and repair costs and decided that a number of municipal services could be relocated to the site for a fraction of the cost of renovating or replacing current buildings.

Committee members also reviewed the community center engagement results from August 2019 which identified multigenerational flexible spaces for a range of activities. Members determined the building can accommodate those identified spaces within the current structure and/or future spaces around the facility. They will also further determine any new spaces not in the current building and the phasing opportunities and costs.

The intent of the August 2019 study was to identify the need to create a multi-generational facility for all Windham residents that enhances the quality of life for Windham, provides flexible spaces for a range of activities, and is a self-sustaining site that fosters fun for residents. The 20-member Middle School Repurpose Advisory Committee serves as an advisory body to the Town Council and was used to analyze the potential re-uses for the school and a potential benefit as a community center or municipal offices.

Windham Town Manager Robert Burns said the WMS Repurpose Advisory Committee also received guidance from Great Falls Construction, which has assisted the town in other projects, such as reconfiguring and expanding Windham’s Public Safety Building in 2022.

Burns said although the benefits of the Windham Middle School Repurposing Project come with a cost, in the long run it will be cost-effective for the town.

“This building represents an opportunity for us to move forward,” Burns said. “This is still the best way forward for us.” 

He said Windham’s Social Services Office, which houses the Windham Food Pantry, requires more room, as does Windham Public Library. Windham’s Medical Loan Closet was moved temporarily last fall to the East Windham Fire Station stemming from structural issues with its building near the library on Windham Center Road.

Councilor Maggie Terry said she read comments about the WMS Repurpose Project posted on social media earlier this week and said residents need to understand that the cost to maintain municipal buildings continues to grow. She said she doesn’t like spending, but realizes the long-term savings offered by this repurposing project are the lowest costs the town will see.

“This is an opportunity for us we’ll never see at this value again,” Terry said.

The proposal does not include a community swimming pool, but the option is there should future phases of the repurposing project arise. It does include reconfiguring access for residents entering the site from Route 202 (Gray Road) and first-floor access to the Windham Town Clerk’s Office for conducting transactions such as automobile and boat registration, obtaining dog licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, registering to vote, property tax collection, notary service and marriage licenses.

It also would construct pickle ball courts, a redo of property sidewalks and fencing. <

Town of Windham to create Pine Grove pocket park

By Ed Pierce

If everything goes as expected, Windham could have a new pocket park by this fall.

A depiction is shown of the new Pine Grove Park to be built
on a vacant town lot between the Forbes Lane and Misty
Drive neighborhoods off Varney Mill Road in Windham 
with a Community Development Block Grant awarded
to the town by Cumberland County. COURTESY PHOTO

In January 2025, the Windham Town Council endorsed an application for Community Development Block Grant funding from Cumberland County to create a pocket park for the Forbes Lane and Misty Drive neighborhoods on a town-owned vacant lot off Varney Mill Road. That was followed in April 2025 by the county awarding Windham $40,000 in CDBG funds with a funding match of $10,000 for the grant approved by town councilors and then voters as part of the 2026-2027 municipal budget during the Annual Town Meeting in June.

A pocket park is defined as a small park accessible to residents and the public which can be used for recreational purposes including picnic tables, benches, flower beds and greenery.

Councilors then established an ad hoc community committee to research and explore the development of a pocket park in the Forbes Lane and Misty Drive area. Committee members were asked to develop a concept plan for the 1.33-acre parcel with trails suitable for walking and biking to serve area residents and the public as well as optional picnic benches and recreational amenities suitably sized for the lot.

The CDBG funding from Cumberland County was subject to an environmental review to ensure compliance with the State Historic Preservation Office, local Historic Preservation Ordinances and other environmental regulations. Community Development Block Grants support community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities. Activities may address needs such as infrastructure, economic development projects, public facilities installation, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, clearance/acquisition, microenterprise assistance, code enforcement, and homeowner assistance.

During a Windham Town Council meeting in May, committee members made recommendations to the town council for the project including a walking and biking path connecting surrounding neighborhoods, a small wooden playground area for children, picnic tables and benches, and open space for gathering and informal recreation.

Committee Chair Lindsay Conrad told the council that an online survey was conducted in February distributed door-to-door and publicized through social media and on the Town and Parks and Recreation Department's websites. That was followed by a community forum held that same month at Windham Town Hall. Feedback from those community tools along with discussions held by the committee resulted in the formulation of a concept plan for the new pocket park.

The committee was made up of six members who reside on Forbes Lane or Misty Drive; two Windham staff members; and a member of the Windham Town Council. Members included Conrad, Amie Earley, David Joy, Megan Potter, Steve Clauson, Tena Linsbeck-Perron, Windham employees Linda Brooks and Jason Hanken, and Windham Town Council Chair Mark Morrison.

Conrad thanked committee members for serving and helping to create recommendations for the new park. 

“It was really important for us, the residents, to develop what this would look like,” Conrad said.

Windham Parks and Recreation Director Linda Brooks said the new pocket park will be a great addition for both the town and the Misty Drive and Forbes Lane neighborhoods.

“This project was definitely considered part of the Open Space Plan, and a goal of the Open Space Plan is to start developing these neighborhood parks,” Brooks said. “This is a great model to follow because these people are so invested in what’s coming into their neighborhood. I think we can already see they will be great stewards of what gets developed there.”

According to Conrad, the biggest issues that committee members tackled in creating recommendations for the park are a lack of privacy for neighbors whose property borders the park site, a desire to retain the wooded nature of the lot, and a lack of available parking.

She said to address that committee members recommended creating a 10-foot buffer around the property and determined that parking won’t be a significant problem because the park will be mostly used by people who live nearby and can walk there. As many trees as possible will be kept while installing the park.

Windham Assistant Town Manager Amanda Lessard said the development of Pine Grove Park does not exceed the threshold to require a Windham Planning Board site plan review.

“The Board of Appeals will need to review a conditional use application for the outdoor recreation facility prior to the installation of the play structure, hopefully at a ZBA meeting in August,” Lessard said. “The materials and equipment as recommended by the Committee have been ordered with installation expected in the fall. A grand opening celebration will be scheduled after installation.”

Once completed, the park will be maintained by the Windham Parks and Recreation Department. <

Municipal budget passes during Windham Annual Town meeting

By Ed Pierce

In a 2 hour and 45-minute Windham Annual Town Meeting, just 102 registered voters determined the fate of the Municipal Town Budget proposal for 2026-2027 on Saturday, June 13 at Windham High School.

Windham Town Manager Robert  Burns, right, explains a
warrant article to voters which was part of the 2026-2027
Windham Municipal Budget proposal voted on at the
Windham Annual Town meeting at Windham High School 
on Saturday, June 13. Moderator Gary Plummer listens as
Burns gives an answer to a resident's question.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE   

A total of 59 registered voters were in favor of passing the $55,788,720 budget, with 43 voters opposed. That’s a 10.1 percent increase from last year’s budget, which expires at the end of this month. The total municipal budget for the Town of Windham for 2026-2027 will be $37,033,996. There are 14,135 registered voters in Windham.

During the meeting, Windham Town Manager Robert Burns explained that RSU 14’s proposed school budget increased by more than $4 million or $13.4 percent and was passed by voters during a referendum on June 9, while Cumberland County taxes will also rise by about 9 percent for 2026-2027.

Burns said that the Town of Windham’s budget only increased by 4.9 percent or about $82 on a $433,000 home. Overall, he said the tax increase on that same $433,000 home will be about $524.

In reviewing the first 21 warrant articles at the Annual Town Meeting, Burns said Windham’s only Town Capital Project for the 2026/2027 year is the MacIntosh Brook Culvert Replacement at a cost of $624,000 with $208,000 of that cost funded by a grant.

He said that the budget increase was not the result of new municipal programs, projects or capital spending, but the cumulative effect of costs largely beyond municipal control, with more than 60 percent of a typical local tax dollar in Windham now going toward education, a share that continues to grow as state funding formulas have shifted funding responsibility to municipalities.

Burns said the town’s municipal budget proposal was the culmination of a process that started in January involving all town departments and then formulated by the town’s Finance Committee. Upon receiving the budget proposal from the Finance Committee, the Windham Town Council made further cuts to arrive at the figure presented to voters at the Annual Town Meeting.

After a lengthy discussion regarding the impact of property taxes upon the community and questions about the town's growth, former Windham Town Councilor Liz Wisecup proposed a motion that was seconded to amend Warrant Article 7, Windham’s proposed municipal budget of $37,033,996 by a 2 percent reduction.

Burns explained that if that amendment passed, cuts would need to be made and a new budget  formalized and approved by voters under state law no later than Aug. 11. He said that an emergency town meeting would need to be called to prevent town departments from shuttering July 1 without an approved town budget for the new fiscal year and that included police and fire protection for Windham. Wisecup’s motion was voted down and a show of hands to vote on the proposed budget was deemed to be close by Moderator Gary Plummer, who then asked for an actual count to take place by Windham Town Clerk Anthony Blasi and his staff.

Funding requests including purchasing a new ambulance for Windham Fire-Rescue by creating a bond, new tasers for Windham Police, new servers, firewalls and software licensing for the Windham Police Department, the first year of a three-year Comprehensive Plan Update, Community Park Stormwater Treatment, creation of Forbes Lane Park, repaving of the Mountain Division Trail, and a Brine System and Calcium Tank for Public Works were all approved by voters. 

Under the new budget, new equipment to be purchased includes a Tilt Trailer, Mower, Dump Truck, Pickup Truck, Chipper, Asphalt Planer, and Used Bucket Truck. The town also plans various equipment rentals, supplies and materials, gravel road reconstruction, surveying, pavement assessment, paving and reconstruction work, roof repair for the Windham sand shed, Varney Mill Estates drainage, a wash bay upgrade for Public Works and continuing the Smith Cemetery expansion project.

Ongoing capital projects approved by voters during the Annual Town meeting include the North Windham Wastewater Treatment Plant and Conveyance System, the North Windham Wastewater Treatment System Service Connections, the MaineDOT North Windham Moves Project Design installing connector roads, adaptive tech signals, and bike/pedestrian lanes, preliminary engineering of the Windham Middle School reuse to a community center, and the Gambo Property road installation and Public Works Laydown Yard.

Voters also approved recreational, Tax Increment Finance district, and unassigned funding requests as requested by the town during the meeting.

Windham Town Council Chair Mark Morrison said that the low participation of voters at the town meeting shows why a charter amendment is needed to change the budget process to a public vote by secret ballot like the annual RSU 14 budget vote every spring to increase participation. Morrison said the council hopes to have the charter amendment on the ballot for voters in November. <

Windham Wastewater Treatment Plant construction nearing completion

By Ed Pierce

Work on the new North Windham Wastewater Treatment Plant continues and the facility remains on track to open by late April.

Once completed by late April, Windham's new Wastewater
Treatment Plant on the grounds of Manchester School is
expected to remove 25,000 pounds of pollutants being
dumped each year by septic systems into the aquifer and
watershed. Along with the installation of sewers, the 
project is expected to stimulate significant economic
growth in the town.  COURTESY PHOTO  
   

During a Windham Town Council meeting on Jan. 13, Windham Town manager Bob Burns told councilors that the exterior split face block siding installation has been completed and about two-thirds of the rubberized roof has been installed. The project’s concrete subcontractor is now building the foundation for an emergency generator pad and has finished work on the transformer pad along with the blower pads for the building.

“On the interior, subcontractors are applying block filler and painting the chemical, equipment, and Membrane Bio-Reactor rooms,” Burns said.

The new facility is being constructed on the grounds of Manchester School in North Windham. It was approved by voters in 2023 and is expected to remove 25,000 pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants each year being dumped by septic systems into the aquifer and watershed. The installation of sewers is expected to stimulate significant economic growth in Windham and lead to development in the area by industries and businesses not willing to locate here because of associated septic system issues and costs.

Through an agreement between RSU 14 and the Town of Windham, in exchange for locating the new wastewater treatment site at Manchester School, the town has created four new playing fields for youth sports at the school. RSU 14 will also be able to shift its wastewater treatment operations at Windham High School to the new facility.

The new North Windham Wastewater Treatment facility will use Membrane Bio-Reactor technology with innovative drip dispersal and will be the first system to use drip dispersal of this scale in Maine. This technology is designed to improve the quality of local groundwater and local waterways, and was chosen for its reliability, flexibility, and overall cost effectiveness for operation.

As construction proceeds on the wastewater treatment plant, the contractor has installed influent screens and bubble diffuser equipment for the biological nutrient removal (BNR) and sludge tanks. MBR, BNR and sludge blowers were completed in December and the installation of the membranes that will be used to remove the suspended solids is anticipated to occur sometime in February.

Construction crews are also building a control shed for the Manchester Drive pump station with a wet well, valve vault and pumps all having been installed, as well as concrete pads for the shed.

In December, the sewer rate for the new North Windham Sewer District was established by the Windham Town Council at $16 per 100 cubic feet.

Burns said that because the entire sewer system and wastewater treatment plant will operate at first far below capacity, Windham will use TIF funds to buy down the sewer rate, preventing early users, mostly businesses initially, from bearing the full operational cost.

Windham expects to raise $1.3 million with a TIF subsidy during the first year of operation for the wastewater treatment plant and sewer system.

The $48 million project includes a new wastewater treatment plant, new sewer lines and connections to individual properties and businesses around Boody’s Corner as well as to some multi-family residential buildings and a few single-family homes in the area. The new Windham Raymond Middle School will connect to the treatment plant when the school opens.

A Clean Water State Revolving Fund subsidized loan, including $3.25 million in grant capacity will be used to pay for the project, according to PWD Engineering & Asset Management Services Manager Greg Pellerin. He said the project also received several million dollars in grants from Environmental Prevention Agency Congressional directed spending, as well as Cumberland County and town American Rescue Plan Act funding.

According to Burns, residential property taxes will not be used to pay back the loan. Instead, he said, it will be paid back using Tax Increment Finance District funds.

As the project gets closer to becoming operational this spring, Burns says that the town will send out information packages to businesses within the collection system corridor including sewer connection applications, access agreements to allow installation of piping and pumps on the properties, and guidance on what can and can’t be discharged to the sewer.

The new sewer system is expected to launch in North Windham by May. <

Windham Town Council establishes sewer rate for North Windham wastewater system

By Ed Pierce

During the final Windham Town Council meeting of the year on Dec. 9, councilors established a sewer rate for the new North Windham Sewer District, setting the amount at $16 per cubic feet per month based upon usage effective April 1, 2026.

Members of the Windham Town Council listen to a
presentation about Freedom of Access Act rules during
a meet8ing at Windham Town Hall on Dec. 9. From
left are Councilors Katie Cook, Maggie Terry, David
Nadeau and Mark Morrison. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

Windham Town Manager Robert Burns said that this initial rate is offset by Tax Increment Financing funding, and the rate could eventually decrease as more businesses in North Windham start using the sewer system.

“We have put in a terrific amount of time doing research and analyzing our budgets and trying to project into the future the operational costs in conjunction with the water district for this facility,” Burns said. “Recognizing that at initial startup the plant will not be anywhere near full capacity or even at half capacity. We will be subsidizing some TIF funds to keep those rates affordable for our businesses.”

Still under construction, a new wastewater treatment facility is being built on the grounds of Manchester School in North Windham. It was approved by voters in 2023 and is expected to remove 25,000 pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants each year being dumped by septic systems into the aquifer and watershed. The installation of sewers is expected to stimulate significant economic growth in Windham and lead to development in the area by industries and businesses not willing to locate here because of associated septic system issues and costs.

Through an agreement between RSU 14 and the Town of Windham, in exchange for locating the new wastewater treatment site at Manchester School, the town has created four new playing fields for youth sports at the school. RSU 14 will also be able to shift its wastewater treatment operations at Windham High School to the new facility.

The new North Windham Wastewater Treatment facility will use Membrane Bio-Reactor technology with innovative drip dispersal and will be the first system to use drip dispersal of this scale in Maine. This technology is designed to improve the quality of local groundwater and local waterways, and was selected for its reliability, flexibility, and cost effectiveness.

Burns told the council that the TIF subsidy is $6 per cubic feet per month and amounts to more than $1 million in TIF funds.

Councilors also awarded $1.2 million to Wyman & Simpson, Inc. for the town’s portion of $607,250 in general obligation bond funding for replacing Varney’s Bridge on William Knight Road in conjunction with the Maine Department of Transportation. Seven bids were submitted to replace the bridge, which was originally built in 1950.

During a MaineDOT inspection six years ago, issues were found with the bridge’s concrete abutments, and reduced the allowable load to 3 tons, making it not possible for construction trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, and other large vehicles to cross the bridge because of the weight limitation.

The bridge is a steel structure and scouring from the river has caused erosion where the bridge’s concrete abutments contact the water. There has also been rusting on the steel supports which need to be replaced.

Bridge replacement work is expected to start this coming spring and be completed by summer 2026.

The council also awarded a disbursement of $3,766 from the Substance Prevention Grant Program Fund to fund Windham Middle School’s orchestra and choral student participation during the Trills & Thrills Music Festival in New Hampshire next spring. Councilor Maggie Terry questioned how the funding fits the criteria for a substance prevention grant but was informed that the program allows grants for healthy and positive activities. The Trills and Thrills Music Festival is a non-competitive, motivational, one-day music festival for students participating in elementary, middle school and high school bands, orchestras and choirs.

In other actions, the council voted to appoint Councilor Katie Cook as representative to the Natural Resources Advisory Committee, and the Master Fee Schedule pertaining to Shoreland Zoning application review fees.

Councilors approved updating the town’s Shoreland Zoning District fees to $75 for clearing or removal of vegetation and the zoning review fee to $250. Burns said that the fee changes are intended to better reflect the complexity and staff time involved in reviewing applications within the shoreland zoning districts, particularly those involving expansions of non-conforming structures and "greatest practical extent" determinations which often require moving structures away from the waterbody or wetland.

The council also received Freedom of Access Act training presented by Town Attorney Ben McCall of the Drummond Woodsum Law Firm and reviewed an informational handout regarding the upcoming sewer connection process in the new year. Windham Planning Director Steve Puleo briefed councilors about a new timeline for an updated 2016 Town Comprehensive Plan requiring changes mandated by the Maine Legislature’s approval of LD 1751 requiring legal compliance, address housing affordability, and sustainable growth for the next decade. LD 1751 requires municipalities to adopt housing-friendly policies, including density allowances and streamlined permitting. <

Winning candidates to be sworn into office following municipal election

By Ed Pierce

The voters have spoken and three new Windham Town Councilors and two members of the RSU 14 Board of Directors representing Windham will be sworn in prior to the next meeting for both entities this month.

Winning candidates in Tuesday's election are from left top
row, Maggie Terry (Windham Town Council North District),
Doug Fortier (Windham Town Council South District),
Katie Cook (Windham Town Council At-Large), bottom
row from left are Christina Small (RSU 14 Board of
Directors) and Matthew Irving (RSU 14 Board of
Directors).  COURTESY PHOTOS
  

For the Windham Town Council, three incumbent councilors, including Jarrod Maxfield (North District), Nick Kalogerakis (South District) and John Henry (At-Large) chose not to seek re-election to those positions.

Voters elected three new councilors to serve three-year non-partisan terms on the town council during Tuesday’s municipal election.

In the North District, Margaret “Maggie” Terry will succeed Maxfield, picking up 3,221 votes to defeat Deborah Devou, who had 2,621 votes.

Terry is the business owner of Legal Label Inc. and Seahorse Alley LLC. During her campaign, she said she was seeking a town council position to address Windham’s increasing property tax burden and the challenges posed by rapid growth.

“I am particularly concerned about the impact of new state housing mandates on our infrastructure and community character,” Terry said. “My goal is to promote responsible development, preserve Windham’s heritage, and pursue alternative revenue strategies that reduce reliance on property taxes while maintaining essential services.”

For the South District, Doug Fortier received 3,736 votes to defeat Michael Russin, who had 1,826 votes.

Fortier owns a Christmas tree farm and had served for 20 years as Public Works Director for the Town of Windham before retiring in 2023. He says he grew up and has lived in Windham since 1970.

“I feel working for the town has given me insight of how the town works and what its needs are and help move it forward,” he said.

In the race for the At-Large council seat, Cook’s 2,273 votes earned the position, topping former town councilor Clayton Haskell’s 2,234 votes and Joseph Campbell’s 1,575 votes.

Cook is an Information Technology and Litigation Support Manager. She said she was running for town council because she believes Windham deserves leadership that listens, plans wisely, and protects taxpayers.

“I’m not here to play politics, I’m here to serve,” she said. “I want to make sure every decision made at Town Hall reflects the values and priorities of the people who live here. That means clear communication, smart budgeting, and a commitment to keeping Windham a place we’re proud to call home.”

In a five-candidate race with the top two vote tallies earning seats for three-year terms on the RSU 14 Board of Directors, incumbent Christina Small and first-time candidate Matthew Irving will be sworn in later this month.

Currently serving as RSU 14 Board Chair, Small picked up 2,888 votes, while Irving received 2,483 votes. Adam Zajac was third with 2,327 votes, while Megan Potter had 1,644 votes and Destiny Johnson received 1,629 votes.

Small has served on the RSU 14 Board of Directors for five years. She is a stay-at-home mother who says she sought re-election because she cares deeply about this community and public education.

“My goal has only ever been to support the staff and students of RSU 14,” Small said.

Irving is a former classroom counselor and community mental health worker who is now a stay-at-home father. He said he was running because he wants the best future possible for area children.

“I am a graduate of public schools and a first-generation public university graduate, so I can vouch for the value of public education,” he said. “Our kids need relevant skills and confidence in their ability to think critically in a tumultuous world. Our board needs people who engage respectfully with our community and contribute with well-researched ideas, which I will do.”

Voters in Windham and Raymond were among state residents casting ballots in Tuesday’s election to decide the fate of two statewide referendum questions.

Referendum Question 1 asked voters “Do you want to change Maine election laws to eliminate two days of absentee voting, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, end ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, limit the number of drop boxes, require voters to show certain photo ID before voting, and make other changes to our elections?”

The question failed statewide, with 256,326 no votes to 144,925 yes votes, or a margin of 63.9 percent to 36.1 percent. In Windham, 4,321 no votes were cast, on Question 1, while 2,558 voted yes. In Raymond, 1,185 no votes were received to 800 yes votes on Question 1.

Referendum Question 2 asked “Do you want to allow courts to temporarily prohibit a person from having dangerous weapons if law enforcement, family, or household members show that the person poses a significant danger of causing physical injury to themselves or others?”

The question was approved statewide, with 252,687 yes votes to 147,022 no votes, or a margin of 63.2 percent to 36.8 percent. In Windham, 4,403 yes votes were tallied for Question 2 to 2,465 no votes. In Raymond, 1,189 yes votes were recorded, while 793 voted no. <        

New Windham Town Clerk to be sworn in next week

By Ed Pierce

For the first time in nearly three decades, the Town of Windham will have a new Town Clerk when Anthony Blasi is sworn in for the position on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Anthony Blasi will be sworn in as Windham Town Clerk on
Tuesday, Nov. 4 after his appointment to the position by the
Windham Town Council this week. Blasi will succeed
longtime Windham Town Clerk Linda Morrell, who is 
retiring next week after decades of service to the
community. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

Blasi was appointed to the position by the Windham Town Council on Oct. 28 after serving as Deputy Town Clerk for the past three and a half years. He succeeds longtime Windham Town Clerk Linda Morrell, who is retiring, in the role and is keenly aware that he has big shoes to fill.

“Linda is a tough act to follow. I can only hope to command the love, respect, and trust that the people of Windham have bestowed upon her,” Blasi said. “Linda is so helpful. You see the way she interacts with people, and she is always willing to help. If she cannot do something or is not sure, she always finds out the answer. I learned more about resourcefulness from her and hope to be as resourceful as she is.”

In his new duties, Blasi will oversee Dog Licensing; Hunting/Fishing Licensing; Business Licenses and Permits; and Notary and Dedimus Service. The Windham Town Clerk’s office assists in Tax Collection/Auto Registration in collecting property taxes; registers autos, boats, and ATVs; issues marriage licenses and has Welcome Packets available for new residents. The Town Clerk also ensures that excellent customer service is provided to the public in a courteous and friendly manner. and supervises all elections conducted in the Town of Windham. The town clerk is also responsible for ensuring that all voter registration is handled in accordance with Maine Law and the Windham Town Charter.

Blasi is originally from Auburn and graduated in 2015 from Edward Little High School. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Maine Farmington in 2019.

Before coming to work in Windham, Blasi served as the Town Clerk of Woolwich for about a year and a half, and he applied for the Windham job because it posed more of a challenge.

“I was looking for work in a larger town with a more fast-paced environment,” Blasi said. “My mom is from Windham, so I was very interested when I saw they were hiring. Once I met Linda and the others, I knew it was a perfect fit for me.”

He is a Certified Municipal Clerk by the Maine Town and City Clerks Association and is a Notary Public.

Blasi is married and is a bit of a history buff. He enjoys visiting used bookstores, hiking and especially going to the beach. He’s also the author of the book “Frontier Ranger of Colonial New England,” for which he was presented the Roger Grindle Award for encouraging academic excellence in the field of history by the University of Maine Farmington.

During his first days on the job as Windham Town Clerk, Blasi said several immediate tasks will take priority.

“The first few weeks after my swearing in will involve several post-election tasks as well as many upcoming dog registrations,” he said.

Of everything he’s learned so far in his time working in the town clerk’s office, Blasi says organization and preparation are paramount to his success.

“I feel that in this field there is no end to training,” he said. “There are always new facts and processes to learn, which keeps you on your toes.”

Up until last year, the Windham Town Clerk job was an elected position, but voters in November 2024 approved a Windham town charter amendment to convert the Town Clerk’s position to one appointed by the Windham Town Council. The charter amendment eliminated residency in Windham as a requirement for qualified candidates seeking the job of the Town Clerk when the position becomes vacant. Morrell has served in the position for more than two decades as an elected official and her term expires Tuesday.

As far as replacing a trusted public servant and local legend as Windham Town Clerk, Blasi said Windham residents can expect continuity and consistency when visiting the Town Clerk's Office in the future under his leadership.

“When people come in and see me in Linda’s place, I hope they find business as usual,” he said. “Linda did a wonderful job; I do not see a renewal needed, only a continuing of an excellent legacy. I like to think I am a friendly professional. I want people to demand excellence with a smile and hope to meet their expectations.” <

Candidate field set in Windham for November election

By Ed Pierce

Voters in Windham will have a large field of candidates to choose from on Tuesday, Nov. 4 in races for two RSU 14 Board of Directors positions and three different Windham Town Council seats.

The field of candidates for the Nov. 4 election has been set
in Windham. Three non-partisan town council seats and
two non-partisan RSU 14 Board of Directors positions
will be filled following the election. FILE PHOTO  

Windham Town Clerk Linda S. Morell said candidates successfully submitted paperwork to qualify for the general election ballot by last week’s deadline.

For RSU 14 Board of Directors, the top two candidates receiving the most votes will be elected for three-year terms representing Windham on the board. The positions are non-partisan.

Candidates include Matthew S. Irving, Destiny J. Johnson, Megan N. Potter, incumbent Christina R. Small, Bradley M. Youngs and Adam G. Zajac. Small currently serves as RSU 14 Board Chair and Caitlyn Downs is not seeking re-election to the board.

The RSU 14 Board of Directors concerns itself primarily with broad questions of policy rather than with administrative details. The application of policies is an administrative task to be performed by the Superintendent of Schools and his/her staff, who shall be held responsible for the effective administration and supervision of the entire school system.

Members of the RSU 14 board have authority only when acting as a board legally in session. Board members are involved in policy making, choosing the schools superintendent, planning, setting goals and appraising results, approving and adopting financial resources, negotiating and approving collective bargaining agreements.

RSU 14 Board members also set clear expectations/standards and adopt policies regarding instructional programs; determine school building needs; communicate with various constituencies; advocate for the needs of the students; establish procedures for the operation of the board; review and evaluate board operations and performance; choose board officers; approve the annual school calendar; establish and maintain effective board-superintendent relations; and work along with authorizing school administration to work with town, county, and other government and non-government officials and agencies.

For Windham Town Council, three positions, including the North District, South District and At-Large, will be elected for three-year terms.

Town Council North District candidates are Deborah L. DeVou and Margaret A. Terry. Incumbent Jarrod Maxfield is not seeking re-election.

Town Council South District candidates are Douglas R. Fortier and Michael R. Russin. Incumbent Nicholas Kaleogerakis is not seeking re-election.

Town Council At-Large candidates are Joseph A. Campbell, Katie P. Cook and Clayton W. Haskell. Incumbent John Henry is not seeking re-election.

As outlined in the Windham Town Charter, all town council positions are non-partisan.

The Windham Town Council has seven members, three are elected at-large and four are elected from the four defined geographic areas of the town (north, south, east, and west). Voters throughout the town elect all members of the Town Council, both At-Large and by district.

A town councilor’s responsibilities are varied and include:

* Legislative and policy making in setting town policies.

* Budget and Finance in approving the annual budget and setting the town's tax rates.

* Planning and development by approving, rejecting, or modifying plans proposed by the Windham Planning Board.

* Directing the Town Manager by providing oversight for the Windham Town Manager and town staff.

* Making appointments by choosing members and residents to serve on various town committees and boards.

* Conducting investigations into the affairs of the town and its departments.

* Exercising statutory powers concerning legislative, financial, borrowing, and other powers given by state statutes to town officers.

To be fair to everyone concerned, here are the rules that The Windham Eagle newspaper is setting forth for election coverage this fall.

Letters to the Editor supporting candidates will be accepted up to seven days prior to Election Day on Tuesday, Oct. 28. The letters should be sent to [email protected] and be no more than 300 words in length. The deadline for submitting letters is noon on Tuesdays for that week’s newspaper edition.

The newspaper will print no more than two letters supporting a candidate per edition. Readers may only submit one letter supporting a candidate during an election cycle. The letters will be published in the order they are received by the newspaper.

Candidate endorsement letters must focus on reasons why the writer supports the candidate and are not used as an attack against an opposing candidate. Organized letter-writing campaigns are not allowed by the newspaper and letters deemed to be part of an organized campaign will not be published.

Because of space limitations in the print edition of the newspaper, letters will only be published from Windham residents.

The Windham Eagle newspaper does not endorse candidates. All Letters to the Editor are reviewed for factual information and edited accordingly for spelling and grammar issues before publication.

A questionnaire will be sent to election candidates by email and candidates are asked to complete it in a timely manner and send it back to the newspaper editor to compile into a candidate preview for publication. The candidate preview will appear in the Oct. 10 edition of The Windham Eagle. Should a candidate not return the questionnaire, their space in the candidate preview will indicate that they did not respond to questions posed by the newspaper.

Issues and statewide referendum items will be profiled for readers in an upcoming edition of The Windham Eagle newspaper prior to the election on Nov. 4. <

Burns to lead Windham as Town Manager as Tibbetts retires

By Ed Pierce

When historians look back upon this chapter in Windham government, it will show that the town’s emphasis on succession planning works.

Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts, right, is resigning
effective July 1 and will be succeeded in that role by
Assistant Town Manager Robert Burns. Tibbetts will 
remain with the town through the remainder of the
year overseeing Windham's sewer and wastewater 
projects and the creation of access roads in 
North Windham. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

During Tuesday night’s Windham Town Council meeting, Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts announced he will step down effective June 30 and councilors appointed Assistant Town Manager Robert Burns to succeed Tibbetts as Town Manager.

Tibbetts has served as Windham’s Town Manager since November 2019, first on an interim basis and then was made the permanent town manager in March 2020. He came to Windham with extensive municipal experience and experience in local government, administrative operations, budgeting, regulatory functions, and community relations and had served as the Kennebunk Town Manager through 2017. Upon his retirement with Kennebunk and prior to being hired by Windham, Tibbetts worked with a small energy start-up business and developed a consulting business in energy and governmental services. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Maine, and he also earned an MBA degree during his career in government.

Burns joined Windham as the town’s first Assistant Town Manager in December 2021. He graduated from Yarmouth High School before obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Engineering from the University of Maine at Orono. Following college, Burns worked both in Maryland in Public Works and in Florida as a consulting environmental engineer. After that, he returned to Maine and served as the Public Works Director and Town Engineer in Gorham for 18 years.

As Tibbetts transitions to full-time retirement, he will stay on with the town as Special Projects Manager overseeing several significant projects such as the installation of sewers and the construction of access roads to alleviate traffic congestion in North Windham. But his legacy of accomplishments guiding Windham as Town Manager is lengthy and noteworthy, including being honored with Maine Town, City and County Management Association’s 2022 Leadership Award.

He played a pivotal role developing Windham’s wastewater treatment solution for North Windham, the creation of a connector road system to alleviate traffic congestion in the Route 302 corridor and Windham’s approval of the East Windham Conservation Project in which hundreds of acres were permanently conserved by the town for the enjoyment of future generations of Windham residents. Tibbetts was also instrumental in Windham adopting new land use, floodplain management and shoreland ordinances, and he led the town’s conversion to an automated trash collection system in 2024.

Under his watch, the town council approved a cannabis ordinance in 2020 resulting in cannabis shop licensing fees being used by the town to award scholarships to deserving students. In 2021, Tibbetts helped the town adopt a new open space plan, a comprehensive look at Windham’s open space network of conservation and recreational assets.

Tibbetts says he’s been fortunate to have two great “runs” leading both Kennebunk and Windham as Town Manager.

“Being a member of Maine Town City Management Association (MTCMA) along with the International City Managers Association has been a great experience,” he said. “I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve both organizations. Serving Windham has been an incredibly rewarding chapter in my career. Together with a talented and dedicated staff and in collaboration with the Town Council, we have made meaningful progress in infrastructure, environmental initiatives, community planning, and public service delivery.

“From the North Windham Sewer Project, North Windham Moves, to the East Windham Conservation Project, Fire and Police Station facilities and through numerous ordinances and policy initiatives, I am proud of the impact we’ve made to position Windham for a strong and sustainable future. Windham has been placed in a strong financial position for the future,” Tibbetts said. “With this planned transition, I am pleased to note that Assistant Town Manager Robert Burns will be stepping into the role as part of our ongoing succession plan. Robert has proven himself to be a capable and committed leader, with extensive project and managerial skills and I am confident he will continue to serve Windham with integrity and vision. Knowing I cannot stand still, I will be there to support Bob for a few months to assist in the major municipal infrastructure projects and out of the limelight.”

Windham Town Council members expressed sadness that Tibbetts will be retiring, but praised his leadership, what he has accomplished for Windham, and believe Burns will do an excellent job in succeeding him as Town Manager.

“Working with Barry these last five years has been a great experience as he has dedicated himself to making Windham a better place for all residents,” said Windham Town Council Chair Jarrod Maxfield. “When we hired Barry, Windham was in transition and in need of someone to lead us and he did just that and more and he has given more years to Windham than he originally planned, showing his commitment to us. Without Barry, I know we would not have accomplished half of what has been done in the last few years; he has been instrumental in Windham’s success. And he has worked hand in hand with Bob Burns who has proven himself to be a great leader who will take the hand off and continue the success Windham is and will see. Windham is lucky to have both of them working for our success.”

Town Councilor David Nadeau agrees.

“After a two-year search the town and town council was blessed to find Barry. His work efforts, drive, and creativity cannot be matched,” Nadeau said. On his arrival he was pointed to a shelf which contained studies and projects going back to previous years but never put in play. Barry prioritized them and then proceeded to put them in play. First by using different ways to finance them such as using TIF, grants, impact fees, and layering bonds, which will help Windham in the future. This approach raised Windham’s bond rating to AA. The project consisted of a sewer project, connector roads, 500 plus acres of open space, growth ordinance, and the list goes on. Knowing his time was short, Barry looked at staff and developed a succession plan, one of the holes filled was an assistant town manager, enter Robert Burns. Mr. B is not Barry but under Barry’s tutelage has developed the skill set needed to keep Windham moving forward. I would like to thank them both for their effort.”

Town Council Bill Reiner said having Burns available to step into the Town Manager role is of great benefit to Windham.

“As Barry moves into retirement, Bob will move up internally into the Town Manager Role. Bob has served as Assistant Town Manager since I have been on the council, and I have confidence in his capability moving forward,” Reiner said. “While he was offered several manager positions in several other towns, Bob chose to remain with Windham. He has been involved in all ongoing projects and has excellent knowledge of each and what will be needed to bring them home. While the town is in an excellent position both financially and in regard to ongoing projects, Barry will remain on until early January as a Special Projects Manager. While he will now answer to Bob, Barry will provide additional support while the town looks for a new Assistant Manager to fill the now vacant position.”

Reiner said the council did not look at this change in position lightly, but the contract hammered out involving both Tibbetts and Burns were acceptable by both the town and individuals.

“The town council could have interviewed for the position, but with multiple Town Manager positions unfilled within the state, and the lengthy search for finding Barry several years back, the town would have been remiss in not attempting to keep Bob,” he said. <

Windham examines sustainable growth while not losing rural feel

By Ed Pierce

For the past decade, a significant question facing Windham residents is how does the town grow at an orderly pace and yet not lose its connection with the past and a more rural way of life that prompted people to move here?

Windham Town Council members says areas of concern
when considering the impacts of growth upon the town 
for the future are how if affects infrastructure, school
enrollment, and an increasing amount of traffic on
Route 302. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

Last fall, a Community Survey was conducted by the town for residents and when asked what were perceived to be Windham's challenges in the next five years, the responses were in order; Pace of Community Growth and Expansion 73 percent; Town Services and Taxes 71 percent; and Affordable Housing 50 percent. Reviewing these results leads to a perception among town residents of too much growth too fast, and a significant desire to grow at a sustainable rate.

In January, members of the Windham Town Council conducted a workshop to discuss town growth. Councilors said this is a multifaceted topic and they reviewed results from the 2024 Community Survey, Maine state law, a downtown traffic evaluation, housing data, and other pertinent information as well as others.

Over a five-year span from 2019 to 2024, there were two condominium projects completed in Windham totaling 49 units. From 2018 to 2024, there were six duplexes constructed in Windham totaling 142 units. Between 2021 to 2023, there were three multi-unit complexes opened in Windham featuring 85 units.

Councilors say that areas of concern when discussing growth are its impacts upon infrastructure, school enrollment and increasing traffic in town.

In a press release issued by the Town Manager Barry Tibbetts, he said that Windham is moving forward with critical infrastructure projects and planned developments designed to support economic growth while maintaining responsible community planning.

Tibbetts said that during a recent Windham Town Council meeting, officials outlined key initiatives to address sustainable growth, including the North Windham sewer implementation, developer agreements, traffic impact assessments, school capacity evaluations, and the financial benefits of controlled growth.

Windham is currently only one of six communities in Southern Maine that has adopted an ordinance addressing growth while there are 22 other communities in the region that do not have any limitations or restrictions regarding growth.

Windham Town Attorney Mark Bower of Jensen Baird has reviewed with councilors the town’s existing growth ordinance and explained how state regulations affect municipal growth, saying that municipal growth ordinances must be consistent with a town’s Comprehensive Plan.

He said state rules mandate that Windham’s growth ordinance can be recalculated every three years to review growth rate details and based upon that information, the town’s growth ordinance can be updated or amended accordingly.

Last summer, the Windham Economic Development Corporation held a meeting in which it defined and outlined its objectives in a plan for sustainable growth in the town. Those steps included developing Windham’s niche in the region’s manufacturing clusters, pursuing opportunities in amusement and recreation, attracting more professional and business services to North Windham, and updating and maintaining Windham’s support system for economic development.

Windham’s controlled approach to growth is expected to generate significant financial benefits as cited in the press release in a few key areas such as new taxable valuation from development, and impact fees, permit fees and additional excise taxes all contributing to offsetting municipal costs and growth.

Tibbetts estimated those initiatives would generate $2.4 million toward sewer improvements, $585,000 for Windham Parks and Recreation, $680,000 for open space conservation, $978,000 for public safety initiatives, including a potential new fire station, and $750,000 in yearly excise tax revenue.

He said that without these planned developments for the sewer district, it’s estimated that Windham would face higher residential tax burdens for the sewer implementation. Growth within that TIF district allows 100 percent of the new development tax revenue to be reinvested into infrastructure, avoiding residential tax increases.

There are no credit enhancements or special pay provisions given to any of the developers, Tibbetts said.

According to Tibbetts, the sewer project in North Windham is proceeding as planned and is an infrastructure investment for sustainable growth and a major step toward improving public health and sustainable economic development.

As approved by town voters in 2022, the project was intended to attract commercial, residential, and retail development while protecting the environment. He said a critical component of this plan ensures that funding for the $40 million sewer bond will come from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, avoiding any financial burden on residential taxpayers.

The Windham Town Council also has reviewed two key development agreements with NextGen and Gateway. Tibbetts says together, these projects will add 446 residential units in Windham’s designated growth areas, helping meet the demand for local housing while ensuring infrastructure and municipal services can support expansion.

The majority of the new housing from NexGen and Gateway is one- and two-bedroom units and Tibbetts says that the agreements provide a framework for planned development and ensuring timely project completion while protecting the town’s rural character.

Back in February 2021, Windham town councilors unanimously adopted a new Windham Open Space Master Plan to serve as a guide for the town in identifying high priority properties to protect or acquire, providing land stewardship guidance for existing open space lands, identifying opportunities to expand connectivity between open space assets, neighborhoods, and trails and to outline programs, ordinances, and partners that could be instrumental in securing the future of the identified high priority properties.

In adopting the Open Space Master Plan, town councilors agreed that rural character is crucial to Windham’s identity as a community, and it takes a proactive stance regarding preserving community character and ensuring that Windham’s most cherished open spaces will remain available going forward despite strong residential growth pressures.

Tibbetts says that a comprehensive traffic study projects that development-related increases in vehicle trips will remain within manageable levels, with long-term improvements sustaining road capacity through at least 2042.

Additionally, school enrollment trends show a net decrease of 225 students over the past decade, and the RSU 14 school district has capacity for additional students. The planned residential developments in the growth areas are expected to generate only minor increases in student enrollment, well within the available school capacity, Tibbetts said.

“These projects represent smart, controlled growth that balances the needs of residents, businesses, and the environment,” Tibbetts said. “By focusing on our designated growth areas and using TIF funds strategically, we’re ensuring that Windham remains a vibrant, financially stable, and well-planned community.” <

Council workshop examines growth and its continuing impact upon Windham

By Ed Pierce

Windham Town Council members conducted a three-hour workshop to have an in-depth discussion about the need and impacts of growth for items such as taxes, town services, school enrollments, traffic impacts and more subjects on Jan. 23 and examined how to best address growth in an orderly manner.

Members of the Windham Town Council conducted a 
three-hour workshop on Jan. 23 to examine town growth,
state regulations regarding growth ordinances, and how
to address impacts and issues associated with growth
such as housing, school enrollment and traffic.
PHOTO BY KEITH MANK

During the meeting, town attorney Mark Bower of Jensen Baird reviewed with councilors the town’s existing growth ordinance and how state regulations affect municipal growth.

“For starters, a municipal growth ordinance must be consistent with the town’s Comprehensive Plan,” Bower said. “Many towns don’t have any growth caps.”

According to Bower, Windham is only one of six communities in Southern Maine that has an ordinance on file addressing growth and there are 22 other communities in the area that do not have any limitations regarding growth.

He said state rules mandate that Windham’s growth ordinance can be recalculated every three years to review growth rate details and based upon that information, the town’s growth ordinance can be updated or amended accordingly.

Councilors also heard from RSU 14 Superintendent of schools Chris Howell, who shared with them that RSU 14 schools have experienced a flat rate of growth enrollment over the past decade.

“The greatest overcrowding we have is at Windham Middle School,” Howell said. “The new Windham Raymond Middle School will help and long term we will be able to accommodate needs for the next 10 to 15 years.”

Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts presented figures for Howell to discuss how recent housing projects in town impacted local school enrollment.

From 2019 to 2024, there were two condominium projects completed in Windham totaling 49 units. From those condos, RSU 14 gained 14 students, Howell said. From 2018 to 2024, there were six duplexes constructed in Windham totaling 142 units. From those duplexes, RSU 14 gained 68 students. From 2021 to 2023, there were three multi-unit complexes finished with a total of 85 units. From those multi-unit apartments, RSU 14 gained six students.

Howell said the RSU 14 is calculated each year to take growth in Windham into account.

Windham Assistant Town Manager Bob Burns shared with councilors the results of a traffic evaluation conducted by the Gorrill Palmer engineering firm and how future developments could further impact traffic congestion.

“Based on discussions with the town, there are five potential developments within the immediate vicinity of the Route 302 study area,” the survey report detailed. “Trip generation was calculated using ITE Trip Generation Manual or other methods based on discussions with the Town. Trip distribution was based on our knowledge of the area and traffic patterns as identified from traffic counts that were provided in the North Windham Moves study.”

The traffic evaluation examined potential traffic from each of the developments including a proposal to build 172 residential units near Manchester Drive; construction of 80 condos at the end of Turning Leaf Road; additions to be built to the Microtel Inn & Suites; a potential development behind Home Depot with a possible hotel and 300 residential units; and two possible new hotels and 400 units of multifamily housing behind the Ice Cream Dugout on Enterprise Drive.

The survey report indicates that the three highest percentages for increased traffic are located in the densest portion of the downtown area.

“As one moves out of the downtown area the growth rate decreases. The current average growth rate for Route 302 within the study area is approximately 2 percent,” the report says. “This indicates that Windham is currently experiencing a growth higher than what was forecast (0.5 percent) when the North Windham Moves Study was completed. It should be noted that the 0.5-percent yearly growth was consistent up to the design year 2040. If Windham should experience a plateau in growth or a negative growth between now and 2040, the average yearly growth from now to 2040 may decrease from 2 percent closer to the 0.5 percent, or more likely somewhere in between.”

Based upon their evaluation, Gorrill Palmer says that both regional background growth as well as local development growth in Windham appear to be higher than was forecast or assumed in the North Windham Moves Study.

“This means that Route 302 corridor traffic volumes would reach the 2040 design hourly volumes earlier than 2040 if the existing growth trends continue,” the report says. “Even though the traffic volumes are increasing quicker than originally forecast or assumed, the recommended East and West alternatives identified in the North Windham Moves Study are forecast to provide acceptable levels of service. Since the originally forecasted levels of service were relatively high, there appears to be some considerable allowance for increasing traffic volumes and still maintaining acceptable levels of service throughout the corridor. The one exception along the corridor may be Boody’s Corner. This intersection level of service was forecast to be low but acceptable in 2040 with the construction of the East and West Connectors. It should be noted that in addition to the connectors, there were safety recommendations proposed for this intersection which should also improve the operations of the intersection, and the benefits of those safety improvements are not represented in the levels of service results. Based on this evaluation, it is our opinion that even though overall traffic volumes for the corridor are increasing faster than forecast, the recommended connectors should maintain overall acceptable levels of service, and in fact make the recommended connectors even more critical to maintaining the mobility and safety of the corridor than originally envisioned.”

In looking at Windham Fire, Police and EMS totals from 2014 to 2024, Tibbetts said figures show first responder calls only rose 0.02 percent since construction of new developments during that time frame.

Windham Town Council Chair Jarrod Maxfield said the workshop was helpful and he believes reviewing all the presented information will be useful for councilors when looking at potential growth issues or updating the town’s current growth ordinance.

“I think we really need as council to gets the facts out there,” Maxfield said. “The misnomer is that growth is what’s causing your property taxes to go up when it’s the opposite.” <   

MDOT launches repair work on Babb’s Bridge

By Ed Pierce

Repair work on Babb’s Bridge is underway in Windham, and sooner than expected.

Crews have started working on repairing Babb's Bridge in
Windham after a truck exceeding the established weight 
limit crashed through the bridge floor into the Presumpscot
Rover last August. The repair project is expected to take
about six weeks to complete before the wooden bridge
can reopen. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE  

The historic crossing over the Presumpscot River has been closed to traffic since last summer after sustaining damage in an accident and typically carries more than 360 vehicles per day over the wooden queenspost truss structure.

At about 12:45 p.m. Aug. 23, 2024, police say a Ford F750 truck loaded with 36,000 pounds of crushed gravel attempted to cross Babbs Bridge from Gorham east into Windham on Hurricane Road. The truck’s excessive weight caused planks on the wooden bridge floor to collapse and sent the truck crashing into the Presumpscot River below.

The posted weight limit for traveling across the Babbs Bridge span is 3 tons, or 6,000 pounds, and police said the truck weighed roughly six times the legal limit for crossing the bridge. The truck was owned by The Driveway Guys Company of Biddeford and was driven by Joshua Polewarzyk of Limington, 37, who was able to free himself from the truck in the water and sustained minor injuries in the crash. He was cited for excessive truck weight in crossing the bridge and was fined $2,500.

Maine Department of Transportation engineers were tasked with evaluating the structural status of the bridge for public safety and come up with a plan for repairs and restoration of the structure.

A previous wooden covered bridge at the site stood for more than 100 years having reportedly been built by local farmers around 1840. The bridge is said to have been originally named for a family living on property nearby and before its destruction was said to be the oldest covered bridge in Maine.

The original Babbs Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in America but was burned by unidentified arsonists in 1973. Using donated lumber milled exclusively in Gorham and with work performed by community volunteers, the bridge span was rebuilt as an exact replica of the original Babbs Bridge and reopened to the public in conjunction with America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976.

It is a single-span queenspost-style truss bridge, with a total structure length of 79 feet and a width of 13 feet, 9 inches. The bridge end portals have a posted height limit of 10 feet and the bridge is covered by a gabled roof, with its side and end walls finished in vertical board siding.

Vandals cut a hole in the bridge’s roof in 2014 which was subsequently repaired but damages that were caused by a snowplow truck in 2015 required the bridge to be closed again temporarily. In 2016, MDOT authorized a near-total $160,000 makeover of Babbs Bridge based upon its original design.

Work performed at that time included the installation of cement stone blocks for the bridge abutment. Other renovations in 2016 featured stripping off the bridge’s roof and replacing it with rough cut boards and plywood before topping it with cedar shingles. Work was also completed on the bridge’s sides and entrances at that time. In 2021, the Windham Town Council announced that the National Register of Historic Places had removed its designation for Babb’s Bridge because it is now a replica of the original historic structure.

A note posted on social media by the Windham Town Manager’s Office on Jan. 10 said the MDOT has launched repairs to Babb’s Bridge about four months ahead of schedule. The department had originally said work could not start on the structure until later this spring to obtain necessary materials and favorable weather conditions for repairs but specially milled lumber from Gorham matching the existing bridge dimensions was now ready for installation.

MDOT estimates it will take about six weeks to complete repairs on the bridge at a cost of $110,000 before it can be reopened to the public. <

WEDC report details TIF activity to Windham Town Council

By Ed Pierce

The Windham Economic Development Corporation has issued a report updating the Windham Town Council about the status of the town’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program and estimated fund balances.

The Windham Town Council has received a
report from the Windham Economic 
Development Corporation updating the  
status of Tax Increment Financing fund
balances at the end of the last fiscal year
and municipal valuations for TIF districts.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE

By definition, TIFs are flexible finance tools that allow municipalities to use new property taxes to fund public and private projects within a defined geographic district. Any portion of the new taxes may be used to finance public or private projects for a specific period of time.

Both the total acreage and the amount of acreage in individual TIF’s are limited. A single TIF cannot exceed 2 percent of the town’s total municipal acreage, and the total of all acreage, with certain exclusions, cannot exceed 5 percent. Currently, 476.28 acres of the total of 35,572 acres or 1.34 percent of Windham are in TIF Districts. With 5 percent of the total municipal acreage of 1,779 acres, the town could place up to an additional 1,302.72 acres into TIF Districts, provided that, under state law, no more than 711.44 acres are in any one district.

Here are fund balances and valuations from the WEDC report which was issued to the town in November:

Windham’s 2000 Pipeline TIF District runs through June 30, 2030, and was extended in 2015. It is a development program for Route 302 roadway, intersection, sidewalk and sewer engineering and construction, GIS system, environmental study, and economic development administration. As of June 30, 2024, its Fund Balance was $718,344 based upon current municipal valuation of $10 million.

The 2006 Roosevelt Promenade TIF District expires in 2036 following Windham Town Council action and approval of a 15-year extension in March 2021. The district consists of 37.39 acres including the Home Depot and Lowe’s parcels in Windham. It is a development program funding costs for a local transportation study, growth study, public infrastructure study and WEDC staffing as well as infrastructure improvements including roadway and intersection improvements in the district, roadway and intersection improvements on Route 302, wastewater facilities’ engineering and construction in the district, and wastewater facilities engineering and construction on Route 302. As of June 30, 2024, its Fund Balance was $490,502.

The 2014 New Marblehead Manor Affordable Housing Development District expires in 2044. The district consists of 3.7 acres consisting of one phase of New Marblehead Manor. The Development Program consists of a Credit Enhancement Agreement with Avesta New Marblehead. Its unaudited Fund Balance was $0.00, and its Current Municipal Valuation is $2,157,900.

The 2015 Gateway North A TIF District runs through June 30, 2045 after an extension in 2023. The district consists of 99.77 acres of various parcels in the North Windham commercial district. The development program includes making roadway and intersection improvements in the district, roadway and intersection improvements on Route 302, wastewater facilities engineering and construction in the district, and utility services relocation either above or underground in the district. As of June 30, its Fund Balance was $265,666 with current valuation of $19,597,041.

The 2019 Gateway North B TIF District runs through June 30, 2048. The district consists of 42.81 acres of various parcels in the North Windham commercial district. Its development program includes roadway and intersection improvements in the district, roadway and intersection improvements on Route 302, wastewater facilities engineering and construction in the district and streetscape improvements in and/or adjacent to the district and on Route 302. Its Fund Balance as of June 30, 2024 was $359,284, and its current Municipal Valuation is $26,269,900.

Established in 2021, the Boody’s Corner TIF District runs through June 30, 2051. The district consists of 16.31 acres improved as the Cross Insurance/Bangor Savings Bank building and apartments on Dusty Rhoades Lane in Windham. The development program includes making roadway, intersection, and sidewalk improvements in the district, roadway, intersection, and sidewalk improvements in North Windham, wastewater facilities engineering and construction in and serving the district, streetscape improvements in and/or adjacent to the district and on Varney Mill Road, and transit improvements. As of June 30, 2024, its Fund Balance was $368,293 and its Current Municipal Valuation is $13,560,600.

2021’s SWFS Depot Street Apartments TIF District runs through June 30, 2051. The district consists of 0.35 acres so improved as a municipal fire station and 2.08 acres improved as the Depot Street Apartments in the South Windham Village for a total of 2.43 acres. The development Program includes roadway and intersection improvements in South Windham Village, roadway and intersection improvements on River Road, wastewater facilities engineering and construction in SW Village, and streetscape improvements in and/or adjacent to the SW Village and on River Road. As of June 30, 2024, its Fund Balance was $185,061 and its Current Municipal Valuation is $2,548,200.

The 2022 Enterprise Development A TIF District runs through June 30, 2052. The district consists of 67.13 acres improved as commercial buildings and parcels in the Quarry Ridge Business Park and adjacent to Route 302 in Windham. The Development Program includes roadway, intersection, and sidewalk improvements in the district, roadway, intersection, and sidewalk improvements in North Windham, wastewater facilities engineering and construction in and serving the district, streetscape improvements in and/or adjacent to the district and on Route 302 and transit improvements. As of June 30, 2024, its Fund Balance was $65,059 and its Current Municipal Valuation is $4,495,600.

2023 Boody’s Corner B TIF District runs through June 30, 2053. The district consists of 14.06 acres improved as the Badger Run Apartments (1.79 acres), 55 Tandberg Trail Apartments (0.3 acres), commercial land currently improved as a mobile home park on Robin Lane (9.49 acres), and a portion of 718 Roosevelt Trail improved as a municipal fire station (2.48 acres) in Windham. The development program includes roadway, intersection, and sidewalk improvements in the district, wastewater facilities engineering and construction in and serving the district, utility services relocation either above or underground in North Windham, and transit improvements. Its Fund Balance as of June 30, 2024 was $42,110 and its Current Municipal Valuation is $7,904,200.

2023’s South Windham Industrial Zone TIF District runs through June 30, 2053. The district consists of 62.99 acres improved as commercial buildings and parcels on or adjacent to Gambo Road in the South Windham Industrial Zone. The development program includes roadway, intersection, and sidewalk improvements in the district, roadway, intersection, and sidewalk improvements in South Windham, streetscape improvements in and/or adjacent to the district and in South Windham, transit improvements, Windham Economic Development Corporation administration and the design and development of economic development facilities including maker space, co-working space, and shared commercial kitchen space in Windham. As of June 30, 2024, its Fund Balance was $10,568 and Current Municipal Valuation is $2,076,200.

The 2024 Boody’s Corner C TIF District runs through June 30, 2054. The district consists of 72.60 acres of commercial property on Franklin Drive, Tandberg Trail, Turning Leaf Drive, and along Route 302 in Windham. The development program includes roadway, intersection, and sidewalk improvements in the district, roadway, intersection, and sidewalk improvements in North Windham, and wastewater facilities engineering and construction in and serving the district. As of June 30, 2024, its Fund Balance was not available. Its Current Municipal Valuation is $8,275,700.

2024’s Gateway South TIF District runs through June 30, 2054. The district consists of 40.85 acres of commercial property on First Light Drive, and along Route 302 in Windham. The development program includes roadway, intersection, and sidewalk improvements in the district, wastewater facilities engineering and construction connecting to the district, Commercial Façade improvement programming and transit improvements. As of June 30, 2024, its Fund Balance was not available. Its Current Municipal Valuation is $542,200.

For 2025, new TIF Districts in Windham will include 2025 Anglers Road Senior Affordable Housing Development and Tax Increment Financing District and the 2025 Andrew School South Windham TIF District. <