Ann Kennedy of Laurel Pines Drive spoke about the Gorham Connector saying she “would love to see more rail options” to help preserve the character of a historical farm community.
Kathy Hamblen, Libby Ave., noted “There is a group of people concerned about safety to residents from the quarry brickyard and some feel that their concerns amount to economic terrorism.” She added that, “they want to keep the quarry from expanding and affecting more residents’ safety and their living conditions, to make sure the town is overseeing the situation, to make sure that safety practices are consistently followed.”
Ken Curtis, South Street, stated that “the Town Council was not being diligent in their duty to all taxpayers because the school budget only passed by 4 votes.”
Melonie Bennett, Buck Street stated that the Town Council voted for a $3.5 million budget increase that only passed by two votes and the recount procedure was convoluted and difficult.
Abby King, Wintergreen Drive, presented a petition against the Gorham Connector that had been signed by 1,114 residents noting that it was not needed, will put a heavier tax burden on taxpayers and damage the ecosystem as well as a working family farm.
Ben Walley, County Road, an 11th generation farmer at Smiling Hill Farm noted that the farm has been in the family since 1720 and if a connector is built it will “definitely ruin the farm.” He referenced a MOA (measure of angles) that the council signed in 2022 which said the project would avoid farms and historic sites. He “hoped that the Town Council would rescind the MOA and tell the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) we do not want the connector in this area.
Sam Purington, South Street, reminded the council that “MTA does not pay taxes in Gorham so any highway that gets built will be on land that had been paying taxes.”
Stoney Roberts, County Road, Scarborough referred to the Maine Sensible Transportation Policy Act and noted that any decision of the council “must minimize the harmful effects of transportation on public health, air and water quality, etc. and requires reasonable transportation alternatives to be evaluated and given preference before any significant highway projects move forward.”
Councilor Wilder Cross thanked town staff for the Spring into Summer event on June 12. At an economic development meeting, there was a discussion about which town-owned properties could possibly be considered for school sites.
Councilor Pratt thanked Town Clerk Nordfors and staff for the successful recount of the school budget vote and reminded people to donate blood and enter a drawing for a new Dodge truck after doing so.
Councilor Simms also thanked staff and members of the Fiscal Sustainability Committee. Their next meeting will be on August 26 and more information is available on the town’s website.
Councilor Lavoie reported that the Open Space and Trails Master Plan Steering Committee was having initial discussions with seven vendors about putting out a RFP to write the plan.
Councilor Siegal congratulated the Gorham Pride Committee for a fantastic Gorham Pride event. The Ordinance Committee discussed parking, building heights and setbacks.
Chairperson Phillips thanked the Town Council staff and election workers and volunteers who helped with the recount. She noted Cherry Hill Farmers Market is open 2-6 p.m. on Wednesdays. She also encouraged citizens to read the Town Council minutes or go to the website instead of reading the Gorham Times Town Council report because of several different errors on votes and items.
Town Manager Paraschak thanked Laurie Nordfors and staff and everyone who worked on the school budget recount. He reminded residents to respect their neighbors while using fireworks and noted that in Gorham, a permit is required to use fireworks.
Two proposals to amend the Land Use and Development Code to add new zoning districts into the establishment of zone sections and to add new zoning districts and permitted residential signs were both approved 6-0.
The following proposals to make amendments to the Land Use and Development Code were approved 6-0:
- To allow the Planning Board to require certain design modification standards for private ways,
- To allow mobile vending unit exemptions for agritourism events,
- To allow for unit bonuses for affordable housing in the town’s growth area.
An order to move forward with portions of the town map, excluding North Gorham and West Gorham, was sent to the Ordinance Committee.
The council voted 6-0 on the following items:
- To amend the Land Use and Development Code to remain in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program,
- The Capital Improvements Committee recommended a supplement to the Master Plan for the Chick property with potential school development overlap to better inform future development plans,
- To amend the Land Use and Development Code for more dogs to be allowed in a kennel in the rural district,
- To consider adopting a fee schedule for a pedestrian overlay district.
The council went into executive session for discussion of the acquisition of real or personal property permanently attached to real property or interest therein for disposition of publicly held property or economic development only if premature disclosure of the information would prejudice the competitive or bargaining position of the body or agency.
The council voted to adjourn.
Editor’s note: The Town Council Report is condensed from the copy that appears on the Town of Gorham website. Find the full version here.
Any member of the council or the public is welcome and encouraged to request corrections to any of the reports that we publish. To request a correction, please write to Lori Arsenault, editor@gorhamtimes.com, or by mail, Gorham Times, P. O. Box 401, Gorham, ME 04038.