Delete the Professional, Business and Technology District (Section 614.1) Purpose and replace it with “This District is intended to function as an employment center for Windham and surrounding communities featuring business and professional offices, research and development facilities, light industry and complementary educational uses, all of which are low traffic generating. The District is intended to be compatible and transitional with neighboring uses…”

Ms. Scott read Section 614.1 Professional, Business, and Technology District into the record.

Board comments/concerns included:

• The term “low traffic generating” suggests the Town wants businesses that do not have much business and may not be a successful concern; Ms. Scott explained that if the Board looks at the uses permitted, they are not “low traffic” generating businesses, and they are allowed.

• The Board decided to strike the “low traffic” language and address the traffic issue by defining the nature of the businesses and the uses permitted.

Chairwoman Post opened the hearing to the Public.

Mr. Pat Nysten of Edgewood Road would like to leave the phrase in. He suggested the Board look at traffic impact in the aggregate. To remove the language could open the door for variance applications that are noncompliant with the intended uses. He suggested modifying the language and not strike it.

Mr. Valentine noted that the major site plan application requires a traffic study which would give the Board the information it needs to make a traffic decision. He supported deleting the language referring to low traffic. Why try to limit traffic, when the Town needs tax revenue. He’s concerned that the Town is writing ordinances in case someone wants to come and get a variance.

Chairwoman Post said the Board’s intent is to provide clarity and guidance to those who need a variance.

Mr. Nysten asked Mr. Valentine if he was speaking for himself or for the WEDC.

Mr. Valentine said he is speaking as a resident of 18 Telo Road; Mr. Young is the WEDC spokesperson.

Mr. Karl Dubay recommended taking out the “low traffic” phrase. He remembered when the PB&T District was formed, and at the time, the Board was talking about putting in low-traffic language to avoid a Walmart type of traffic which is different than PBT traffic.

Mr. Nysten said the Town does not want to send mixed messages. He would like to see a framework that is clear, concise.

Chairwoman Post closed the Public Hearing.

Mr. McLeod motioned to move to Town Warrant Section 614.1, the Purpose Section of the Professional, Business, and Technology District, as amended by removing, at the end of the first sentence, the phrase, “all of which are low traffic generating.” Seconded by Ms. Webber. Motion passed: 6-1. Ms. Nysten opposed.