In a workshop Tuesday night, the Gorham Town Council discussed a proposal that would allow developers to increase the density of new homes they are building in exchange for money that would be used to preserve land.
The council is considering an ordinance change that allows developers to increase the density of house lots in new developments served by public water and sewer. In exchange for extra lots, the developers would pay the town a fee. The money would be earmarked either to buy land or development rights on parcels elsewhere in town.
Only two members of the public spoke, and both opposed the proposal. “Taxpayers should vote on it in November,” said Bill Hebert of Brackett Road.
Developer Susan Duchaine didn’t like the idea, either. “I don’t agree with this ordinance as written,” Duchaine said.
Town Councilor Calvin Hamblen favored increasing density of house lots in developments served by water and sewer but opposed the town buying property. “I don’t want the town in the real estate business,” Hamblen said.
Duchaine raised several questions. She asked the council to consider the lost tax revenue if it bought property. She also wondered who would pay to determine the value of land the town would buy and who would decide which land to buy.
She favored increasing density of house lots served by water and sewer. “The town always has its hand out,” she said.
Hebert said developers would pass along increased costs to homebuyers and more dense development would create traffic jams. Taxpayers should ask themselves what they want the town to look like in five years, Hebert said.
The Gorham Planning Board has already recommended that the council approve the proposal.
Town Councilor Phil Dugas indicated the impact of the proposal on the town and taxpayers was unclear. “Nobody knows what is going to happen, and this bothers me,” Dugas said.
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