Windham business leaders discussed topics ranging from a proposed community center, which would be built in the soon-to-be shuttered Windham Middle School, to the North Windham sewer project, which recently began treating wastewater, at a gathering held at Erik’s Church last Wednesday.

The business leader’s gathering, the first of its kind, was organized by the Windham Economic Development Corp., a quasi-governmental organization supporting economic growth. Corporation President Eric Giguere described the event, which included remarks from himself, Town Manager Robert Burns and Town Council Chair Mark Morrison, as a “meet and greet” to see how the town can work with local businesses to improve the community.

In his address to the business owners, Burns spoke about three major projects in the Windham area. One of these was the North Windham Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has been in development for more than a decade. Burns said the plant, which began functioning and treating wastewater last month, is projected to treat 50,000 gallons of wastewater at startup, which will increase to 160,000 at full buildout. Burns also said work is underway on a conveyance system connecting the plant to Windham High School.

Burns also spoke about the North Windham Moves project, which will reconfigure North Windham to improve accessibility and reduce traffic congestion and add 5 miles of roadway. He has spoken to other executives of cities and towns throughout Maine who would love to have the $28 million in funding the project has received from the federal government.

The business owners expressed mixed opinions on the North Windham Moves project, with some saying the project would give greater visibility to their businesses, while others felt the project was wasteful and unnecessary.

Jennifer White, owner of A Joyful Noise Christian Daycare and Learning Center, asked Burns about health and infrastructure concerns at the middle school, and wondered why the community center wasn’t considered for Manchester School. Burns said the community center went through a significant committee process to utilize the best option, and pointed out the aging public infrastructure in Windham, including a nearly 100-year-old gym at the current town office.

The choice of venue drew controversy from some residents due to the fact that the owner of Erik’s Church, Kenneth Cianchette, is currently running for state Senate as a Republican.

Kate Turpen, president of Windham & Raymond Pride, questioned the neutrality of the venue, saying the decision to hold the business gathering at the bar alienated non-right-leaning and sober residents. Turpen also noted the irony of the Windham Republican Party’s opposition to funding the community center, and said the choice of Erik’s Church as a venue demonstrated Windham’s lack of adequate meeting spaces.

Cianchette said Erik’s Church was not the organizer of the event, and said, “(I’m) not here to talk about politics.”