“If people behaved like governments, you’d call the cops.” -Kelvin Throop

Lane/Tommy: We have no objection with more hotel or motel rooms located in the Windham area. Such amenities are probably sorely needed. However, we feel we do not need a hotel that would appear abnormal in a rural setting like Windham. Many of us have either heard of or read Windham’s Comprehensive Master Plan where buildings in the business zones should conform to certain standards.

Tommy: A four-story building such as the proposed 80-room hotel on Route 302 in North Windham is out of character in Windham, especially in the North Windham business district. Are there presently any height restrictions for buildings in Windham? I believe that a two-story motel like the Holiday Inn on Riverside Street would be more aesthetically pleasing compared to a four-story, big box hotel on Route 302.

Lane: I agree with Tommy. What we need for a design standard is something that fits with Windham’s rural character rather than a city like Portland. Let’s put the parking lot, swimming pool and other such amenities in the rear of the building. Let’s also make sure the building(s) are not more than two stories tall.

Tommy: I feel that we must have the town council seek public input as to whether or not a four-story hotel or other business is appropriate for Windham before the planning board process begins. Since our economic development official is in favor of something so far out of character for Windham, shouldn’t he and the hotel pack up to the city of Portland?

Lane: This time let’s put the horse before the cart instead of the usual shenanigans with the Windham planning process that seems to elude public scrutiny. A perfect example is the proposed quarry on the Nash Road. This planning process allowed the proposed quarry to be unveiled at the last moment possible. Somehow, the planning process must become more visible for all residents rather than a small ad in a non-Windham paper when such ads are deemed necessary.

Tommy: As we are writing this column on Sunday afternoon, there is a site walk being conducted for the proposed quarry on the Nash Road. Perhaps the best change in Windham for the proposed quarry on the Nash Road is that more residents are becoming aware and involved in what’s happening in their community. Events like this show how democracy works when citizens get involved.

Lane: I have stated many times how revolted I feel when someone is scared to speak out against their government at any level. Thank God that some citizens finally have the intestinal fortitude to come forward to support not only their beliefs but those of others they agree with. The proposed quarry and a four-story hotel are not suitable for Windham’s pastoral surroundings. Since one group stood up because they have had enough of a lack of an adequate planning process, is it time for another group to stand up and form a group to ban commercial buildings more than two stories tall?

Lane/Tommy: Perhaps these unfolding developments will result in citizens becoming more active regarding the direction that our community will be taking in the future. This includes not only what will be built here but how our taxes can be used more efficiently. More citizens being active will result in more citizens getting out to vote.

Lane: Perhaps the idea of a four-story hotel in North Windham will be as ugly as the new building in South Windham as part of the Keddy Mill development. It certainly does not fit the neighborhood and looks absolutely despicable and atrocious. The same can be said for a rock quarry that sits in full view of Route 302. Is this the type of future that our town planners and leaders are subjecting us to?

Lane/Tommy: We know that there is a fight over the proposed quarry. We can only hope that there will be a fight over a hotel that does not fit Windham’s atmosphere. What is even more upsetting is that we understand that a significant contribution has been made to a particular club supportive of athletics here in Windham. If this is true, is this a result of poor timing or an attempt to influence the vote of town councilors and the voters on Election Day in November? Is someone trying to tip the scales? You have heard it before, inquiring minds want to know!