The town’s Capital Improvement Projects/Economic Development Committee held its monthly meeting on Aug. 20 with all three members present.

The committee continued to consider and discuss strategies for updating Gorham’s zoning map to promote higher-value development that generates more net positive property tax revenues, particularly in areas along Main Street from the Industrial Park to the Village Center and other growth areas. Discussion focused on introducing a “Village Approach” district for mixed-use development in certain areas currently identified in the Comprehensive Plan. An area was identified as a potential new Office Residential zone to provide more flexibility for developers. The committee also explored how flexible zoning along University of Southern Maine campus borders could encourage community-facing developments instead of insular ones.

The committee also reviewed the matter of providing for an exemption of transfer overlay district density bonus fees within .25 miles of the existing Husky Line bus stop in Gorham Village. The group concurred that several questions remain to be discussed before formal recommendations can be sent to the Town Council and the Ordinance Committee, and also agreed to explore rezoning efforts around Libby/Main Street to align with the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for mixed use.

Detailed meeting minutes can be accessed at https://www.gorhammaine.gov/capital-improvement-projects-economic-development-committee.