Apartment complex developer still waiting for approval
Aug. 10—WINDHAM — The developer of a North Windham apartment complex has been awaiting approval from the state Department of Transportation for three months.
The developer had to submit traffic plans and a traffic study to the Office of the State Traffic Administration ( OSTA) Windham Director of Development Matthew Vertefeuille said the delay is " frustrating," noting that the approval has been pending since May 9, about a month longer than it has taken in the past.
" Normally, in a good year, OSTA would take up to 60 days to review an application," he said. The development will be built on Northridge Drive.
OSTA will review the traffic study conducted by staff at BL Companies.
That study took into account what time of day the peak traffic flow occurs at, where the intersections are and whether neighboring roads can handle the traffic.
It determined that the development would have a minimal impact on traffic.
" It's overdue," Windham Town Manager Jim Rivers said, referring to the OSTA review.
Vertefeuille acknowledged that more regulatory agencies are involved in commercial construction than in residential construction.
" I'm hoping it will be resolved in the next couple weeks," he said.
This project is one of several big development projects underway in town.
" It's all moving the town forward," Vertefeuille said, speaking about the economic activity.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special permit application from A.R. Building Company, Inc. on April 14, with some conditions.
Plans involve building a
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