Gorham committee reviews school traffic, sidewalk and funding plans

Gorham's Capital Improvements and Economic Development Committee met September 24 with only two members present and approved minutes from its August 20 meeting. Staff updated the committee on the one-way traffic change near Gorham High School, a redesigned Village School parking lot and driveway, and possible sidewalk and traffic-calming work on College Avenue and Church Street. The committee also reviewed a long list of pending infrastructure projects and the federal and state funding still needed to pay for them.

Key points

• The committee approved the minutes of its August 20 meeting on a 2-0 vote, with Councilor Sims and Councilor Hamlin present and Councilor Wills absent.
• Staff said the one-way traffic pattern near Gorham High School has worked well overall, with only minor confusion early on, and that directional paint was used because the road needs repaving within a year or two.
• Staff described a redesigned Village School parking lot and driveway, including a relocated sidewalk, added lighting and a narrow two-way connector, with construction expected to finish by spring 2027.
• Committee members discussed possible traffic calming on College Avenue and Church Street, including striping, drainage work and pedestrian signs, but took no vote.
• Staff said a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon at a crosswalk could cost about $20,000 installed, and that funding sources for such projects remain limited.
• Staff outlined a long project list, including Main Street sidewalks, the Crosstown Trail, Little Falls sewer work and other paving, with roughly $800,000 for Main Street and about $109,000 for the Crosstown Trail.

Next steps

• The committee tentatively scheduled its next meeting for Tuesday, October 27 at 11 a.m., pending confirmation that a member can attend.
• Staff will continue design and construction on the Village School driveway and parking lot project, aiming to finish by spring 2027.
• Staff will look into lower-cost options such as striping and pedestrian signs for College Avenue and Church Street.
• Staff will continue pursuing federal and state funding, including reimbursable grants, for sewer, sidewalk and paving projects.

Read the full transcript