Workshop Coming with DOT to Address Traffic Light Issue

A traffic light debate that has caused quite a bit of concern for local business and property owners will soon get a public workshop, with an entire night devoted to the discussion.

The light, located at the intersection of Range Road and Route 111a, was directed to be removed by a prior Board of Selectmen in the early 2000's.

Some of the businesses most impacted by the signal are those in the ConvenientMD plaza, just built last year at the corner of the intersection, and those lining the sides of Range Road.

Max Puyanic, chief executive officer of ConvenientMD, has called the removal of the light a safety issue, as pedestrians crossing Route 111 can't be seen by vehicles coming from Salem. He has also said that it would make his business a difficult one to get to, which will create a negative impact.

Both commercial and residential development possibilities have been discussed for the vacant Applewood Golf Links property, which is also located at the intersection. No specific suitor for the land has stepped up yet.

Selectman Al Letizio, Jr. agreed on Monday that a workshop forum is best.

"The issue is something that does require resolution," he said. "I agree that I think it's important to have an opportunity for a hearing for all parties in town to become familiarized with the issue."

Letizio clarified to his fellow board members that a directive on the light issue needs to come from the current Board of Selectmen.

That directive, which will be delivered to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, needs to happen relatively soon, as plans are being finalized and work will soon begin on the new Routes 111 and 111a in Windham.

In a previous meeting on the subject, Interstate 93 Project Manager Pete Stamnas told the board that all project changes need to be finalized by September. The light is scheduled to be re-located in 2015.

Rob Woodland of Woodland Design Group did the initial traffic study in the area. He said that a single meeting may not offer the "give and take" opportunity that is typically required with engineering.

"I haven't been able to get direct feedback from DOT on the issue, I'm waiting for the process to go through the town," said Woodland. "I just want to allow some give and take."

Vice Chairman Kathleen DiFruscia first brought up the workshop idea, saying that it would work better than having an individual board member act as a contact person for the DOT.

"I don't like to do something that might facilitate non-public involvement on something that I see as very important, not only for businesses, (but) also all the people in town and all those people that would travel through our town."

Selectman Roger Hohenberger said that a Selectmen representative could bring information to the DOT once a consensus is reached, while Chairman Phil LoChiatto said he would like to have DOT Commissioner Chris Clement and the engineers in attendance.

With the board now meeting every other week, the meeting will be scheduled in an off-week.