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March 3, 2010

Officials say Route 28 widening key to town's future

By Julie Huss

DERRY — Derry planners gathered last week to look over development options for a section of Route 28 where a widening project is planned.

The Tax Increment District is earmarked for a major road overhaul as the town plans to make the area more attractive to businesses, part of the town's economic development strategy.

The Town Council approved the TIF district in 2006 to widen the stretch of Route 28 between Tsienneto Road to Ashleigh Drive.

"There is serious interest in that whole area," Derry planning director George Sioras said at a Planning Board workshop Feb. 24.

Stu Arnett, of the Arnett Development Group, joined Sioras to discuss that area of town and what development might occur there. Arnett was hired to help market the community and its economic development plans.

Arnett said several parcels in the Route 28 TIF district are attractive to developers and could bring significant economic relief.

"This is your future job generation," Arnett said.

Wal-Mart had planned a "superstore" in that area of town, but pulled out of the deal in 2008.

Right now, the Route 28 project is scheduled to begin sometime later this year. Public Works Director Michael Fowler said letters have been sent out to all property owners affected by the Route 28 widening. The town must acquire some property for right-of-way purposes as part of the project.

Town Administrator Gary Stenhouse said last week he wants to make sure communication is open as the project moves forward. He said he wants to address any questions or rumors about what is going on.

"This vital traffic safety project requires that the information circulating is current and accurate," Stenhouse said last week. "Open communications will avoid unnecessary conflicts, save money, and get good ideas we might otherwise have missed."

To keep the information current and correct, Stenhouse is using town-sponsored social media sites like Facebook, and also will offer neighborhood presentations.

"Derry needs for this project to succeed," he said.

Stenhouse said the Route 28 project will boost the town's economy and tax base — and will help traffic flow more smoothly.

Planning Board member Randy Chase said it's important to look at the Route 28 project as an opportunity to bring jobs to Derry and help create a more favorable tax base for the town.

"To me, that's what needs to be promoted here," he said. "This road has to be done first."

Sioras said Arnett will take part in a similar workshop in the next several months to keep town officials and residents up to date on the Route 28 plan.

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