By Rod Hansen
Staff Writer

Goffstown’s economic development council is seeking to expand its scope, but some selectmen think the group should stick to its original charge.

Economic Development Council Chairman Phil Tatro appeared before selectmen at their meeting on Monday, Aug. 14, to propose changes to the group’s responsibilities.

The council was established in the 1960s by Town Meeting voters, Tatro said. The council’s original charge was to investigate opportunities in warehousing and manufacturing in order to enhance the town’s commercial tax base.

Tatro asked selectmen to expand the council’s charge to include developing proposals in all areas that would benefit Goffstown economically.

Although the economic development council originally looked to strengthen the town’s commercial and industrial tax base, Tatro said residential development could also benefit the town.

“If you consider a good-sized residential development, you could be looking at something that contributes as much to the tax base as four Shaw’s plazas,” Tatro said.

He emphasized, however, that the council did not intend to make housing a priority.

“It’s not our intention to get into housing, but some proposals that come before us have housing elements to them,” Tatro said.

Selectman Nick Campasano questioned the need to include housing-related activities in the council’s tasks.

“My concern is that we need to increase our commercial and industrial tax base. Residential grows on its own. I think there is work enough for the economic development council,” Campasano said.

Selectman John Caprio also expressed reservations about putting economic development council to work on projects that would increase residential development.

“That might have some impact in terms of increasing (use of) infrastructure, and I’m not convinced that would be good,” Caprio said.

Selectmen Chairman Barbara Griffin said the town would have to hold a public hearing to change the charge of the economic development council.

However, Campasano asked if selectmen could change the council’s duties, as the original ordinance was passed at Town Meeting.

Town Administrator Sue Desruisseaux said she would attain legal advice on the issue and report back to selectmen at their next meeting.