By Rod Hansen
Staff Writer

Before Goffstown’s Economic Development Council can broaden its definition, some residents want to see proof the council has achieved its current objectives.

A handful of residents attended a public hearing during the selectmen’s meeting on Monday, Oct. 16, to determine whether the council should expand its responsibilities.

Under the original 1966 ordinance, the council exists “for the purpose of providing industrial, commercial, manufacturing and warehouse facilities” to promote Goffstown’s economy.

The updated ordinance would still include commercial and industrial development, but also “promoting other development, proposals or policies that would positively affect Goffstown’s growth and prosperity.”

Before a new ordinance could take effect, selectmen must hold two public hearings on the issue. During this hearing, which was the second, some residents asked to see proof that the council had expanded Goffstown’s commercial and industrial tax base.

“I’m not in favor of this,” said resident Cathy Whooten, saying areas in the Route 114 corridor are zoned commercial and industrial but still lack the infrastructure needed to attract businesses.

“Why hasn’t the Economic Development Council gotten together with water and sewer to draft a plan that would accommodate businesses?” Whooten asked. “The Economic Development Council doesn’t need to take on a charge that isn’t its responsibility when it’s not looking after the charge that is its responsibility.”

However, council Chairman Phil Tatro countered that the council has already done some things outside its purview to promote business. He cited improvements to the town common and work with the Main Street Program as examples.

Other residents echoed Whooten’s sentiment that the council should prove its current effectiveness before expanding its duties.

Cathy Przekaza, who introduced herself as a resident and an architect, said she worried that the council’s expanded scope could encourage greater residential growth.

“To have an economic development council here to hold many (residential) developers’ hands is not needed,” Przekaza said.

“There does not need to be another level of bureaucracy,” she said. “There is a planning board and a zoning board that knows the ordinances very well. I am concerned that (the Economic Development Council) is trying to add another legislative arm to the town.

“I may feel differently if they could show the amount of industry and jobs they’ve brought into town, but I don’t see that,” Przekaza said.

Some members of the council took exception to the criticisms. Council member Alan Yeaton said the council exists in an advisory capacity, with no independent authority.

“The Economic Development Council exists as a sounding board to learn what (a business’s) game plan is and how they can appeal to the community,” Yeaton said.

“The council seeks out positive things. They wouldn’t seek out negative things, because it wouldn’t go beyond them,” he said.

Council Vice Chairman Al Desruisseaux took a sharper tone with the critics, and said the council has made strides in enhancing economic growth.

“I don’t go to (the Economic Development Council meetings) to sit on my hands and do nothing, and I didn’t come here to take this kind of abuse,” he said. “We need to expand the opportunities for economic growth. That’s all we’re trying to do.”

Goffstown currently has 15 percent of its total land zoned for commercial and industrial uses, with only 9 percent of that developed. One of the council’s main goals is to develop the remaining 6 percent, Desruisseaux said.

Selectmen will further discuss the possible change in the economic development council’s charge at their meeting of Oct. 30, said Griffin.