By Rod Hansen
Staff Writer

A public hearing to expand the perimeters of the town’s economic development council drew words of praise and of concern on Monday, Oct. 2.

While some residents said they hoped to see Goffstown expand its commercial and industrial tax base, others said too much business growth could compromise the town’s character.

“I’m in favor of Goffstown growth, but not in favor of Goffstown development,” said resident Jason Sachs. “If the economic development council wants to help develop our town, it should be in areas already slotted for commercial development or in places already subdivided.”

The discussion came as selectmen considered an economic development council request to broaden its scope as spelled out in the 1966 ordinance establishing the council.

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

The proposed ordinance change leaves the council’s mission more open-ended, by charging it with promoting new businesses and industries as well as “promoting other development, proposals or policies that would positively effect Goffstown’s growth and prosperity.”

Economic Development Council Vice Chairman Al Desruisseaux said the expanded responsibility was necessary in the modern economy.

“We are not limited today to industrial, commercial, manufacturing and warehousing facilities to boost the economy,” Desruisseaux said in a prepared statement, which noted that the economic development council serves in an advisory capacity to the board of selectmen.

“By broadening the definition, we can respond to the changing economic situations that would positively affect Goffstown’s growth and prosperity,” Desruisseaux said.

The council often reviews proposals for mixed-use development, seeking to combine retail, office and residential uses. An expanded charge would allow the council to consider proposals beyond industrial, commercial, manufacturing and warehouse proposals, Desruisseaux said.

However, some residents said the proposed change might allow the economic development council too much leeway.

“To me, this is a carte blanche,” said resident Julie Grandgeorge. While she praised the Goffstown Main Street Program’s efforts to beautify the village area, she said parts of the town’s commercial corridors have become unsightly.

“When I look at the corridor, I don’t think it’s very attractive. If I was a business looking for somewhere to locate and I drove through the corridor, I’d keep driving,” Grandgeorge said.

Resident Kelly Teevan spoke in favor of business growth, but only in areas zoned for that purpose.

“The economic development council’s purpose is to develop a commercial tax base,” Teevan said. “I think it’s great to have something that promotes commercial development, because that pays for itself. Open space pays for itself, but housing does not. Housing is a burden on your tax base.”

Selectmen took no vote on the proposed ordinance change on Monday night, because ordinance changes require two public hearings. The second public hearing is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 16, at the board of selectmen’s meeting beginning at 6 p.m. in town hall.