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E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 40 E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N S ince 1992, the Town of Windham, the gateway to the Sebago Lakes Region, has partnered with the Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to implement strat- egies that will increase business activity, provide employment opportunities and improve the quality of life for those who have made Windham home to their families and businesses. Our Mission: To encourage economic growth and development in a manner that supports increased prosperity in the Town of Windham and improves the quality of life for all its citizens. Our Vision: To create a business-friendly environment that provides a high-quality of life, a vibrant economy and a welcom- ing atmosphere, while protecting our town's rural characteristics and natural resources. Downtown Windham Modernization Program Since receiving the Maine Smart Growth Award from GrowSmart Maine in 2018, Downtown Windham has made significant strides towards implementing our 21 st Century Downtown plan. Construction has begun on the North Windham Sewer project with the state- of-art drip dispersal system already installed, construction of the wastewater treatment plant beginning this year and first flush sched- uled for 2026. e "North Windham Moves Project," which has received $30 million in federal, state and local funding, is scheduled to begin in 2027. It will bring significant improvements to the Route 302 corridor and create several new access roads, while providing increased pedestrian and bike access. With these public projects underway Windham is beginning to see new private investments, including 120 new apartment units with 276 more on the way. Another aspect of the Plan is improved greenspace for outdoor recreational activities. With that, Windham opened the new East Windham Conservation Area, 650 acres of preserved land with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and constructed new ballfields at the Manchester School. Plans are also underway for the creation of more conserved lands, pocket parks and walking/ bike paths. We have had excellent support from our partners at the federal, state and county levels and overwhelming support from the residents of Windham through the referendum process. We look forward to Downtown Windham's continued growth, in a smart and environmentally aware manner. Significant Projects: 21st Century Downtown project Wastewater Treatment in North Windham Commercial District Commercial District Zoning Ordinance changes "North Windham Moves" initiative: Making significant improvements within the busy Route 302 corridor with inno- vative approaches to access roads, bike, and pedestrian safety, as well as traffic management South Windham Village Revitalization Sidewalk improvements Keddy Mill Superfund Site: Clean-up and redevelopment of the seven-acre site Former Andrews School Redevelopment into senior housing and a neighborhood center East Windham Conservation Area 650 acres of preserved land with multiple trails and scenic views We are here to assist you in reaching your business goals. We partner with experts from the Small Business Development Centers to work with you in developing your business plan. e www.WindhamMaineRetail.com website provides access to demographic and market analysis recently collected by the WEDC. When you are ready to start your business, we are here to work with you through any local permitting and approval pro- cess required. We will list your business in our business directory www.WindhamMarketplace.com. We work collaboratively with individual businesses and the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce to promote Windham and the region as a great place to shop, eat and play and to locate your business. WEDC Programs: Windham Farmers Market: Provides a market for local and Sebago Lakes Region farms, food producers and artisans from May to October Micro-loan Program Partnership with the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Please feel free to meet with us early in your planning process. We can help you to better understand the municipal process. We can also make connections to experts who can help you with your planning and startup. We are here to help. Please give us a call or drop us an email. l Above: Mountain bikers enjoy opening day at the East Windham Conservation Area Right: Hikers explore one of the numerous new trails at the East Windham Conservation area P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F W I N D H A M E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T Windham Economic Development Windham Economic Development Corporation 8 School Road, Windham, ME 04062 Thomas Bartell, Executive Director (207) 892-1936 thbartell@windhammaine.us windhammaine.us P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F W I N D H A M E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T

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