Board declares Windsor Creek school site surplus; neighbors urge local-use preference and parking safeguards
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Summary
Trustees adopted a resolution to declare the closed Windsor Creek Elementary site surplus and start the state/county notice process; public commenters urged prioritizing community uses and workforce housing with local preference and raised parking and safety concerns about potential development.
The board approved a resolution declaring the former Windsor Creek Elementary site surplus and outlined the next steps required by state and local law: notify the town, county and the State Department of Housing and Community Development; publish a notice of availability; accept letters of interest during a 60‑day window; and then negotiate with interested agencies or developers.
District staff clarified that the board had previously explored nonbinding ENAs (exclusive-negotiation agreements) and that those were exploratory only; no binding sale or transfer agreements exist at this time. Several community members urged the board to prioritize public uses or workforce housing that would give local employees priority and to address parking and safety issues raised by denser housing proposals.
Kevin Scanlon, a long-time Windsor resident in the neighborhood, urged the district to "put children and community first" and to explore transfers to local government or county parks uses instead of typical market-rate development. Other neighbors said workforce housing could be beneficial if it included on-site parking and preferences for local employees and school district staff.
The board said the surplus declaration starts a formal process of notices and letters of interest; specific offers and uses will be evaluated in the next stages of the process.
