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Windham Woods seeks access for proposed sports dome; Searles trustees oppose citing traffic
Summary
Windham Woods Head of School Ryan DeJoy outlined a conceptual plan for an athletic dome and asked to discuss access through Searles School and Chapel property; Searles trustees and public-safety officials raised traffic and call-volume concerns and asked for a traffic study and Technical Review Committee review.
Ryan DeJoy, head of Windham Woods, told the Windham Board of Selectmen on March 16 that the school is exploring placing a sports dome near the former Delahunty property and is seeking to discuss access through the Searles School and Chapel parcel (Map/Lot 18-L-525). DeJoy said the dome would serve school-day athletics and be available after hours to help offset operating costs, and that private funding is proposed for the project.
The proposal prompted opposition from the Searles School and Chapel Trustees. Peter Griffin, chairman of the trustees, said the trustees remain opposed to opening their parcel for access because "traffic has been a continued issue in the area already" and additional volume from events could strain the site's circulation and parking. Trustees Neil Fallon and Michael Mazalewski also raised concerns about loading/unloading patterns and the need for strict gate coordination so chapel renters are not adversely affected.
Public-safety staff warned of operational impacts. Chief McPherson recommended the applicant meet with the Highway Safety Committee and the Technical Review Committee to analyze gate and highway access. Police Chief Bryan Smith said Chapel Road risks becoming a cut-through and that drivers might try to navigate around traffic signals, creating safety and response concerns. DeJoy said he expects to commission another traffic study as part of a full site plan process and expressed willingness to coordinate with trustees and chiefs to address those issues.
The board noted ethical recusals: Chairman Ross McLeod recused himself because of his association with the Windham Soccer Association; Ms. Michelle Stith had also recused earlier for this agenda item. Board members agreed that the next steps would include a traffic study and Technical Review Committee input before any formal land-use filings or decisions.
No formal land-use approvals or votes were taken at the March 16 meeting; Mr. DeJoy requested feedback on the concept and said Windham Woods intends to pursue required studies and permitting if the project moves forward.
