WINDHAM — A protest petition filed last week will make it more difficult for voters to change Clarke Farm North's zoning from rural to neighborhood business when they go to the polls next month.
Article 3, Amendment 1 now needs a two-thirds majority vote instead of a simple majority for approval March 10. The rezoning article was proposed by the Planning Board. Four board members recommend the warrant article while three do not.
The article proposes rezoning from the center of Haverhill Road to 700 feet into the lot at 150 Haverhill Road. The lot is in western Windham, near Mammoth Road and Waterhouse Country Store.
Resident Becky Zachas filed the protest petition, signed by 51 registered voters.
Petition supporter Heath Partington said rezoning would bring sprawl to West Windham. He said additional commerce would not lower property taxes for Windham homeowners.
"Higher commercial percentage does not equate to a lower tax rate," Partington said. "The vast majority of the surrounding towns have a higher percentage of commercial development and a higher adjusted tax rate when compared to Windham."
Supporters of the change said it will bring needed businesses such as a florist, coffee shop and bakery to the area but excludes big-box stores.
Board Vice Chairwoman Nancy Prendergast said the rezoning would follow the town master's plan and not result in sprawl.
"It abuts other neighborhood businesses," she said of the lot in question. "It's not going to expand because it is surrounded by residential property, then across the street is open space."
Voters have twice defeated proposals to rezone Clarke Farm North.
Protest petitions are a tool available to abutters and other residents affected by proposed zoning and historic district ordinances. They must be filed at least seven days before a vote.
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