Windham weighs lighting up Griffin Park

New Hampshire

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October 19, 2009

Residents open to idea but with some restrictions

By Terry Date

WINDHAM — It remains to be seen if selectmen will let there be lights at Griffin Park.

Several residents who live near the Range Road park aren't hostile to the idea, but they do want to know more about the proposal.

As it stands, the lights, set on 19 poles, would brighten the parking lot, the walkway from the parking lot and Zimmer Field, where Little League baseball is played.

Scott Johnson, the owner of neighboring Johnson Farm, said he doesn't object to the lights and recognizes that they would be good for business.

But he is concerned about the light schedule — for the sake of his neighbors.

"I don't think they should keep the park open any longer," Johnson said.

As it is, the park closes at dark, year-round.

Johnson said lights at dusk would provide security for walkers, and that is a good thing.

Another person who lives near the park, only on the other side of it, also does not object to the lights, but does care about when they shine.

"My only concern would be that the lights aren't on too late," Kevin Migliozzi said.

Around the corner from Migliozzi's residence are a number of homes on Squire Armour Road, running parallel to the side of the park.

Sheri Weeks lives in the Squire Armour neighborhood, but away from the park. She said she thinks there needs to be guidelines set before the lights go up, in order to protect residents' security and privacy.

She also said neighbors should be consulted about these guidelines since their lives would be influenced by the lights.

Jayne Crucius of Windham does not live next to the park, but she said the lights are a positive idea — if taxpayers don't have to pay for them.

Crucius, preparing to take a walk at the park on Friday, said the lights would give young people a place to go at night, and she wondered if the basketball courts could be lighted.

Selectman Charles McMahon, acting as president of the Windham Baseball Softball Association, pitched the lights idea to the Planning Board last week.

It got a favorable reception — if the lights do not keep neighbors awake or pollute the night sky with light, according to Planning Board Chairman Phil LoChiatto.

LoChiatto said he will write a letter of support to selectmen.

Selectmen are scheduled to discuss the proposal later this month or early next month, Selectmen's Chairman Galen Stearns said. The lights need the board's approval.

The idea has already gone before town department heads for a technical review. At that meeting, the police chief said he would like to see motion sensors and smaller lights attached to the poles near the skateboard park for added security, according to minutes from the review.

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