Creating Transformative Infrastructure In Windham.
Policy Note: June 2025
It only seems fitting that in 2025 the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal’s completion in 1825 we should talk about how to create transformative infrastructure projects in Windham. While I’m not trying to claim that any local project in Windham could ever have long-term impacts on a national economy like the Erie Canal had in the 19th century. We should not shy away from larger projects merely because we feel that Windham is too small to think big. Instead, we should be thinking about how we can help to transform our community and the larger regional community of “The Mountain Top”.
There are three things that transformative infrastructure projects do:
They make the movement of people or goods more efficient.
They make the transfer of information more efficient.
Radical reductions of costs in doing business.
One type of infrastructure project that I believe will be truly transformative for Windham is that of developing greater Bike Lanes. What is being called “micro-mobility”! While Micro-Mobility is seen as a way to increase intra-urban connectivity in cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, or Paris in the literature from the European Union— A good idea is still a good idea— and this one can be adapted to our community’s needs as well.
There is a strong link between the development of local business and the development of more walkable urban centers even those in a rural community such as our lovely town. There is plenty of data that shows that the more diversified our transportation base is the more efficient our community will move and transport people (locals and tourists alike). Increasing bike lanes in our community is only the first part of a much larger plan that must include the other local towns. But first, let’s look at what this will do for Windham.
Increase Local Experiences for tourists and locals alike.
Increase Stays in duration for example Stowe, VT’s multiuse trail has increased stays on average by one entire day.
Increase Tourism year-round
Creates Repeat Visits
With the current alienation of many of our second homeowners and tourists from the policies of the Windham Mountain Club — it is only prudent that our local government embark on policies that will reenergize our local economy with new activities designed to reengage with these otherwise neglected groups that have done so much for our community. Finally, it will increase the standard of living in the community for all members. Whether you’re a cyclist or not a vibrant main street with strong development of retail, living space, and offices is a positive outcome for all residents of Windham.
Not to mention this will make our community more likely to attract and retain young families looking for that small-town experience for their children and themselves. The type of migration into our community that we are desperately in need of given our population demographics.
This is about building a stronger community that welcomes everyone.