Route 302 and Enterprise Drive intersection needs signal

By Larry Eliason

Over the past several years, I have written articles about commercial real estate, lot sales and development activities at Quarry Ridge Business Park with an emphasis on Enterprise Drive and Bedrock Terrace. Enterprise Drive is just off Roosevelt Trail/Route 302. This business park is a Grondin Family investment in Windham.

The intersection of Enterprise Drive and Route 302 near
Quarry Ridge Business Park is constantly busy and may soon
require a traffic signal for public safety. COURTESY PHOTO

As many will agree, the intersection of Route 302 and Enterprise Drive has become a very busy intersection as Enterprise Drive, Bedrock Terrace and Storm Drive have several businesses from retail, office, service, manufacturing, engineering, and public storage with many valued business owners, their employees and customers. Many will agree that as you drive by Enterprise Drive, you often see trucks and cars of all sizes waiting long periods of time to pull out onto Route 302.

One of the biggest challenges that I see at Enterprise Drive is that it is accessed from Route 302 via Enterprise Drive, a non-signalized intersection. We could certainly use help from stakeholders such as our town leaders and staff, legislators, business and real estate owners, residents, and others to seek a partnership with the MDOT to make a signalized light at Enterprise Drive a reality. And as a practical matter, entrance to Enterprise Drive should be widened as I have witnessed tractor trailer trucks having to tactfully and very slowly enter the business park as the turning radius appears inadequate from my personal observation. I think that everyone will agree that this intersection is not safe and a preventable tragedy could certainly happen any day the longer we wait to correct this unsafe intersection. Just look at all the families with young children that visit this area for ice cream each year.

There is a “trips per day” generated threshold to trigger the signal installation which certainly appears to being getting close to the thresholds as per MDOT standards and a traffic count in 2025 should be a consideration to better gauge where traffic flows stand. Windham, like a lot of towns, has its strengths and weaknesses that help or hinder economic development. This is a large part of why towns or cities located near the I-95 corridor and these types of developments with signalized intersections and efficient ingress and egress, are generally built out sooner than we have seen at the Quarry Ridge Business Park.

Quarry Ridge Business Park off Enterprise Drive is located on about 1,000 acres of land and is poised to become a commercial business park center and future commercial tax base for the Town of Windham. Phase 1A was built in 2004 and was anchored by Genest Concrete products and LaValley Lumber Building Supply. The LaValley property was acquired by Tube Hollows International in 2012.

Phase 1B was approved by the town of Windham in 2006 and since then mining of the gravel pit and quarry has progressed enough to leave behind flat buildable lots available for industrial use. The entire development is served by public water, electricity (including 3-Phase) and natural gas. The Grondin Family is working on another phase of additional commercial lots as well and new lots should be available in the future.

A cannabis operator acquired 2-plus acres of land at the corner of Enterprise Drive and Bedrock Terrace in 2021 and built a 12,545-square-foot cannabis facility. Co-Part of Connecticut, Inc. acquired 50 acres of land on Bedrock Terrace and built a 7,836-square-foot commercial building for their auto auction facility. An Ice Arena Operator acquired Lot 10, a 4.30-plus acre parcel, in 2024 and has plans for an outdoor ice arena and commercial building. Lot 11, a 3.70-plus acre parcel, is currently available for sale and listed with Butts Commercial Brokers.

The intent of the Enterprise Development District is to provide a unique area within the Town of Windham to allow manufacturing, processing, treatment, warehousing, storage, research, and distribution with safe, well-regulated vehicle access located off a major street which can conform to the performance standards set forth in this section and in all other applicable ordinances of the Town of Windham.

The following uses are currently allowed in the Enterprise Development District:

Auction House, Automobile Auction Facility, Automobile Repair Services, Building, Accessory, Business and Professional Office, Contractor Services, Contractor Storage Yard, Construction Services, Heavy, Major Construction Services, Heavy, Minor, Convention Center, Distribution Facility, Forestry, Hotel, Industry, Heavy, Industry, Light, Marijuana Cultivation Facility, Marijuana Manufacturing Facility, Marijuana Testing Facility, Mineral Extraction, Motel, Public Utility Facility, Retail Sales, Accessory, Small Engine Repair, Use, Accessory Warehousing, Private Warehousing, Public, Wireless Telecommunications Tower and Facility

As a Commercial Real Estate Broker and a Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) volunteer, I see millions of dollars in new investment coming to this business park in the coming years. The commercial tax base being generated will provide the Town of Windham with a valuable commercial tax base to help provide additional infrastructure and services to the residents of Windham.

Larry Eliason is a Commercial Broker with Butts Commercial Brokers, 1265 Roosevelt Trail, Raymond. He can be reached at 207-415-2112 or by email at LarryEliasonBCB@gmail.com. Visit www.ButtsCommercialBrokers.com <

Is a Home Warranty right for me?

By Richie Vraux

Most people that just purchased a home are not thinking of laying out more money to buy a Home Warranty. Given the opportunity, most people will think, well right now everything works so why should I spend more money on a Home Warranty. But consider this. Your home is a 20 to 30-year-old home and when it was built, those buyers purchased all new appliances.

While they are working perfectly now, exactly how long will it take before they break down? Who knows? The warranty on most appliances is 10 to 20-plus or minus years. It’s a crap shoot. You may be lucky, and they last 10 to 20 more years.

So here is some information regarding the pros and cons for most appliances:

What is a home warranty? A Home Warranty is a service contract that pays the cost of repair or replacement of covered items, such as major kitchen appliances, as well as electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems. A Home Warranty does not cover windows, doors, or other structural features, nor does it cover smaller freestanding appliances, such as toasters, microwaves or mixers. The warranty is designed to cover items that are in satisfactory, good working condition.

Are they worth it? The cost of a Home Warranty can range from about $222 to $1,877 per year with a typical annual cost of $1,049. Plans can charge extra for areas like a guest home or a swimming pool. Along with the plan cost you will pay another fee for service calls, ranging from $75 to $125. Compare these costs to the cost of a central air conditioning system, with unexpected averages of $5,500 per Home Advisor, it might be worth it to you. Of course, If you never have a problem, you are that much more ahead, not having bought this warranty.

What Home Warranties cover. HVAC systems/ Air conditioning/Heating units/ Electrical systems/ Plumbing/ Toilets/ Water systems. Major Appliances: Including Refrigerators/ Ovens/ Washer/ Dryers/ Leaky Roofs/ Septic or Well pumps.

Pros of Home Warranties. While Home Warranties can be beneficial, they also have limitations and do not cover everything. A Home Warranty can provide peace of mind. Similarly, if you don’t have do-it-yourself skills to fix things yourself, they will insure you will have help if something goes wrong. Home Warranties tend to offer broader coverage than a manufacturer’s warranty and often last for a longer period. And they can be renewed.

Cons for a Home Warranty. Home Warranties impose dollar limits per repair, per item, per year. These restrictions can vary greatly by provider. You will have to pay a service call each time you have no issue. Home Warranty companies determine whether to fix or replace a system or an issue. If replacing an item, they might go with the cheapest model or one otherwise not to your liking. They can also potentially deny your claim if it is determined that the item is not properly maintained. Home warranties rarely cover acts of nature or God. If your home floods, or a tree crashes through your roof, your policy is unlikely to cover those repairs.

When you might not want to purchase a Home Warranty. Home buyers who buy new construction usually get some type of warranty from the builder for the home materials and workmanship, including the heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical systems. The builders typically will not cover the appliances, but those often come with the manufacturer’s warranty. In addition, some credit cards offer extended warranties on top of the manufacturer’s warranties with new purchases, So, if you remodel your kitchen and pay for a new fridge or stove with a credit card, it might not be the same warranty for those appliances. If you are diligent with maintenance and have your home’s systems annually serviced, then you could help avoid the problems a warranty might address.

Home Warranties. Home Warranties always belong to the homeowner and a warranty will not protect you from loss if you rent your home. When you sign a lease, read the fine print regarding the replacement of your appliances and the HVAC due to normal wear. A Home Warranty can be a useful tool for added protection against the cost of repairing systems. There are many downsides of having a Home Warranty, but they can be a life savior if appliances and systems fail. Only you can make that choice. Good luck whichever way you decide.

Richie Vraux is a Realtor/Broker with over 20-plus years of experience. He is a veteran agent with Pine Tree Realty of Maine, 76 Tandberg Trail Windham, ME 04062. 207-317-1297 Richardjvraux@gmail.com www.richardvraux.pinetreeme.com <

Homeowner’s Guide to Summer Home Maintenance

Complied by Jonathan Priest

Fixing, cleaning and maintaining a home while it’s warm and dry is like shopping for winter holidays in July. It pays to get it done early – before bad weather can cause emergencies.

GUTTERS

Giving a home extra attention when the weather is good can help homeowners avoid emergencies – like a waterfall in the basement – months later, says Dan DiClerico, a home expert for a national online home renovation website. From his decades of working in the home-repair industry, DiClerico knows homeowners should always be planning ahead.

“I compare it to Christmas shopping in July,” DiClerico says: getting it done ahead of time is a good idea.

If the gutter system, including gutter guards, downspouts and gutter extensions, is working properly, water will flow through and out at least five feet away from the house, DiClerico says.

Start with a visual inspection of the whole system and look for these signs of wear or damage, suggests Kevin Chang, cofounder of a San Francisco Bay Area company that provides year-round home maintenance to roughly 200 homes.

· Pieces that are loose, corroded or pulling away from the house.

· Signs of ground erosion. If the grass has washed away beneath the roof edge, for example, it may indicate that water is splashing down because the gutter system isn’t effective.

· Leaves, twigs and other debris in the gutters.

· Spray water onto the roof to make sure it funnels into the gutter and downspouts. Overflows or slow flow could be signs of obstruction.

Make repairs as needed and clear out debris. (Professional cleaning costs roughly $150, but pricing will vary depending on location and other factors.) Even with gutter guards, debris, silt, mud and mold can still build up, and Chang recommends a thorough cleaning every five years.

ROOF

Summer is a good time for homeowners to inspect roofs, inside and outside, to help avoid emergency repairs later. Roofs are generally low maintenance, DiClerico says, but when they need repairs, he recommends calling a professional. DiClerico says binoculars can help homeowners do a visual inspection from ground level, before heading into the attic, and he recommends paying attention to these common signs of roof problems.

· Missing or loose shingles

· Seams where two sections come together, and to flashing, seals around windows, chimneys and other openings.

Inside, check for missing insulation in the attic, and signs of moisture like discoloration or mold in the attic or on ceilings, which could indicate the roof is not watertight.

DECK

Every year, DiClerico hears stories of decks collapsing during the year’s first big cookout. Although most people are gathering in smaller groups this summer, he recommends a thorough annual deck inspection, regardless of how much it is used.

· Inspect the deck for mold, mildew, popped screws and loose boards. Pay close attention to the place where the deck meets the house, the railings and the stairs.

· Jump around and give railings a firm shake. Any softness and wobbling could be signs that the deck needs repairs.

· Scrub the deck with soapy water once per year.

· Clear sealants often need to be applied annually; opaque solid stains may only need to be applied every three to five years. Semi-transparent stains should be reapplied every two or three years, DiClerico says. How do you tell if it’s time to reseal the deck? DiClerico suggests sprinkling water on the boards. If it beads up, it’s good; if it soaks in, time to reseal.

PAINT

A strong coat of paint can be good protection against winter leaks. But too much heat makes it hard for new paint to cure, so exterior paint projects are best done at the beginning or end of the summer, when temperatures and humidity are lower, says DiClierico. His additional painting recommendations:


· The ideal temperature for painting outside is between 50 and 90 degrees.

· Don’t skimp on sanding, scraping, filling and other prep work. They’re the key to a paint job that lasts.

· A good paint job should last 10 years.

If you’re not painting, wash the outside of the house with soapy water and a sturdy bristle brush, he advises. Use a pressure washer sparingly; in DiClerico’s opinion the gentler option is preferable. Pressure-washing a roof can damage shingles, he warns. A spray-on roof cleaner will take care of mold or mildew.

This article has been brought to you by Farmers Insurance; We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two!

This article was brought to you courtesy of Farmers Insurance agent, Jonathan Priest, with an office at 57 Tandberg Trail, Suite 7, Windham and StaySafe.org. Call him at 207-893-8184 or send him an email at jpriest1@farmersagent.com <

A Mother’s Touch

By Nicole Foster, Broker/REALTOR and mother of four

When we reflect on the many ways our mothers have shaped the lives we lead today, we often think of the values they instilled, the traditions they passed down, and the unwavering love and support they've provided through every chapter of our journey. Their influence is deeply woven into the fabric of who we are – guiding our choices, shaping our character, and grounding us in a sense of home. But beyond these emotional and moral legacies, there’s another powerful, and often overlooked, area where their impact is felt: the homes we choose to live in as adults. 

From the type of neighborhood that we gravitate toward to the style of kitchen we dream of, our mothers’ tastes, habits, and even their approach to homemaking can significantly influence our housing decisions and how we define what "home" truly means.

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of real estate transactions where parents play a pivotal role in helping their adult children enter the housing market. This trend highlights how parents, often seeking to support the next generation, are bridging the gap in ways that make homeownership more accessible. Parents are stepping in with a variety of creative solutions, from gifting equity in their own homes to co-signing loans when allowed or providing financial assistance for down payments. In some cases, parents even take on the primary mortgage responsibility themselves, purchasing a home as a non-owner-occupied primary residence and offering a lease-to-own option to their children. This kind of support not only facilitates homeownership at an earlier age than would typically be possible, but it also plays a crucial role in making housing more affordable – often turning what would be an unattainable goal into a tangible reality for many first-time homebuyers.

The type of financial guidance that your mother has provided you along the way also helps to position you as a borrower. Understanding how to save money for a down payment and other closing costs as well as the critical importance of establishing and managing responsible credit are all lessons best learned at a young age. Parents who add their children as authorized users to one of their own credit cards can help kids to get a jump start on building their own credit prior to turning eighteen but once they are old enough letting kids have their cell phone in their own name can help kids to establish the necessary credit they need to have without the risk of getting into credit card debt.

A study that was recently published by REALTOR.com shows that the vast majority of respondents would prefer to live within proximity to their mothers, given the option. Many buyers set their geographic search for properties within a certain range of their mothers when searching for their new home to rent or purchase when possible. More and more young families are welcoming mom to join them in their new community, so they can be close to new grandchildren and play an active role in their day to day lives, or to help provide support.

Mothers often leave a lasting imprint on the way we shape and style our homes, influencing not only our decorative choices but also our overall sense of comfort and aesthetic. Whether consciously or not, many of the decisions we make when designing our living spaces are rooted in the memories of the homes we grew up in—homes shaped largely by our mothers' tastes, values, and personal touches. From heirloom furniture passed down through generations to beloved paintings, cherished family photographs, or a favorite book collection neatly arranged on a shelf, remnants of our childhood homes quietly weave their way into our present-day surroundings. These familiar items serve as both emotional anchors and stylistic inspiration, reminding us not only of where we came from but also of the enduring influence our mothers continue to have in our lives.

Whether your mother was someone who eagerly embraced every design trend—constantly refreshing furniture, swapping out wallpaper, or updating color palettes—or you grew up in a timeless, traditional home where the décor remained largely unchanged, her influence likely runs deeper than you realize. The way your childhood home looked, felt, and functioned can leave a lasting impression, subtly shaping your own tastes in interior design and home aesthetics. From the cozy familiarity of a vintage floral sofa to a deep-seated aversion to bold wall colors, the environment your mother curated often becomes the invisible blueprint for what you’re naturally drawn to – or steer clear of – when it comes time to make your own house a home.

Nicole Foster is a Windham parent and real estate Broker with 20 years of experience working with buyers, sellers and investors. <

Get Your Home Ready for a Busy Maine Summer

By Lisa DiBiase

There’s something special about the way Maine comes alive in May. The trees bloom, the lakes sparkle, and you can see neighborhoods start to come alive with backyard BBQs, open windows, and after a long winter and muddy spring, many of us can’t wait to dust off the porch furniture and soak up the sun.

Before you dive into summer adventures, though, it’s worth giving your home a little extra love. A few small maintenance projects now can help you make the most of the months ahead and avoid bigger (and more expensive!) headaches later.

A Little Work Now, A Lot More Fun Later

We all dream of stress-free summers, but small issues can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. A clogged gutter or faulty screen door might seem minor until a thunderstorm rolls through or the mosquitoes come out in full force.

Taking care of a few essentials early gives you peace of mind and lets you spend more time on the golf course, enjoying boat rides, ice cream runs, and all the things that make summer in Maine unforgettable.

Outside: Protect and Refresh Your Home

● Gutters and Roof: Clear out any debris and check for loose shingles or leaks. Spring storms can cause hidden damage, and a quick inspection now can save you trouble later.

● Decks and Patios: Clean and seal surfaces to protect them from the sun and rain. Sprucing up your outdoor spaces also makes them more inviting to gather with family and friends.

● Windows and Screens: Swap out storm windows, wash the glass, and repair any screens. Fresh air is one of the best parts of the summer, don’t let bugs crash the party!

Inside: Keep It Cool and Comfortable

● Air Conditioning and Fans: Make sure your systems are cleaned and serviced. Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to create a cool breeze.

● Humidity Check: Basements in Maine can get damp in the summer. Running a dehumidifier can help protect your home (and your health).

● Fresh Start: Pack away heavy winter gear, organize your entryways, and create space for flip-flops, beach bags, and sunscreen.

Make It a Season to Remember

Beyond the basics, now is a great time to think about what would make your summer even sweeter. Maybe it’s planting a few new flowers, setting up a hammock in the backyard, or building that fire pit you’ve always wanted. Small projects can add so much joy to everyday life and summer always flies by faster than we think.

Home is where some of the best summer memories are made, and a little preparation now will help you enjoy every minute of it. If you’re starting to think bigger, maybe about a new backyard, a new neighborhood, or even a new view, Landing Real Estate is always here to help. No pressure, just friendly guidance when you need it most.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and sunshine-filled Maine summer ahead!

This article was brought to you by Lisa DiBiase, Broker/Co-Owner of Landing Real Estate. Lisa and her team proudly represent buyers and sellers across the Greater Portland, Lakes Region, and beyond. For all your real estate needs, contact Lisa at Lisa@LandingHomesMaine.com or call 207-775-SOLD. <