Public Presentation: April 30, 2009
April 30 Presentation and Comments
On April 30, a public meeting was held in the town of Gray that presented existing conditions. Comments about land use, transportation and economic development were solicited.
Download the PowerPoint Presentation PDF that was given at the meeting.
Potential Land Uses
There was a question about the life expectancy of the gravel pit and future development plans. It is assumed it will eventually be converted for development. A resident said there is what looks like a nice road that can be seen from the Libby Hill Trail which someone thought may be used by the gravel pit for access to other parts of their property.
There was a question about the possibility of the DOT and Turnpike consolidating maintenance facilities. Sara with the Turnpike said there is no specific talk of consolidating those particular facilities, but they are always talking about streamlining.
Water and Sewer
It was pointed out that the lack of sewers limits the types of potential development.
It was suggested that sewers should be part of the big plan in terms of resource protection and as a boost to economic development. George said EPA regulations make it difficult to put in a sewage treatment plant. He suggested that a community septic system might be an alternative. It was pointed out that there is a need to leave space for a future sewage system in the plan.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation
There was a question about why 7.4 million was spent on the bypass and there was no sidewalk across the bridge. There was consensus that there should be sidewalks and accommodations for pedestrians in the area. One person reported seeing a lot of foot traffic in the area. It was also suggested that Gray needs a decent bike path that is demarcated and part of the road.
It was suggested that there is potential for trails for pedestrians and bicycles from Libby Hill to schools and businesses. Dean with the Parks and Rec department was speaking with an interest in green space and recreational use.
Traffic
A resident who lives near the new Rite-Aid is frustrated by DOT policies for limited access suggesting it creates traffic funnels and “superspeedways”. Many times, he says, there is so much traffic going by he can’t get out of his driveway. He has concerns about:
1. The safety of the area
2. DOT creating a bunch of two lane highways
3. The rural character of Gray disappearing
It was asked if the turnpike was going to relocate the toll booths to the west side of the road. Elizabeth with HNTB answered that it is not in the 20 year plan, and they don’t see a need for it now. It is not completely out of consideration, however.
There was concern about truck traffic diverting through Gray to avoid the toll on the Turnpike in New Gloucester. Elizabeth with HNTB said they are looking into that and found that only 5% of truck traffic diverts in Gray. There was continued concern about too many trucks diverting through Gray putting excessive wear and tear on their roads. The Turnpike is looking to bring more equity to its tolls
Development
There was a question about what could happen with land between the bypass and the turnpike. George answered that the DOT owns a lot of that land, some is used as part of a gravel pit, and that the other is accessible by Shaker Road. George said the majority of that land in the area is zoned RRA.
It was pointed out that if the area west of the Turnpike is to develop, retail would want to be on main thoroughfare. George envisions development set up like the Northbrook Business Park with specialty businesses and light manufacturing, which do not need to be on the main road. He envisions consolidated access points. He suggests looking at Falmouth as an example of shared access and parking.
Are there regulations preventing big box stores and are there size limits? No and no.
A question was asked about why there needs to be more zoning for business when Northbrook has been around for 15 years and it’s not even close to being filled. George answered that Northbrook’s marketing is not aggressive, the prices are high, and there are stringent controls.
It was said that business development that does not necessarily have to mean more traffic. More emphasis should be placed on non-retail.
Concern was expressed about what the new roads and business development in the area will do to existing businesses.