Gray Planning Board reviews 53-lot Durgan-Wood subdivision plan

The Gray Planning Board held a preliminary plan review and public hearing on the proposed 53-lot Durgan-Wood subdivision off Ramsdale Road, with residents raising concerns about traffic, safety, wells, and a proposed road connection to Tamarack Lane. The board also approved its 2027 meeting schedule and moved future meeting start times from 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No decision was made on the subdivision, which will return for further review.

Key points

• The board voted 4-0 to approve the 2027 meeting schedule and shift meeting start times from 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• The board approved minutes from the September 10 meeting.
• The applicant, Andrew Gervais of Durgan-Wood Development, presented a revised plan for 53 lots (42 cluster and 10 conventional) on roughly 144 acres, with a road connection to Tamarack Way.
• Board members and residents questioned the traffic study's finding of minimal impact, citing existing congestion and safety problems at Ramsdale Road and Route 202.
• Residents from Tamarack Lane and Hemlock Lane objected to the proposed road connection, citing traffic, speeding, and safety for children and pedestrians.
• The Open Space Committee spoke in favor of preserving a long-standing snowmobile and multi-use trail as a town easement.
• The board leaned toward making the Tamarack connection emergency-access only, with Melinda to submit her feedback by email.

Next steps

• The applicant will have its traffic engineer attend the next meeting to address concerns and consider additional review, including summer traffic data.
• The applicant will respond to town staff and third-party engineer comments and revise the plan accordingly.
• Melinda will provide her feedback on the Tamarack connection to the board and applicant by email.
• Town staff will follow up with Public Works on oak trees and sight distance on Hemlock Lane.
• Residents were encouraged to bring speeding and traffic enforcement concerns to the Town Council.

Read the full transcript