GRAY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PREFACE
To The Citizens of the Town of Gray:
Developing a comprehensive plan involves people in a process that looks to the future of a community. The initiative in the development of this plan took a broader approach in order to truly gather the best knowledge of which direction the people of the Town of Gray wanted for their future. Instead of asking citizens to respond to surveys, the approach ranged from physically meeting with students from the high school to sitting down with senior citizens residing at Apple Tree. The two year review process and update involved many citizens, committee volunteers, employees of the community, agencies at various levels of government and the consultant.
Our Comprehensive Plan contains seven topics ranging from Land Use and Housing to Administration and Regional Coordination that we, as a community, must plan for if we are to continue the quality of life in Gray. We have also recognized that it is imperative to keep this a living document, one that guides our daily work in the Town. The vision and implementation
strategies chapters are the best summary of the document and assist the understanding and actions needed to support Gray as it continues to be the kind of community we live, learn, work and play in.
We present to you the results of this effort which should become a guiding instrument in all aspects of local government and decision making. This Comprehensive Plan was formally adopted by the Gray Town Council on August 5, 2003.
Pamela A. Wilkinson, Chair
Gray Town Council
GRAY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
INTRODUCTION
This document represents an update of Gray’s Comprehensive Plan that was adopted in 1991. In this sequence of comprehensive plans one plan does not end where the next one begins, but instead builds on the foundation established by previous planning and implementation efforts.
This plan was prepared in compliance with the Maine Planning and Land Use Regulations Act, commonly referred to as the Growth Management Law. The plan contains nine chapters. The first two chapters provide policy guidance and recommendations for implementing the plan. The remaining seven chapters contain an inventory and analysis of a wide variety of characteristics that
are impacted by growth or have an influence on development in Gray. Key features of each chapter are noted below.
• Chapter 1 - A Vision for Gray
This chapter describes a future land use plan for the Town of Gray as well as goals and policy objectives for guiding development within the community. Recommendations relating to development activities and the process used to encourage public involvement in the planning process are also discussed.
• Chapter 2 - Implementation Strategy
Recommendations for achieving the goals and objectives outlined in the comprehensive plan are presented in this chapter.
• Chapter 3 - Population and Housing
In this chapter changes in Gray’s population and housing stock are examined.
• Chapter 4 - Existing Land Use
The existing use of land in Gray is examined in this chapter. In addition, projections concerning development potential are discussed.
• Chapter 5 - Natural, Historic and Cultural Resources
Specific environmental features in Gray are discussed and presented on maps in this chapter including water resources, soils, topography, agricultural features and forest resources. The location of key historic and cultural resources are also identified.
• Chapter 6 - Transportation
This chapter provides information about existing roadway characteristics and highway usage patterns. Discussion about alternative transportation modes and recommendations are also included.
• Chapter 7 - Recreation and Open Space
Existing recreational facilities and services are highlighted in this chapter. In addition, the need for preserving undeveloped open space land for a variety of uses is discussed.
• Chapter 8 - Municipal Facilities and Utilities
Gray’s municipal services, from the perspective of capital facilities and equipment needs, are examined in this chapter.
• Chapter 9 - Economic Development
In this chapter the economic development capacity of Gray and a strategy for economic growth are highlighted.
| 
