The supermarket project will likely face many hurdles, including a zoning change, before construction can begin on the proposed site along Route 26, west of Gray's town center, across from Libby Hill and the Fire Station. Definitive plans for the project have not yet been presented.

After nearly two hours of pubic discussion of proposed changes to the Back Lot section of the zoning ordinance, the motion failed, with Gary Foster and Marchian "Skip" Crain voting for it, Andy Upham and Alison Libby opposing it. Julie DeRoche was not present due to an attack of the flu.

In contrast, the Councilors unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the Gray Comprehensive Plan. The amendment will now be forwarded to the Planning Board "for official notifications, public hearing and report to the Council," as stated in the motion.

After that motion passed at around 10 P.M. the crowd spilled out of Stimson Hall en masse, as if the meeting had been formally adjourned. The Councilors, looking somewhat bemused, or perhaps amused, by the sudden exodus, remained seated and moved on to the next order of business.

Supermarket opinions vary

Although the motion set forth at the Town Council meeting talked about adding a new section of the Comprehensive Plan titled "Area 8 Highway Commercial (Growth Area)," people present understood this to be about a new supermarket for the town. Even at this early stage in the development process, many came to voice their concerns as well as their support.

While many people seemed open to the project and pleased at the prospect of having a Hannaford in town, they also expressed their concerns about increased traffic, location, public safety, continuation of water quality, and the many, as yet unexplored, changes to Gray that would come with construction of a large supermarket along the Route 26 corridor. Throughout the hour of testimony, comments ranged from snippets of sarcasm to effusive praise, with everyone remaining polite and keeping to the point.

Dan Maguire said he needed to be convinced about the project. Concerned about the kind of commercial businesses that may follow Hannaford to the area, he said it could be "a deterioration we're going to pay for."

"Traffic's already a problem. We don't need to add to it just because Hannaford wants to be there," Jim Monroe told the Council, adding they should "have a jaundiced eye and challenge [Hannaford Bros.] vigorously."

Leo Credit, speaking for the Gray-New Gloucester Business Association as well as for himself, lauded the project while saying he personally had a "sour feeling" about the location.

Mark Grover, a member of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, said the project seemed counter to the input he'd received from the citizenry while working on the Plan. "People said they wanted to retain the town's rural character. They said 'don't turn this town into Windham.'" He said it would impact the town forever and urged the council to get input from the Greater Portland Council of Governments, and suggested that the project be put to the voters on the June ballot for referendum.

Pat Dunn felt the project would be better in a commercial zone. She expressed great concern for the safety of students at Gray-New Gloucester High School.

For Chris Miller, the issues brought about by the project included sprawl and water. The area is in the Aquifer Overlay Zone. "Growth never pays for itself," he said. "Trash the water and your kids aren't going to have any."

Local businessman Chris Dombrowski was much more positive, saying he wanted to see the project pursued, that it was an opportunity for small businesses already here.

When Steve Bunker said he'd like to hear from people who would be directly affected by the project, Pam Edson spoke glowingly about it, noting she had children in school, worked in town, and lived in the neighborhood. "I am so excited about the spot they picked," she said. Later, in response to someone's comment about Hannaford bringing in low-paying jobs, she pointed out the opportunities it would bring to Gray's teenagers, their having jobs close to home.

A representative of Hannaford Bros., Mitch Feeney, said Hannaford had long been interested in putting a store in Gray, that they understood there were issues involved and hoped to be part of the solution.

Town Planner Dick Cahill assured the crowd that problems associated with the project would be addressed, while adding that "the process is not a rubber stamp, a done deal."

Councilor Andrew Upham concurred with Mr. Cahill's assessment of the situation, saying that while he favored the project, citizens of Gray would definitely have a voice in the outcome.

Finally, Council Chair Foster said he "would hate to discourage an opportunity like this."