"Don't bother me with the facts"

Andy Upham, vice-chair of the Town Council, has made it clear he doesn't think the Planning Board should require sprinklers or cisterns in new developments in Gray.

He said he doesn't believe it's legal for the board to make such requirements.

At Tuesday night's council meeting, Chair Gary Foster read from a response by the town's law firm. The response said that the board could not legally require life safety items, but could deny an application that did not include life safety items.

The fact is, planning boards in Maine have a legal right to request life safety items. Under Title 30-A, chapter 187, section 4403, paragraph 5.C, the planning boards may grant approval of a subdivision "upon any terms and conditions that it considers advisable to . . . (3) Protect and preserve the public's health, safety and general welfare."

So there you have it. The fact is, Gray's Planning Board does have a legal right to insist on sprinklers and cisterns in sub divisions.

It would be nice if Upham would check his facts before he stands up and makes a speech.

Nathan Tsukroff