Editor,

It appears that some people are on a “Witch Hunt” and Twin Brooks is their target. This same type of behavior was evident when a petition was circulated to remove Andy Upham from the Council. Individuals were told mistruths about Andy stating he was harmful to the town of Gray. Some people signing the petition did not even know Andy and one circulator actually had the audacity to ask Andy himself to sign the petition.

In order to have Twin Brooks look bad in the eyes of the public, especially ones living around Little Sebago Lake, lies have been made up to accomplish this and some gullible people believe them and spread them around.

Lie: Twin Brooks is setting up a marina.

Fact: Currently, only campers are allowed to launch their boats at Twin Brooks. Previously, approximately 25 nearby lakefront owners used the facility to launch their boats, then drive them to their lakefront property.

Lie: Andrea Maloney’s new house has seven bedrooms and she is planning on having a Bed & Breakfast.

Fact: The new house has five bedrooms to accommodate six family members. There is no plan to do otherwise.

Lie: Andrea is going to have a “state of the Art Equestrian Center.”

Fact: In the future, Andrea may purchase one or two horses for enjoyment of family/friends only.

Lie: Twin Brooks was not licensed in 2006.

Fact: According to DHHS, Twin Brooks was licensed in 2005, and 2006 (due to an “oversight” by Department of Health and Human Services, Twin Brooks did not receive a copy of the 2006 license). The campground has been, and is, currently licensed until June 27, 2008. On Sept. 5, a state inspector said Twin Brooks was 100 percent in compliance.

Lie: Twin Brooks has no septic design plan on file with the state.

Fact: A June 20, 2006 letter to Twin Brooks from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services states it “has determined that the septic system design is acceptable.” A second letter of approval dated March 20, 2007 says, “The system designs meet or exceed the requirements of the Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules for the proposed use.”

Lie: “Tons and Tons of fill,” stated by Cal Cutter, were trucked in within shoreland zoning.

Fact: Two bucketfuls were within the shoreland zone and promptly removed.

Lie: Twin Brooks is adding phosphorous to the detriment of the lake.

Fact: If only Twin Brooks is responsible for phosphorous in the lake, why are there several signs on Birchwood Road stating to “drive slowly” and “save our lake?” One major cause of phosphorous is gravel roads.

Lie: Frank Vorlicek gives his opinion that Twin Brooks disregards “all rules and regulations” and has made “unpermitted expansion.”

Fact: Twin Brooks has worked with the state, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Human Services, Code Enforcement Officers Paul White and Kinderly Hodgdon to come into compliance. Cal Austin and Andrea Maloney have attended two Planning Board Meetings and three Board of Appeals meetings. The “extra sites” that were not licensed are no longer being used. In addition, the dock was placed at an angle to allow neighbors a better view of the lake. The two buckets of fill in the shoreland zone were promptly removed. A fence was put up for more privacy for the abutter.

Questions for Consideration

1. There are “little people,” as referred to by Cal Cutter, around the lake that have made questionable changes, renovations and/or additions. Has he questioned these people with vengeance as he has Twin Brooks, in regard to being compliant with town and state laws?

2. Do all of the large, new, renovated and/or winterized homes meet the 30 percent expansion restriction?

3. Are the cement/brick/stone walls and storage sheds built within the shoreland zoning in compliance?

4. It is common knowledge that large amounts of foreign sand were brought in to provide a sandy beach for its lakefront owners. Is this legal?

5. On many occasions, residents around the lake have used fireworks. Is this not a violation of a Maine law?

6. Healthy green grass on many lakefront properties is growing down to or near the water’s edge. Are harmful chemicals such as fertilizer (which contains phosphorous), lyme, weed killers, etc. being used, possibly to the detriment of the quality of the water in lake?

The regulations regarding Little Sebago Lake should be adhered to, regardless of whether it is a private dwelling or a small business. This is not being done. We commend Twin Brooks for their efforts to comply with the laws. They have dealt with many different agencies, often being given conflicting advice. What are other people doing who have blatantly disobeyed the laws and rules? Twin Brooks is being set up as an example of not being in compliance with the laws. Shouldn’t all those on the lake meet the same requirements?

Twin Brooks is the only public access to Little Sebago Lake in Gray, and it is a prime tourist attraction where numerous people utilize local businesses.

Ruth F. Foster, Gray

June Sanfilippo, Rockport, Mass.

Beatrice D. Bayley, Gray

John R. Ferland, Rochester, N.H.

Kimberly A. Ferland, Rochester, N.H.

Roger Houde, Rochester, N.H.

Denise Myers, Biddeford

Frank Moreau, Buxton

Lynn Hall, Biddeford

John Fitzsimmons, Sabattus

Priscilla F. Kyle, Naples

Gervis Leger, Lisbon Falls

Denise Leger, Lisbon Falls

Geoffrey Foster, Gray

George E. Fryer, Jr., Pembroke, N.H.

Glenn Foster, Newport Center, Vt.

Ann A. Fryer, New Gloucester

Robert B. Fryer, Sr., New Gloucester

Beryl Fossett Cumberland

Daniel Fossett, Cumberland

Leo V. Grondin, Milton, N.H.

Dawn L. Houde, Rochester, N.H.

Cathy M. Mone, Rochester, N.H.

Leslie J. Grondin, Milton, N.H.

Dominic A. Sanfilippo, Rockport, Mass.

Tim Hanlon, Biddeford

Clair Heal, Naples

Mildred Fitzsimmons, Naples

Wendell Lackner, Jr., Lisbon Falls

Liza Lackner, Lisbon Falls

Dorothy F. Hoyt, Burnt Hills, N.Y.

Gregory E. Foster, Raymond

Nadine Foster, Gray

Clifton E. Foster, Gray