Allan “Al” LeGrow has stepped down from his role as chair of the Harpswell Planning Board, citing health and family reasons, as well as a desire to focus on his role as chair of the town’s Comprehensive Plan Task Force.
LeGrow, 76, was chair of the Planning Board for seven years and has been leading the Comprehensive Plan Task Force for 2 1/2 years. The Orr’s Island resident had heart surgery a year ago and was advised by his doctor to reduce stress, which he said was hard to do with so many responsibilities.
LeGrow added that the dual leadership roles have caused him to miss precious time with his family.
“There was a certain amount of pressure to make sure each (Planning Board) meeting ran smoothly and that appropriate decisions were made,” he said Thursday, May 2, in an email. “So I felt that after seven years as chair, it was an appropriate time for new leadership, not only for health reasons, but also because the board was loaded with smart, talented people.”
Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said the Planning Board, currently led by Vice Chair Amy Haible, will choose new officers at its next meeting, on May 15.
LeGrow said stepping down from the Planning Board has allowed him to focus on finalizing the town’s updated comprehensive plan.
A special Town Meeting to vote on the plan had been planned for this month but was delayed after parts of it received pushback from residents. The new meeting date had yet to be determined as of early May.
“Trying to pull together a coherent plan that addresses the concerns of an entire community has proved to be extremely difficult,” LeGrow said. “I’ve made a decision to complete this task, but at the same time, recognized it would take all of my focus and energy to do so. Leaving the (Planning Board has) allowed me to do this.”
