The Brunswick Town Council held a regular meeting on the evening of September 2, 2025, addressing a range of topics including park naming, affordable housing policy, a Portland train station relocation, and public safety ordinances. Key actions included amending the Affordable Housing Support Fund to allow spending on studies, appropriating $32,000 for a mobile home park rent stabilization study, and voting to support the relocation of the Portland Downeaster station. The council also set public hearings for September 15, 2025, on several items. Announcements - Councillor Watson proposed naming the 66.2-acre former Navy property (Captain William A. Fitzgerald USN Recreation and Conservation Area) and the 42-acre water body on the former Maine Gravel Service property as Crooker Pond, with the combined 229.6 acres to be named Francis Mabible Houston Park. This will be an action item at the next council meeting. - Councillor Watson reminded of upcoming VA expos (September 6 and 13) and a 9/11 ceremony on the mall on September 13, which will be broadcast live on TV3 for the first time. - Town Manager Henzi reported that the revaluation process is on track with tax bills expected next week, Main Street Streetscape work is continuing, and MIRA updates included a pending update on the ACLF release and airport master plan. - Director Costello announced the ADU Boost Pilot Program, a partnership with MCOG and Bangor Savings Bank, offering financial assistance and technical guidance for accessory dwelling units. A workshop will be held at Curtis Memorial Library on September 23 from 5–6 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Jim Truzani questioned the stalled Main Street sidewalk construction, the cost and use of three electric vehicles in the municipal lot, the authorization of a red-white-blue crosswalk, lack of financial updates, and the total cost of town-paid appeals. - Sean Hogan clarified that the crosswalk was approved by the council and paid for by the American Legion, thanked staff for addressing the flagpole, promoted Maine Paws for Veterans, and encouraged more conservatives to run for office. - Susanna Rowe (Brackett Road resident) expressed concern about two subdivision applications (Brackett Road and Moody Road/Carnett Ridge) in rural areas, arguing they contradict the town’s comprehensive plan and climate action plan. She urged the council to stop the applications and update ordinances. - Patty Dying (neighbor) reinforced Rowe’s concerns, noting the developments threaten a wildlife corridor, headwaters of brook trout, and wetlands. She suggested a moratorium on such applications. - Joe McLaughlin (Wood Pond Road) highlighted risks to water supply and emergency access from proposed developments. - Jennifer Navarro raised multiple issues: the 2007 legally binding agreement for homeless assistance (Tedford Trust Fund), alleged conflicts of interest with town staff writing grants for developers, fecal contamination in waterways, and the need for a safe swimming pool. She also spoke against the emergency clause for the affordable housing fund amendment. Discussion Items - Amend Affordable Housing Support Fund (Item 110): Director Costello proposed amending the ordinance to allow the fund to be used for studies and consultant services. The housing committee recommended the change. Public comment included opposition from Jennifer Navarro, who called the emergency declaration inappropriate. Council debated the merits, with some members preferring to fund studies through the general fund. After a motion to suspend the rules passed 7–2 (Shedd and another opposed), the amendment passed 8–1 (Shedd opposed). - NEPRA Presentation – Portland Station Relocation (Item 111): Executive Director Patricia Quinn presented the need to relocate the Portland Downeaster station from Thompson’s Point to the main rail line to reduce travel time, improve reliability, and enable future service expansion. She identified site 3 (near Mercy Hospital) as the preferred location after analysis. The council voted unanimously to send a letter of support to NEPRA for the relocation, without specifying the exact site, after a motion to strike site-specific language passed 7–2. - Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Study (Item 112): Director Costello requested $32,000 from the Affordable Housing Support Fund to conduct a comprehensive study on mobile home park rents and operations. The study would include market analysis, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations. Public comment included opposition from Jennifer Navarro, citing conflicts of interest and funding sources. Council members debated the emergency nature, with some supporting a study as a necessary step for informed policy. The appropriation passed 8–1 (Shedd opposed). - Concealed Handgun Permit Fee Adjustment (Item 113): Police Chief Stewart explained that state law requires a $15 increase in fees. The council set a public hearing for September 15 to amend the fee schedule, with a unanimous vote. - Park Ordinance Amendments – Hunting Prohibition (Item 114): Director Farrell presented changes to remove hunting from the Captain Fitzgerald Recreation Area, the former Maine Gravel property, and McCoy Woods, based on the adoption of the Fitzgerald plan and conservation easement restrictions. The council set a public hearing for September 15, unanimous. - All-Way Stop Sign at Pleasant Hill and Baraboo Drive (Item 115): Assistant Town Manager reported safety concerns and accident history at the intersection. A public hearing was set for September 15, unanimous. - Outdoor Seating License (Item 116): The council approved a license for Turn Coffee and Tea at 141 Main Street, unanimous. - Appointments (Item 117): The council appointed Eliza Jacob to the Sustainability Committee for a three-year term, unanimous. Key Outcomes - Vote 8–1 to amend the Affordable Housing Support Fund ordinance to allow spending on studies and consultants (emergency basis). - Vote 8–1 to appropriate $32,000 from the Affordable Housing Support Fund for a mobile home park rent stabilization study (emergency basis). - Unanimous vote to send a letter of support to NEPRA for the Portland station relocation, without specifying a preferred site. - Unanimous votes to set public hearings for September 15, 2025, on: concealed handgun fee increase, park ordinance hunting prohibition, and all-way stop sign at Pleasant Hill and Baraboo. - Unanimous vote to approve the outdoor seating license for Turn Coffee and Tea. - Unanimous vote to appoint Eliza Jacob to the Sustainability Committee. Next Steps: The council will hold public hearings on September 15, 2025, for the fee adjustment, park ordinance, and traffic item. The mobile home park study is expected to take 16 weeks. The affordable housing fund amendment is now in effect.
