OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Brunswick Town Council Meeting – September 2, 2025: Park Naming, Affordable Housing Fund, and Rail Relocation Support

Town Council — Tuesday, September 2, 2025
BodyBrunswick, Maine
SessionTown Council
DateTuesday, September 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:11:23

Transcript — Verbatim
0:08

Good evening, and welcome to the town council meeting in Brunswick of September Second Twenty Twenty Five.

0:19

Manager Anzi was the meeting properly noticed.

0:24

Thank you.

0:50

Counselor Wilson, and the motion was made by Councillor Watson, all the in favor.

57:45

Welcome back.

57:47

We are reopening the meeting of September second, twenty twenty-five, and I am calling the role.

57:58

Actually, I won't call the role, all counselors are present, and I appreciate that.

58:06

Now I do want to remind everyone to please silence their devices, and let's stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

58:48

Councillor Watson.

1:00:00

Houston Park.

1:00:04

They are this is a matter of history, not only for the town of Brunswick, but especially that area where they owned property grew up.

1:00:14

That's a little bit about them.

1:00:17

Further, that the property presently named Captain William A.

1:00:21

Fitzgerald USN Recreation and Conservation Area, which represents the 66.2 acres that was formerly owned by the U.S.

1:00:30

Navy remain unnamed.

1:00:33

In the tribute to Captain Fitzgerald, the last commander of the Brunswick Naval Air Station.

1:00:46

Making transitions take place.

1:00:52

Further, that the body of water within the former Maine Gravel Service property with a surface area of 42 acres of approximately 163.4 total acreage donate donated to the town of Brunswick in 2019 by members of the Crooker family.

1:01:14

He named Crooker Pond.

1:01:16

This gesture represents a thank you to the Crooker family and is supported by the State of Maine, Department of Inland Fisheries and Water Life, as the agency has already named the body of water crooked pond on their documentation, and uh that is attached in my thing on all the councils have a copy of what I'm reading from.

1:01:39

In a brief recap, the water body, the water body on the former main gravel service property be named Crooker Pond.

1:01:49

The 66.2 acres formerly known as U.S.

1:01:52

Navy property, a radar site that was used, previously named by the Brunswick Town Council in honor of Captain William Fitzgerald, remain unchanged.

1:02:06

The two acres combined be named Francis Mahible, Houston Park.

1:02:14

To clarify, with reference to the 62 acres, the property, one would indicate that they are intending to visit the William Fitzgerald Reservation at the Francis Metable, Houston Park.

1:02:33

A lot of words.

1:02:34

I didn't do too bad.

1:02:36

But I have provided the council with documentation and the story of the Houstons.

1:02:45

The Houstons, uh Francis Houston came from Massachusetts.

1:02:51

He uh joined the Navy and from what I can tell and see from his age and everything, and fought in the for the U.S.

1:02:58

Navy in the War of 1812.

1:03:02

He came here, owned property in the area of this the property in question.

1:03:11

In fact, he is bare, he and his wife and family are buried just across the street from the entrance in the Houston Cemetery.

1:03:22

He was very active in the community, well respected, well regarded, and people asked for his opinion.

1:03:31

He was a black man, and he was very active in finding slaves coming north, and was he and his wife were active as conductors in the Underground Railroad.

1:03:45

I see this as a huge tribute to our history, who and what we are, the long long racial integration that has taken place in Brunswick from the 1700s, probably before.

1:04:04

This honors our commitment to naming the area, part of the area after Captain Fitzgerald, and then the pond after the uh donating property of a large amount of areas, creating the 229.6 acres of recreation, both active and inactive.

1:04:28

I think this is outstanding that one we have some really great people to draw to and name things after, and I think it speaks to Brunswick by two reflecting back to our history.

1:04:44

With that, I hope that the town council will agree that this needs to be acted on, and this will give the opportunity for citizens to respond on on the 15th.

1:04:56

Thank you, Councillor Watson.

1:05:00

We will include that as an action item at our next council meeting.

1:05:05

Are there other announcements?

1:05:08

Councillor McDonald, you oh, you look like you were ready.

1:05:13

No, I was just going through procedures, trying to figure out I was trying to parse.

1:05:17

So is this doesn't need to be a public hearing.

1:05:21

Okay.

1:05:22

Okay, it can just be all right.

1:05:23

Thank you.

1:05:24

But citizens will be able to comment.

1:05:26

Yes.

1:05:29

Thank you.

1:05:30

Any other uh counselor.

1:05:32

I'll just say I I appreciate what um Councillor Watson just proposed.

1:05:37

I just did a quick Google search, and there's a really interesting obituary about Francis Houston.

1:05:43

I'll send it out to everybody.

1:05:45

It's fascinating.

1:05:47

Thank you.

1:05:48

That'd be great.

1:05:50

Uh I have one statement I would like to make concerning the McCoy Woods property.

1:06:01

And I think I'm hoping that this will clear up some questions that arose about this since our last council meeting.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████29%
Affordable Housing█████████████████17%
Mobile Home Parks██████████10%
Transportation Safety██████████10%
Public Engagement███████7%
Public Works████4%
Historic Preservation███3%
Environmental Protection███3%
Budget Equity Analysis███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Brunswick Town Council Meeting – September 2, 2025

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.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, and welcome to the town council meeting in Brunswick of September Second Twenty Twenty Five. Manager Anzi was the meeting properly noticed. Thank you. Counselor Wilson, and the motion was made by Councillor Watson, all the in favor. Welcome back. We are reopening the meeting of September second, twenty twenty-five, and I am calling the role. Actually, I won't call the role, all counselors are present, and I appreciate that. Now I do want to remind everyone to please silence their devices, and let's stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Councillor Watson. Houston Park. They are this is a matter of history, not only for the town of Brunswick, but especially that area where they owned property grew up. That's a little bit about them. Further, that the property presently named Captain William A. Fitzgerald USN Recreation and Conservation Area, which represents the 66.2 acres that was formerly owned by the U.S. Navy remain unnamed. In the tribute to Captain Fitzgerald, the last commander of the Brunswick Naval Air Station. Making transitions take place. Further, that the body of water within the former Maine Gravel Service property with a surface area of 42 acres of approximately 163.4 total acreage donate donated to the town of Brunswick in 2019 by members of the Crooker family. He named Crooker Pond. This gesture represents a thank you to the Crooker family and is supported by the State of Maine, Department of Inland Fisheries and Water Life, as the agency has already named the body of water crooked pond on their documentation, and uh that is attached in my thing on all the councils have a copy of what I'm reading from. In a brief recap, the water body, the water body on the former main gravel service property be named Crooker Pond. The 66.2 acres formerly known as U.S. Navy property, a radar site that was used, previously named by the Brunswick Town Council in honor of Captain William Fitzgerald, remain unchanged. The two acres combined be named Francis Mahible, Houston Park. To clarify, with reference to the 62 acres, the property, one would indicate that they are intending to visit the William Fitzgerald Reservation at the Francis Metable, Houston Park. A lot of words. I didn't do too bad. But I have provided the council with documentation and the story of the Houstons. The Houstons, uh Francis Houston came from Massachusetts. He uh joined the Navy and from what I can tell and see from his age and everything, and fought in the for the U.S. Navy in the War of 1812. He came here, owned property in the area of this the property in question. In fact, he is bare, he and his wife and family are buried just across the street from the entrance in the Houston Cemetery. He was very active in the community, well respected, well regarded, and people asked for his opinion. He was a black man, and he was very active in finding slaves coming north, and was he and his wife were active as conductors in the Underground Railroad. I see this as a huge tribute to our history, who and what we are, the long long racial integration that has taken place in Brunswick from the 1700s, probably before. This honors our commitment to naming the area, part of the area after Captain Fitzgerald, and then the pond after the uh donating property of a large amount of areas, creating the 229.6 acres of recreation, both active and inactive. I think this is outstanding that one we have some really great people to draw to and name things after, and I think it speaks to Brunswick by two reflecting back to our history. With that, I hope that the town council will agree that this needs to be acted on, and this will give the opportunity for citizens to respond on on the 15th. Thank you, Councillor Watson. We will include that as an action item at our next council meeting. Are there other announcements? Councillor McDonald, you oh, you look like you were ready. No, I was just going through procedures, trying to figure out I was trying to parse. So is this doesn't need to be a public hearing. Okay. Okay, it can just be all right. Thank you. But citizens will be able to comment. Yes.

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