BRUNSWICK

Former Town Councilor Jackie Sartoris urged councilors Tuesday to create a citizens’ advisory committee to help safeguard the town’s interests in redevelopment of the former naval air station.

“It actually (would have) no authority,” Sartoris said. “However, it’s a group of citizens intended to provide an opportunity for public questions, comments and input. As such, it’s a good-government function.”

She said the town does not have enough influence over the redevelopment process, and cited a proposal to slot 22 acres of land for commercial or industrial development she says is habitat to endangered species.

“I was assured that would be taken into consideration, so I was a little surprised to see those 22 acres up for development as a business park,” Sartoris, who represented District Two, said.

Sartoris said she intends to submit a proposal for council sponsorship on a future agenda; no date for discussion was disclosed.

“The real question for me is, how did Brunswick get to a point where (Midcoast Regional Revelopment Authority) gets to decide whether or not it happens, and the town simply has to say ‘Yes’?” Sartoris said.

jtleonard@timesrecord.com

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