OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Town officials will continue to review proposed ordinance changes geared toward housing for international student workers.

Seasonal workers who come to Maine for the summer on J-1 student work visas make up a significant part of the town’s summer work force.

In the last few years, the town has been cracking down on violations in seasonal housing such as overcrowded cabins.

The town is continuing efforts to ensure safe housing, and is proposing changes in the town ordinance.

After hearing concerns at last week’s public hearing, the town council and town manager agreed to con- tinue to review the proposed ordinance changes, and will schedule a public hearing in the future after revisions have been made to the proposal.

“I feel much better in terms of safety, and I want to continue with that,” said Mead.

Suggested changes in the ordinance include size mandates for bedrooms for J-1 students. A bedroom for a single J-1 student must be at least 70 square feet, while bedrooms that accommodate more than one J-1 student must be 50 square feet per student.

Local realtor King Weinstein said while he understood the town’s desire to better regulate housing for J-1 students, the proposal needed further review.

“The goal is admirable … but I think it needs a lot more work,” he said.

Weinstein took issue with a proposed change requiring a placard indicating occupancy numbers at J-1 residences. He said wording was unclear, and as written it appeared it would restrict visitors. “If their parents come (to visit) from overseas can they stay with them on the sofa?” he asked.

Fire Chief Ricky Plummer and Police Chief Dana Kelley said the proposed placards were a safety tool that would allow public safety officials called into homes after the town offices were closed to determine if there was an overcrowding issue.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext.325 or egotthelf@journaltribunecom.