BRUNSWICK
When a review of the town’s zoning ordinances began, Planning Board Chairman Charlie Frizzle thought it would take about a year to complete the process.
That was three years ago.
On Monday, the review of how land in Brunswick may be used for development, recreation or residences wrapped up with a public hearing at Town Hall.
Beginning Jan. 9 and continuing to Jan. 30, forums were held in five Brunswick neighborhoods to complete the town’s comprehensive zoning ordinance rewrite. For Cook’s Corner, Brunswick Landing, New Meadows and Bowdoin College areas, the fine-tooth comb review will guide how these areas will look in the years ahead.
The review clarifies the language of the town’s zoning.
Protecting the natural environment factored into the planning review. Encouraging downtown business development through artisan startups, and balancing residential growth with commercial expansion, factored in as well.
Aligning the area zoning reviews with the 2008 Brunswick master plan required the lengthy commitment by planning board members and other volunteers.
“I think we made real progress, and we tried to listen to everyone,” planning board and review committee member Richard Visser said.
Comments heard and emailed to zoning committee review members will be reviewed, said Frizzle. Recommendations will be made to the content the committee forwards to the town council.
“They’ll decide if any more meetings need to happen,” Frizzle said.
Concerned about light
During Monday’s review, Robert Burgess said he was concerned about light pollution caused by bright LED lights.
“We have a real resource in the dark skies of our community,”
Burgess said to about 40 people in attendance. “The ordinance says nothing about LEDs.”
Burgess said his issue with the LEDs is that the quality of the light is strong and sometimes blinding.
“Light pollution affects migratory birds, mammals, amphibians and insects,” Burgess said.
Several Maine municipalities are setting outdoor lighting guidelines to reduce excessive glare. Kennebunk and Bar Harbor are among these towns, he said.
“Locally, Topsham’s zoning ordinance is a forward looking ordinance in how it addresses lighting standards of the Topsham Fair Mall,” said Burgess.
lconnell@timesrecord.com
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