by Doug La Rocque
In March of last year, the Brunswick Town Council issued a moratorium on all two-family and multi-family construction in the Town, the result of several complaints from residents that these structures were creating a density problem, a sentiment echoed by the Town’s Planning Board. The conundrum lay in the fact these proposed developments were in areas allowed by Town code, but perhaps in practicality not the best locations.
That moratorium has been twice extended while a committee worked on reviewing these housing guidelines. That work is now complete and a new local law that would repeal the 2017 codes and replace them with the newest version was introduced. A public hearing on the new codes was scheduled for Monday, July 11 at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall. A copy of these codes is available for review on the Town’s website.
The changes to the codes only deal with the multi-family issues, however, for logistical purposes it is easier to repeal the entire code and replace it. There are no changes to the other portions of the code.
The Fence That Did Not Make for Good Neighbors
A fence constructed by a resident of North Lake Avenue has been deemed to be unsafe by the Town’s Building Department and consulting engineer. The inspection followed repeated complaints by the neighbor living behind the residence. On May 9, the Town Council passed a resolution ordering the structure be made safe or torn down, and scheduled a public hearing on Thursday, May 26. The only speakers at that hearing were the two neighbors involved, with the owner of the fence stating it has been repaired to Town standards. The Councilors asked the Building Dept. and engineer to again inspect the structure and report back. No other action will be taken until that report is received.