BRUNSWICK

Members of the Brunsiwck Planning and Village Review boards bid farewell to a long-time VRB member at the last town council meeting. Emily Swan has decided to leave the village review board after nearly 20 years of service to Brunswick.

Director of Planning and Development Anna Breinich said Swan had been the chair of the VRB for nearly as long as Breinich’s worked with the board.

Breinich praised Swan as being a “very, very dedicated member of the Village Review Board.”

Breinich said that during Swan’s time on the board, design guidelines were drafted and approved as well as two overhauls of the zoning ordinance overlay standards.

“I really do think if it wasn’t for her dedication, the historic preservation activities would have gone by the wayside,” Breinich said.

VRB Chairman Gary Massanek said he was honored to be following Swan. Massanek said Swan has been a model chair for the board, leaving him with very large shoes to fill.

“It’s been a great honor to serve in this capacity,” Swan said.

Swan said she has confidence the board will continue to be an “open” place that “respects the citizens for the sacrifices they have made to adhere to the standards of the board.”

Also retiring from town service, Harriet Beecher Stowe night custodian Earl Ater, with 23 years of service and Jim Oikle, Brunswick School Department business manager for 15 years.