BRUNSWICK

Brunswick planners are working to maintain the character of downtown neighborhoods.

To that end, they are seeking public input as they continue updating the Village Review Overlay Zone guidelines approved in 2004. There will be a meeting on the updates at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Curtis Memorial Library.

The purpose of the zone is to protect and preserve the architectural context and historical integrity of Brunswick’s downtown neighborhoods. It provides standards and design guidelines to maintain Brunswick’s traditional character, and to ensure compatible construction and rehabilitation of existing structures, without stifling change or forcing modern recreations of historic styles.

Changes to the guidelines will focus on design for new construction, additions, siding and trim, windows, porches, ramps and stairs, demolition, and criteria to expand the zone.

The Village Review Overlay Zone includes Pleasant, Cushing, Oak, High, Cumberland, Dunning, Mill, Bow, Union, Lincoln, Middle, Elm, Noble, Mason, Dunlap, Bank, Center, Maine, Cleveland, Green, Federal, Franklin, School and Maple streets, as well as Jordan Avenue, Market Lane, Bath Road, Town Hall Place, Railroad Avenue, Park Row and Fitch Place.

The Village Review Design Guidelines may be found at brunswickme.org, or at the Brunswick Town Office.