BRUNSWICK

Proponents of a train shed that may be built in the west Brunswick area are sounding a note of cautious optimism after the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s draft decision greenlighting a permit for the facility. Meanwhile, opponents will be meeting soon to figure out their response.

“I think that the draft decision is a very favorable one for the layover facility,” said Emily Boochever of facility proponents All Aboard Brunswick.

Boochever sounded a note of caution in that Maine DEP’s final decision won’t be issued until later this month.

“And then there’s the possibility of appeals from Brunswick West Neighborhood Coalition,” said Boochever. “It’s not a done deal.”

She added: “Everyone realizes it’s a longhaul kind of project, but I think it’s a very positive development.”

Brunswick West’s objection to the issuance of the permit, and the facility’s proposed location, are based on concerns that the facility may lower property values, in addition to increased noise, pollution and vibrations — factors that proponents say the facility is designed to mitigate.

Brunswick West member Bob Morrison said the coalition will make comments on the draft approval letter this week.

“Then we have to sit down and have a heart-to-heart with our members and decide about the next steps,” Morrison said. “I can only speak for myself, but I want to keep pursuing, which would mean an appeal.

“That’s going to cost money,” Morrison added. “This has been a long process.”

Morrison said DEP has overlooked “a number of things” in its decision, although he declined to give specifics.

“We think the DEP needs to go back to the drawing board,” said Morrison.

DEP issued its conditional draft approval last week for a stormwater permit, which is the final regulatory hurdle for Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority’s proposed $12 million, 52,000- square-foot train shed on track between Stanwood Street and Church Road.

The facility will be a place where Boston-bound Downeaster passenger trains can power down and refuel between runs.

The site of the proposed facility was a rail freight yard from the 1850s until the 1980s, according to the Federal Railroad Administration, but its location close to residential areas has neighbors perturbed.

“Let’s face it, the assessment possibilities are dire for us,” said Morrison.

Morrision said that Brunswick West has “indications, nothing written” of a loss of property values of between 20 and 30 percent.

The loss of property valuation will eventually translate into lost revenue for the town, Morrison warned.

The facility has proved divisive between neighbors and NNEPRA proponents.

“This is not a personal thing,” said Morrison, later adding: “We feel very strongly, but we’re not putting horns on people or shunning them. That’s not the way we are.”

“Everyone is sensitive to the fact that the neighborhood is unhappy,” said Boochever. “I don’t think anyone wants to disparage their concerns or make them feel bad or worse.”

However, Boochever said she believed that concerns about falling property values were “overblown,” adding “the project is a strong one and likely to go ahead.”

DEP is accepting comments on the draft approval until 5 p.m. on June 10, and will issue its final decision June 17.

The facility is estimated to save $450,000 annually by eliminating deadhead runs, according to NNEPRA, which oversees the Brunswick-to-Boston service.