The Brunswick Zoning Board of Appeals has partially denied an appeal against the proposed Wilbur’s Woods affordable housing development.
After an extended deliberation, the Board rejected 12 of the 13 arguments presented in the appeal. However, one argument concerning the compatibility of the planned 18-unit apartment building with the surrounding neighborhood was sent back to the Planning Board for further review.
The appeal, filed by a resident representing 52 neighbors, expressed various concerns, including traffic safety, strain on town resources, and the appropriateness of the apartment building in the neighborhood. One argument suggested that low-income renters would not maintain the neighborhood as well as homeowners.
The development, located on McKeen Street, includes 21 houses in addition to the apartment building. The majority of these homes, priced below market rate at $325,000, have already been reserved by potential buyers.
The affordable housing project was scheduled to begin construction this spring but is now likely to commence between July and August due to the appeal-related delays. The developers expressed concern that these delays could deter future affordable housing initiatives.
Despite the partial denial of the appeal, opponents like John Hogan view the decision as a small victory. The appeal is currently pending as the Planning Board prepares for a second review, scheduled for May 14th.
