Brunswick schedules neighborhood meeting on revised public works project plans

Brunswick is giving neighbors another look at the Public Works Facility Improvement Project just as the plan starts to take a firmer shape. The latest version includes a two-pump fuel station, a new salt and sand shed, a relocated brine station and a paved access drive, all part of a project estimated at $40 million.

The neighborhood meeting is set for Wednesday, May 20, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Public Works, 9 Industry Road. Town officials say residents will be able to review the latest plans and updates that were made in response to public input. Questions can be directed to Public Works at 207-725-6654.

The session comes after years of planning for a facility that many in town have described as outdated and cramped. Brunswick’s current Public Works complex at 9 and 10 Industry Road consists of seven stand-alone buildings totaling 41,830 square feet, and the primary building dates to 1956. Town officials have said the building is uninsulated and lacks enough locker room and break-room space, while also failing to separate garage and office functions in a way that supports health and safety.

The town approved $120,000 in May 2022 for a space-needs and planning study. Wright-Pierce completed that work in June 2024 and concluded that a future facility would need about 116,000 square feet. The July 21, 2025 decision to keep the project on the existing Industry Road site reflected a desire to preserve the department’s strategic location and allow construction to be phased while operations continue.

Brunswick’s council then approved borrowing $4.7 million on Dec. 3, 2025 for the first phase, down from the $6.5 million staff had initially recommended. Town officials said the overall project is likely to take three to five years. The council also rejected a proposal to buy the adjacent 1.1-acre parcel at 2 Industry Road for $1.75 million, even though staff said the added land would have increased usable Public Works space by 16% and improved traffic flow.

A March 23, 2026 sketch plan filing shows how the first phase is now being arranged. Wright-Pierce placed the new fuel facility and salt and sand shed near the entrance to cut down on non-Public Works traffic inside the site, and the filing says the work requires Major Development Review because the new impervious surface exceeds 10,000 square feet.

Neighbors have already raised concerns about fumes, traffic, disruption and the demolition of the Brunswick Senior Gardens. Paul Whitcomb said the fuel infrastructure clashes with Brunswick’s climate action plan. With those concerns still unresolved, Wednesday’s meeting is another chance for residents near Industry Road and Water Street to press for changes before the project moves farther ahead.