Housing Committee

Mission/Purpose

The Brunswick Housing Committee aims to support the development of diverse and affordable housing in Brunswick, Maine, by advising on zoning, regulations, and policies. The Committee will examine current housing, recommend policy priorities, and review incentives to improve housing options for all residents. Key focus areas include accessory dwelling units, density standards, public/private partnerships, and the impacts of short-term rentals.

Through collaboration with stakeholders, the Committee seeks to align its recommendations with Brunswick’s Comprehensive Plan and ensure a positive impact on the community’s housing needs. The Committee will administer the Affordable Housing Support Fund (AHSF) to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing options and enhance access to quality housing for all residents.

The Committee is dedicated to fostering housing solutions that meet the needs of Brunswick’s diverse population, with a commitment to transparency, public engagement, and evidence-based decision-making.

*All buttons below reflect Brunswick data and information.*

  1. Committee Members
  2. Housing Resources
  3. Housing Data
  4. Housing Development Pipeline

Members:

  • Melissa Fochesato
  • Benjamin Gaines
  • Abby King
  • Carol O'Donnell
  • Sarah Singer
  • Katie Spencer White
  • Celeste Yakawonis
  • Corinne Perreault, Councilor
  • Ramona Thieme, Councilor

Committee Membership

The Housing Committee consists of seven (7) members:

  • 2 Representatives from the Town Council
  • 1 Representative from the Housing Sector (examples: Real Estate Agent/Developer, Landlord, or Housing Advocacy Organization)
  • 1 Representative who rents their primary residence in Brunswick.
  • 3 Brunswick residence representatives member

Members shall serve a term of three (3) years. Terms shall be staggered to the extent practical. A full term is considered to be a term lasting three (3) full years; an appointment to the Committee in mid-year, to fill a vacancy, is not a full term.

The Committee will select a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.  The chair, with assistance from staff, shall establish the Committee’s meeting agendas and be responsible for conducting the meeting.  The vice chair shall assume these duties in the absence of the chair.

Meeting Schedule

TBD

Committee Responsibilities

The Committee shall be responsible for:

  • Evaluating the diversity and affordability of Brunswick's housing stock and researching strategies to support housing initiatives for all residents.
  • Recommending priorities for Brunswick’s housing policy needs.
  • Managing the Affordable Housing Support Fund (AHSF) by reviewing applications, updating criteria, and identifying ways to sustain the fund.
  • Making recommendations to the Town Council on funding proposals for the AHSF.
  • Reviewing and advising on housing incentives and zoning requirements.
  • Assessing the effects of short-term rentals on long-term housing availability and proposing regulations if needed.
  • Reviewing and recommending best practice approaches for landlord-tenant issues.

In its work, the Committee shall define key housing terms (e.g., market rate, affordable, workforce) and assess the financial and infrastructure impacts of its recommendations.

The Committee may seek stakeholder input, consult with relevant town boards and staff, and provide interim recommendations as needed.

Committee Staff

Sally Costello, Economic Development Director
Chrissy Adamowicz, Economic Development Project Manager

Annual Reporting

The Committee shall report on its activities to the Town Council, at least quarterly.  The reports shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements for inclusion in Town Council meeting agenda packets.

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings, Minutes are available following approval. Agenda and Meeting Minutes may be found here.

Documents

  1. Housing Committee Charge (9/16/24)