Bremen residents vote in favor of a new land use ordinance during a special town meeting at the town office Thursday, July 20. (Maia Zewert photo)
After numerous public meetings and workshops, the Bremen Land Use Ordinance received approval from voters during a special town meeting at the town office Thursday, July 20.
Almost 40 residents attended the public hearing and special town meeting to consider the adoption of the ordinance. Voters rejected a previous version of the ordinance in an April referendum, 124-59.
Since April, the town’s ordinance review committee, planning board, and a consultant have worked to address concerns about the ordinance, which combines the town’s building permit ordinance, industrial site plan ordinance, and minimum lot size ordinance into one document.
During the public hearing, four residents spoke about the work that went into the ordinance and their satisfaction with the final product.
Mary Sue Weeks, a regular attendee of the work sessions, said the committee was “extremely responsive” to residents’ concerns. While there are still a few items in the ordinance she would like to see changed, she said she was happy with the final document.
After 10 minutes of public comment, Bremen Board of Selectmen Chair Wendy Pieh asked if anyone had additional remarks. When no one spoke up, she closed the public hearing and proceeded to the special town meeting and vote.
The vote was unanimous in favor of the ordinance. Pieh expressed her appreciation for the turnout and involvement of the residents over a round of applause from those in attendance.
