ORRINGTON, Maine — Development along Route 15 over the last couple of years has spread quickly between Brewer and Snows Corner, and town leaders are working on designs to designate that area North Orrington Village.
“The community wants to be proactive to insure that further development fosters a rural village identity,” draft village improvement project plans state. “We are seeking a plan that combines infrastructure improvements with construction requirements to insure a village that is inviting and safe for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, conducive to new business and will not compromise our goal of an attractive rural village.”
A kickoff meeting was held in September so residents could express what they want in the village area, and a second public workshop is at 6:30 tonight at Center Drive School to expand on what was learned earlier.
Engineers from Wright-Pierce of Topsham will be on hand to offer ideas on what is realistic, what’s important, funding options, and what is and is not affordable, said Ron Harriman, the town’s economic development consultant.
Based on the first workshop, discussions and feedback, “the draft village plan is currently focused on public improvements for pedestrian infrastructure and safety, roadway safety, and village aesthetics,” he said in a press release. “Potential pedestrian improvements include new sidewalks and crosswalks, while roadway safety improvements are focused on Snows Corner and potential traffic calming measures.”
In addition to roadway improvements, the village plan includes approaches to encourage new development in the village area, cost estimates for any proposed changes and potential funding opportunities to make the improvements without burdening local taxpayers.
What is done to the area will depend entirely on what residents want, Harriman said.
“A lot of work has been done to develop this plan, and we really need public participation in the process,” he said.