Plans for Applewood and Kidder additions presented to Brunswick Planning Commission

BRUNSWICK — Brunswick Schools plans to increase the number of classrooms in two of its elementary schools as part of its facilities master plan. The additions at Applewood and Kidder elementary schools were presented to Brunswick Planning Commission during its meeting Thursday. The plan for Applewood is a nearly 5,600-square-foot addition on the northeast side of the approximately 60,000 square-foot building. The addition will allow for four new classrooms, a group of student restrooms and an individual staff restroom. "This location made the most sense for where they needed the classrooms to make that classroom expansion, and it made the most sense to tie off of the existing corridor," Scott Alleman from ThenDesign Architecture said. "Though we're encroaching a little bit on the neighbors, we're keeping that footprint to a minimum by a tie-off of that existing corridor." Kidder is anticipated to have a 3,390-square-foot addition to the north side of the building, which is around 69,000 square-feet. The space will be used for two preschool classrooms and student restrooms. Another approximately 1,500-square-foot expansion is planned for Kidder's south side of the building, which is where an art room will go. Additions at both schools do not meet the 75-foot minimum setback from residential property, which is required by the city's zoning code. As a result, Brunswick Schools will have to get a variance for both schools from the Brunswick Board of Zoning Appeals. Since the schools would be closer to the nearby residences, Planning Commission member Abbas Hasan said he would like to see screening like trees put in place to shield both buildings from the neighbors. "The school's main priority is safety, security, sight lines and having access around the building in case of an emergency or first responder situation," Alleman said. "As far as we're concerned, the less landscaping we can put in there, the safer the students are." Planning Commission moved both projects to a detailed site plan and a public hearing subject to a variance being granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals. The additions at Applewood and Kidder are part of a $102 million bond issue voters passed in May 2023 to allow the district to finish its facilities master plan. More information can be found at tinyurl.com/2xandkn4. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.