NEW GLOUCESTER – Voters Monday night narrowly supported efforts to revitalize Upper Gloucester village, but rejected holding annual town meetings on Saturdays instead of Mondays in May.

By a secret ballot vote of 66-59, voters backed the concept of enhancing the village by having mixed land uses, pedestrian amenities and better traffic flow. The village extends along Route 100, including a section of the Gilmore Road, Upper Village Street, Peacock Hill Road, a short section of the Bald Hill Road and a section of Route 231 toward Memorial School.

“It’s a vision to preserve our future, to protect our quaint little town,” Tammy Donovan, a former member of the town’s volunteer Land Management Planning Committee, said.

Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Josh McHenry, asked voters, “What do you want for Upper Gloucester to move forward or do you want to live with status quo? We’d like to get the town’s endorsement so we can apply for grants. This makes us a more attractive applicant now with the arrival of a public water supply.”

The plan calls for smaller lower buildings close to the road as opposed to strip development and big box stores.

Endorsement of the plan by Monday’s vote facilitates the town working with the Maine Department of Transportation, Town Manager Paul First said.

A second article to create an Upper Village District and eliminate the historic resource overlay district passed by a show of hands. The change aims to foster business growth while promoting a village atmosphere. There are also incentives for village-oriented design, Town Planner Will Johnston said.

Residents were told that little money has been spent on planning efforts except for staff time.

Residents said they wanted better communication on changes ahead and improved safety on Route 100.

The zoning changes can be modified in the future and town leaders say they will work with business establishments on Route 100 that have small lots.

New Gloucester Water District Chairman Jim Finch said the public water supply is only being used at 25 percent of its potential.

Ben DeTroy was elected moderator.