NARRAGANSETT — Establishing local historic districts may be an effective way to preserve the character of older neighborhoods, but residents who live in those neighborhoods had lots of questions last night about how it would work.

The plan put forth by the town would establish four sections that mirror districts that are already in the National Register of Historic Places, providing guidelines that owners would have to follow for exterior renovations and alterations.

The districts would be established in these areas:

• Along Central Street and adjoining side streets in the Pier area.

• In the area near The Towers and the post office.

• Along Ocean Road, starting just before Hazard Avenue and ending just after Winfield Farm Road.

• In Earles Court, including portions of Gibson Avenue and other adjacent streets.

A public hearing on the proposed districts brought dozens of residents to last night’s Town Council meeting. Some liked the idea, but many wanted more specifics about how the districts would affect work on their homes, as well as their property values.

“If this is implemented, I have no idea what I would have to do to get something approved,” said Nancy Shaw, of Central Street.

Thomas Comiskey, who lives in Earles Court, said residents in his neighborhood have already done a good job of maintaining the historic character.

“It’s a little frustrating to feel that other people will now have a say in how that gets done,” he said.

But others said it’s time for the idea, if Narragansett is serious about protecting its heritage and maintaining a historic character that draws visitors.

“I do think people are worrying a great deal too much,” said Wayne Douglas, of Ocean Road. “I think it’s more for the purpose of pride in our town than” making people’s lives difficult.

The idea of local historic districts in Narragansett goes back to at least 1990, when the town received a National Trust for Historic Preservation grant that was to go toward the writing of a historic district plan. The town also created a historic district board, but the local districts were never established after many residents objected.

There has also been some federal recognition of some properties through the National Register of Historic Places, but the national register has no practical impact unless the owners are using federal money to make repairs or renovations.

Council members continued the hearing to Dec. 15, after members agreed that the issue is too complex to tackle before the Nov. 4 election.

redgar@projo.com