City proposes parking changes at City Hall to enhance accessibility

The City Council of Bangor is taking significant steps to improve parking accessibility at City Hall, as discussed during the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee meeting on June 13, 2025. The interim assistant city manager presented a proposal aimed at enhancing the parking situation in light of ongoing renovations at the building.

The proposal includes relocating staff parking slots from the area adjacent to City Hall to the upper part of Center Street Hill. This change is intended to free up more spaces for the public, making it easier for residents and visitors to access the building without navigating steep stairs or long walks. Approximately half of the current staff slots will be moved, allowing for a more user-friendly parking configuration.

Additionally, the committee discussed the possibility of designating five parking slots as City Hall-specific, currently marked for 90-minute use. However, some council members expressed concerns about restricting these spaces, suggesting instead to reduce the time limit to 30 minutes for all users. This proposal aims to balance accessibility with the high demand for parking in the area, which is frequented by both residents and business patrons.

The committee acknowledged the challenges of enforcing time limits, particularly for shorter durations like 30 minutes. Discussions highlighted the need for a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of these changes over a six-month period before finalizing any decisions. This approach would allow the council to gather data on usage patterns and make informed adjustments as necessary.

Overall, the proposed changes reflect a commitment to improving accessibility at City Hall while considering the parking needs of the broader downtown community. The council plans to revisit these discussions and evaluate the outcomes of the pilot program, ensuring that any adjustments made will benefit both residents and visitors alike.