City Council approves projects including walkway and rezoning measures

The Bangor City Council convened on July 15, 2025, to address a series of agenda items focused on community development, infrastructure improvements, and public safety funding. The meeting began with the approval of a consent agenda that included several key orders and resolutions.

The council appointed nominees to various boards, commissions, and committees, ensuring continued community representation and governance. They authorized the city manager to execute a contract with CNC Lynch Excavation LLC for the Fourteenth Street Walkway and White Pathway project, a significant step towards enhancing local infrastructure.

Further discussions included updates to the parking map referenced in Chapter 291 of the vehicles and traffic ordinance, specifically targeting areas near City Hall. The council also authorized a storm drain easement agreement related to the Sunset Avenue housing development, facilitating necessary infrastructure for new residential projects.

A notable resolution ratified staff action to apply for $1,500,000 in grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration. This funding aims to purchase a community connector bus and ADA paratransit vans, enhancing public transportation accessibility.

The council proceeded with the first readings of several ordinances and resolutions. They amended the land development code district map to rezone properties at 509 Investigate Avenue and 1017 Union Street, reflecting shifts in land use from residential and institutional to high-density residential and commercial service districts, respectively. These changes will be referred to the planning board for further consideration.

Additionally, the council accepted and appropriated $1,706,934 from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to support an overdose prevention and naloxone distribution program for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. They also accepted $160,045 from the Maine Department of Public Safety for public safety wellness reimbursement.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to amend a previous council resolve regarding the Bangor School Department's funding, ensuring compliance with state spending targets. Lastly, the council accepted an airport improvement grant under the bipartisan infrastructure law program, totaling $480,853 from the FAA and $12,654 from MDOT, aimed at rehabilitating portions of taxiway A and taxiway M at Bangor International Airport.

The council's actions reflect a commitment to community development, public safety, and infrastructure enhancement, with several items set for further discussion in upcoming committee meetings.