Bangor City Council considers agreement modification for 21 Eaton Place rehabilitation

The Business and Economic Development Committee of the Bangor City Council convened on September 4, 2025, to discuss a modification request regarding a property rehabilitation agreement. The primary focus of the meeting was a request to amend the existing agreement for the property located at 21 Eaton Place, which the city sold in 2021 with the stipulation that the new owners would invest at least $70,000 in rehabilitation efforts.

During the meeting, it was noted that the current owners have faced significant delays in securing a loan necessary for the rehabilitation project. Staff from the city recommended that the council agree to subordinate the deed restrictions associated with the property to facilitate the loan process. This recommendation aims to enable the owners to proceed with the necessary renovations.

A representative of the property owners, David Dillon, addressed the committee, explaining the challenges they encountered over the past three years. Dillon detailed personal hardships, including job loss and health issues, which contributed to the delays. He confirmed that some minor work had been completed on the property, including roof replacement and removal of outdated mechanical systems. However, financial constraints have hindered further progress.

The committee engaged in a brief discussion regarding the timeline of the project and the reasons for the delays. Members expressed understanding of the owners' situation and the impact of external factors, such as rising building material costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to move forward with the recommendation to modify the agreement, allowing the property owners to access their approved loan and continue with the rehabilitation efforts. This decision marks a significant step towards revitalizing the property and supporting local economic development.