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Planning staff report slow year for housing; committee backs letters of support for local grant applications
Summary
Bangor planning staff reported fewer housing applications, several large commercial projects and progress on a land development code update; the committee agreed to send letters of support for two grant applications from local organizations.
Planning staff told the Business & Economic Development Committee that the city has seen a slow year for development applications overall, with more commercial projects than residential so far. Staff cited two large commercial projects that boosted square footage totals and said two residential applications were on hold because of sewer-capacity constraints or state permitting requirements.
Planning staff said they were preparing a public draft of the technical review report for the land development code update and expect to present draft materials and public outreach plans at a future committee meeting. Staff also said they have four grant awards or grant implementations pending and are hiring a planning analyst to support workload.
During the meeting the committee approved sending letters of support for two outside grant applications: one from the Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness Group for a T‑Mobile hometown grant to improve storefront windows and pedestrian-level activation downtown, and one from the University of Maine to support establishing a Coverdell Fellowship internship program that connects returned Peace Corps volunteers with local internship opportunities. Committee members confirmed neither request required city funding and agreed staff could provide letters of support where appropriate.
Staff also noted the city's historic preservation ordinance review is expected to come before council in July.
