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Bangor council approves Hope House lease changes as public commenters press for housing, harm-reduction action
Summary
The Bangor City Council passed an order allowing a sublease and lease amendment to expand emergency shelter capacity at the Hope House and preserve state funding, while public commenters urged alternatives to encampment sweeps and criticized local spending priorities and harm-reduction programs.
The Bangor City Council on Feb. 24 approved an order authorizing a sublease and an amendment to the city's lease for the Hope House Health and Living Center that will allow the shelter operator to expand the emergency bed capacity and preserve state funding.
The change will let Penobscot Community Health Center (PCHC) sublease the shelter space to Preble Street and authorize an adjustment to lot lines to allow an addition that increases emergency shelter beds from 66 to 70. The sublease term remains the same as the city's current ground lease with PCHC, which expires in April 2044. Councilor Holmes moved the order; a second was recorded and the item passed. Councilor Beck left the room and was recused from the matter.
The vote came amid extensive public comment focused on homelessness, substance use and downtown safety. Residents, service providers and business owners urged the council to prioritize permanent and supportive housing and criticized plans for encampment sweeps. Several speakers said the city should use data and available funding…
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