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Bangor voters won’t be asked to approve $75 million parks and rec bond after council rejects measure
Summary
After hours of public testimony, the Bangor City Council voted down an order to authorize up to $75 million in general obligation bonds for a consolidated parks and recreation facility. Supporters cited aging infrastructure; opponents warned of tax increases and housing displacement.
The Bangor City Council voted down an order that would have authorized up to $75 million in general obligation bonds to finance a consolidated parks and recreation facility, ending a months‑long policy debate over the project’s scope, cost and funding.
The public hearing drew dozens of residents, coaches and business owners who gave both emotional and technical testimony. Gretchen Schaefer, who chaired the special committee studying the project, told the council the city’s existing facilities are “in desperate need of repairs” and that a modern, accessible building would serve residents of all ages. “Doing nothing isn’t free,” she said.
Several speakers described direct program benefits. Kimberly Boucher, a youth hockey coach and…
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