Bangor councillors press state for help on housing, Dorothea Dix site; call for renter protections

Housing, behavioral-health services, and renter protections were recurring themes at the Bangor City Council’s new Legislative Committee meeting on May 4.

Councillor Fish described long-running local pressures after the state closed Dorothea Dix services, saying that at the time of closure an estimate of about 74 people with severe mental-health needs were left without local treatment options. “We are service center and our geographical area is so broad that we really need to get Augusta's attention somehow,” Fish said, urging state partnership to address gaps the city faces.

Several councillors suggested the committee schedule a focused meeting on Dorothea Dix to develop a council vision and potential actions, including options such as purchasing the property, leasing it to the city for a nominal fee, or partnering with the state.

Councillor Palone raised tenant protections after recounting a constituent’s experience: a management company moved an elderly tenant to month-to-month status and raised her rent, leaving the resident fearing eviction. Palone suggested the committee evaluate either local or state protections to prevent such abrupt displacements.

Councillor Laurin also proposed exploring a state reporting mechanism for out-of-town placements in Bangor that do not currently get tracked; she suggested the city could seek reimbursement or a designated fund such as lodging tax revenue if providers bring people to Bangor and do not pay associated costs.

Councillors agreed the Legislative Committee should work with staff to vet options and bring concrete proposals back for further consideration. No formal actions were taken at the meeting.