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Planning Board discusses 'Your City Is Sick,' flags housing, blight and youth engagement
Summary
At the Aug. 21 meeting the board discussed Parts 1 and 2 of Jeff Siegler’s "Your City Is Sick," with members saying the book seems aimed at larger cities and raising local concerns about limited downsizing housing stock, vacant buildings, blight, parking and the need for younger volunteers; the board will discuss the remainder on Sept. 18.
The Presque Isle Planning Board spent part of its Aug. 21 meeting discussing Parts 1 and 2 of the book "Your City Is Sick" by Jeff Siegler. Tim St. Peter thanked members for the book and credited Jason Perry and Andy Flewelling with preparing discussion questions.
Members debated the book’s relevance to Presque Isle. Chairman Bruce Roope and member Richard Engels said the examples felt geared to larger cities with sprawl, while member Tim Vernon raised local housing issues, saying older residents want to downsize but that smaller homes are in short supply. Board members also listed local assets they are proud of — recreation programs, flowers on Main Street, a bike path, the presence of a university and community college, school pride, plans to transform the old Air Force base into an industrial park, and multiple parks — and flagged recurring problems including vacant buildings, areas of blight, the need for more local businesses (rather than big-box chains), limited public transportation, and parking and signage improvements to support downtown access.
Jayne Farrin expressed concern that the discussion group skewed older and encouraged more involvement from younger residents and volunteers. The board agreed to read the remainder of the book and return to discussion at the Sept. 18, 2025 meeting. The minutes record discussion and future consideration but do not record any formal votes or policy directives arising from the book discussion.
