Penobscot County Invests Big in Downtown Bangor's Future

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News Summary

Penobscot County has invested nearly $2 million to demolish a historic building in downtown Bangor, paving the way for future urban development.

Penobscot County Invests Big in Downtown Bangor’s Future

The Costly Demolition of a Landmark Building

Penobscot County has made a significant financial move in the name of urban renewal, spending nearly $2 million to purchase and demolish a building that once served as the Bangor YMCA. This property, located at the corner of Hammond and Court streets, was condemned by the city of Bangor in 2017, shortly before the county acquired it for a sum of $825,000. Despite its rich history, the dilapidated structure was no longer viable for community use, prompting the county’s decision to enact a costly demolition plan.

The Ambitious Initial Plans

Originally, the county envisioned this high-profile site as the future location of a new Penobscot County Jail. The existing jail, built back in 1869, is showing its age and in need of extensive renovations—last undertaken in 1988. Given the history and the crumbling condition of the jail, transitioning to a modern facility seemed like a sensible approach. However, the ambitious plans have yet to materialize, leaving many in the community wondering what will come next.

Funding the Demolition

In a bid to tackle the demolition costs, county commissioners approved the expenditure of just over $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds specifically targeted for the asbestos removal and demolition of the building. This use of federal funds was a strategic measure, effectively shielding taxpayers from the full financial burden of the removal process. Approximately $775,000 went towards the actual demolition, while a further $230,000 was allocated for the necessary asbestos abatement, a critical step to ensure safety and compliance.

The Asbestos Challenge

However, the asbestos situation turned out to be more extensive than initially anticipated, leading to unexpected increases in the costs associated with the project. As these complexities unfolded, the county navigated through the challenges, all while managing a robust remaining balance of $29 million in ARPA funds that have been earmarked for various local projects and necessities like hazard pay and support for local agencies.

The Clearing of the Lot and Future Prospects

The demolition was finally completed in August 2023, leaving the lot empty and primed for new development opportunities. Yet, as it stands, there are no immediate plans for the utilization of this newly cleared land. In the years leading up to the decision to demolish the structure, the YMCA had consolidated into a single building on Second Street back in 2008, which saw the original site being occupied by various businesses. However, the deteriorating condition of the building discouraged potential developers from pursuing the property.

Now, officials are optimistic that with the clearance of the land, it might attract developers interested in capitalizing on its favorable infrastructure, including existing water, sewer, and natural gas lines. Nevertheless, the future of the aging jail and its anticipated replacement remains uncertain, even as conceptual designs have been drawn up for a new facility.

The Broader Impact of ARPA Funds

The decision to utilize ARPA funds has sparked conversations about the broader implications for urban development in Bangor. As the county continues to explore its options with the leftover funds, it has committed to various projects aimed at enhancing the local community, including hazard pay initiatives and support for essential local agencies.

In conclusion, while the fate of the lot remains unclear, Penobscot County’s significant investment in demolishing the former YMCA building marks a key step in rejuvenating downtown Bangor—a move that could reshape the local landscape for generations to come.