Penobscot County's $2 Million Asbestos Dilemma: A Community's Burden and Opportunity

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News Summary

Penobscot County faces significant costs from asbestos removal and demolition of the old Bangor YMCA, impacting local taxpayers and future developments.

Penobscot County’s $2 Million Asbestos Dilemma: A Community’s Burden and Opportunity

In a dramatic turn of events, Penobscot County has recently grappled with the fallout from the demolition of an iconic downtown Bangor building. The purchase and subsequent demolition of the old Bangor YMCA building on the corner of Hammond and Court streets has cost the county nearly $2 million, a price tag that has ignited discussions and concerns among local taxpayers.

A Damaged Legacy

The county acquired the condemned property in 2017 for $825,000, just a day after the city deemed the structure unsafe for public use. Despite noble intentions to transform the property into a new Penobscot County Jail, plans were shelved when the county faced the reality of its deteriorating condition. The structure was not only dilapidated but laden with dangerous asbestos, making the renovation not only costly but a public health concern.

The Costly Cleanup and Demolition

Fast forward to 2023: County officials approved spending more than $1 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) specifically for asbestos removal and demolition. This project marks one of the most expensive uses of ARPA funds in the county thus far. The financial relief granted by federal funds alleviated the burden on local taxpayers, yet the costs still raised eyebrows across the community.

In total, approximately $775,000 was spent on demolition, while a further $230,000 was allocated for asbestos abatement, which began in Fall 2023. The unanticipated discovery of additional asbestos during the removal process led to unforeseen expenses, complicating an already challenging situation for county officials.

What Lies Ahead?

With the demolition of the building completed in August 2023, the lot has remained vacant for over five months. Currently, no finalized plans exist for this prime piece of real estate. However, multiple companies have expressed interest in developing the site, although no decisions have been made as of yet. This uncertainty looms over a property that was once part of the fabric of Bangor’s community.

Examining the Old Jail Concerns

In light of the ongoing issues with the old jail, constructed back in 1869 and last renovated in 1988, officials are in talks regarding possible alternatives for a new facility. Penobscot County officials have been vocal about the urgent need for improvements, as discussions regarding the deteriorating conditions have persisted for over six years. An engineering firm is currently reviewing potential properties, striving to avoid the pitfalls encountered with the old YMCA acquisition.

Prior proposals for a new jail included ambitious plans for an eight-story facility, accommodating 200 to 300 beds. However, public protests halted these visions, stoking debate among community members about the actual need for a larger jail and the proper use of taxpayer funds.

Understanding the Financial Constraints

Future developments hinge on securing necessary property and conducting required studies. Discussions regarding the funding for the new jail are expected to reach public forums, with voters set to play a pivotal role in the decision-making process. The current jail is licensed to house 157 inmates, and the need to address both infrastructure issues and community concerns weighs heavily on the minds of county officials.

As Penobscot County contemplates the future of the vacant property, the implications of the asbestos cleanup, community needs, and financial responsibilities continue to shape the landscape of local planning. The challenges are daunting, but with opportunity comes the potential for growth and revitalization.