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As someone who has lived in Penobscot County for most of my life, I’ve witnessed quite a few changes. Admittedly, I’m only in my early twenties, and I know there’s still much more to see, but even in my short lifetime, the transformation that’s occurred has been striking to say the least.
The Bangor Mall, for example. Once a buzzing hub, full of life and pride of the locale, it’s now little more than a hollow shell. The flickering lights, water-stained ceilings, and barely functional restrooms stand as a sad metaphor for the state of our once great community. What was once a symbol of progress now feels abandoned and forgotten.
Bangor was once known as the lumber capital of the world, a region that thrived thanks to its rich forests as well as its hard-working people. Today, that legacy feels like a distant memory for many, I’m sure. Instead of investing in the well-being of its residents, the city seems more focused on half-hearted revitalization projects, like building more banks, while the real needs of the community go overlooked.
If local officials were to put more effort into keeping the cost of living manageable, maybe more people would stay instead of selling their homes and leaving in search of better living opportunities. This town was once great, and was made great by its people. But with each passing year, both seem to be slipping away rather drastically.
Logan Thomas
Old Town