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I am a Bangor homeowner and taxpayer. I’m concerned by a recent news article saying the Penobscot County Commissioners are considering the possibility of turning the former YMCA lot into a parking lot.
While I understand the county is in need of a financial boost, and I am all for measures that will help reduce property taxes in Bangor, I can’t see how additional parking could make a real difference, especially since a 2025 downtown parking study found an excess amount of parking available compared to need. In fact, the study concluded that there could be up to a 20% growth in residential spaces, office spaces, and retail businesses downtown and the current parking would still suffice. In addition, the section of Court Street that borders the YMCA lot offers free 4-hour parking, which I have never yet seen at capacity.
There are many negatives to taking over valuable land in downtown Bangor for more surface parking — impervious surfaces that promote runoff, flooding, and water pollution and asphalt causing more of a heat island effect — as property in a walkable area could be used for desperately needed housing, or for the economic benefits of office space or retail businesses. And, there are the questionable aesthetics of yet another parking lot in downtown Bangor.
I hope the commissioners can come up with a plan that gives them needed revenue, while meeting the actual needs of downtown Bangor.
Karen Marysdaughter
Bangor