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Cary Weston is a resident of Bangor and former city councilor.
Bangor stands at a crucial crossroads, facing a challenge that will define the character and future of our city: the pressing issue of development policy and, specifically, addressing the issue of affordable housing.
Bangor has a diverse housing landscape, split almost evenly between single-family homes and apartment units. However, the aging condition of much of this housing stock is a barrier to attracting new families and professionals, which is vital for our community’s growth. This pressing need for renewal in our housing sector highlights the current procedures and policies that govern our city’s development.
I was pleased to see Cara Pelletier, the recently appointed chair of the Bangor City Council, express a commitment to addressing affordable housing. Having discussed this issue with Pelletier, I found her logical and well-reasoned, offering hope for a pragmatic approach to this challenge. Her leadership and the council’s response to these challenges will be instrumental in shaping the policies and procedures necessary for meaningful progress in our housing and development landscape.
I have observed with concern how feelings and opinions, while important to community engagement, have sometimes dominated what should be a straightforward process in recent development projects in Bangor. This emotional dominance has led to delays, unnecessary costs and discontent toward doing business with the city. Maintaining a balance where community voices are heard is crucial, but the planning and permitting process remains clear-cut and efficient. Moreover, this trend has not gone unnoticed by developers and investors, who share apprehensions about the unpredictability it brings. Addressing this imbalance is essential to attracting the investment opportunities crucial for our city’s growth.
Truly addressing the affordable housing challenge in Bangor requires more than just intent; it demands a significant shift in our approach. It’s not just about setting an agenda but fundamentally changing our operations. Our process must actively encourage investment, fostering a culture of facilitation rather than hindrance.
To this end, I propose two recommendations to tackle these challenges effectively. The first involves revising our selection process for Bangor Planning Board members, and the second focuses on enhancing their training and development.
Bangor has more than a dozen citizen volunteer boards, each vital for the city’s operations and dependent on annual calls for citizen participation. However, the Planning Board is the most active and important component in housing and development issues.
Appointing volunteers to the Bangor Planning Board demands greater scrutiny than it currently receives. Establishing specific criteria for selecting members could ensure a well-balanced and skilled board, which is vital for our city’s governance.
The Planning Board’s role is quite black and white — it’s charged with ensuring plans adhere to Bangor ordinances. Yet, I believe that various shades of gray have led to costly delays and mistakes. Regular training sessions, workshops and updates on best practices in urban development are necessary to equip Planning Board members to make informed, consistent decisions. By carefully selecting board members based on relevant criteria and ensuring they are well-informed, we can transform our development process into one that is cohesive, predictable and effective in addressing Bangor’s housing challenges.
The future of Bangor’s economic health and the well-being of our residents depends on our ability to address this housing crisis effectively. We need a unified effort from city officials, developers, community leaders and residents, all working together toward a transparent, efficient and collaborative process.
Improving the Planning Board’s appointment and training processes is not just about enhancing our approach to affordable housing; it’s a move that promises to impact our city’s economic development as a whole positively. These essential reforms could pave the way for smarter, more inclusive growth, benefiting every resident of Bangor.
Please lend your voice to this critical conversation. Engage with your City Council members and support these meaningful changes. Your involvement is key to driving our city’s transformation.
By working together, we can ensure that Bangor thrives in affordable housing and flourishes in all aspects of economic development.
