Bangor committee advances Yellen Pines TIF deal, weighs chicken rules and VA hospital rezoning

Bangor's Business and Economic Development Committee reviewed the annual CDBG report, forwarded a credit enhancement agreement for the Yellen Pines supportive housing project to the full council on a 3-2 vote, and discussed proposed rules for backyard chickens and a growth boundary change for a possible VA clinic. The committee also reviewed renewal of the city's Uber and Lyft airport agreements.

Key points

• The committee voted 3-2 to forward the Yellen Pines credit enhancement agreement and TIF application to the full council, with Councilor Mallar voting no.
• Community Development Officer Robin Stankey presented the CDBG annual report, which goes to HUD after a public comment period ending at the end of the month; the report cited 462 unique individuals engaged by the Bangor Community Action Team.
• Councilor Mallar raised concerns about illegal drug use at the Yellen Pines facility; staff and other councilors said illegal drugs remain illegal and would violate the lease, while legal substances like alcohol cannot be barred.
• Staff outlined proposed backyard chicken rules, including a certificate of occupancy for coops and complaint-based enforcement, and said the city lacks capacity for regular inspections or licensing.
• Staff briefed the committee on a possible modification to the growth boundary near Stillwater and Pushaw Road to allow a VA clinic, noting it would require a 30-day public notice process and a planning board hearing.
• Airport Director Francisco Civeira presented renewals of the Uber and Lyft agreements, raising the per-ride airport fee from $1 to $1.25.

Next steps

• The Yellen Pines credit enhancement agreement heads to a public hearing and full council vote, with a final version expected in the next meeting packet.
• Public comment on the CDBG annual report remains open until the end of the month; comments can be submitted to Robin Stankey by phone, email, or in person.
• Staff will bring back an answer on whether the city can deputize citizens for enforcement tasks.
• The growth boundary change for the VA site will go through public notification and a planning board hearing, with a possible neighborhood workshop.
• The Uber and Lyft agreements will go to the full council as separate orders.

Read the full transcript