Bangor committee weighs Ohio Street zoning change, central kitchen funding

The Business and Economic Development Committee reviewed a proposed land development code change to reclassify Ohio Street as a major arterial, a move opposed by residents and the Planning Board. The committee also discussed the financial structure of a proposed commercial kitchen incubator and received an update on Community Development Block Grant programs.

Key points

• Committee members discussed separating the Ohio Street reclassification from a minor correction to State Street, noting the latter was already a major arterial.
• Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the Ohio Street change, arguing it does not meet traffic volume definitions and would harm the residential character of the neighborhood.
• Staff explained that the central kitchen project will be funded through a $5 million bond paid from the self-sustaining economic development fund, not general taxpayer funds.
• Councilors expressed concern over projected initial losses for the central kitchen and requested detailed financial models and break-even analyses before further action.
• Community Development Officer Robin Stanicki reported that federal regulatory changes will not significantly impact current CDBG programs and highlighted a potential $5 million Section 108 loan opportunity.
• The committee voted to continue the central kitchen item to the full council to allow staff to finalize negotiations with construction managers and operations consultants.

Next steps

• Staff to prepare a separate order for the State Street correction and return it to the council.
• Staff to finalize financial models and construction costs for the central kitchen project before the next council meeting.
• Community Development staff to present a housing strategy and consolidated plan update at the February 2 meeting.

Read the full transcript