Downtown Parking Committee reviews study, proposes public meeting and governance changes

The Downtown Bangor Parking Committee discussed a parking study indicating a surplus of downtown spaces, reviewed a proposal to re-designate parking near a restaurant, and considered changes to committee governance. Staff presented a plan to hold a public meeting in February to gather community input on parking concerns and potential traffic improvements.

Key points

• Committee members discussed a proposal to re-designate two parking spaces near a restaurant as commercial loading zones to address delivery driver congestion, but deferred action pending more data.
• Staff presented a parking study showing an overall surplus of downtown parking, though specific zones like Central Street remain high demand areas.
• Councilor Joseph Leonard proposed an ordinance change to allow a volunteer chair for the committee, removing the requirement for a councilor to serve as chair.
• The committee discussed the Village Partnership Initiative recommendations, including potential restriping of streets to test new traffic flows and improve pedestrian safety.
• Members agreed to hold a public meeting to discuss parking concerns and review the study findings with the community.

Next steps

• Schedule a public meeting for February 26 at 6 p.m. at the library to discuss parking issues.
• Staff to prepare language for the ordinance change regarding committee chair selection for review at the next meeting.
• Eric Crocker to gather data on delivery driver parking patterns for the committee's review.
• Staff to schedule the next regular committee meeting for March 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Read the full transcript