Bangor committee debates sidewalk ordinance for unhoused residents

The Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights reviewed a proposed amendment to the city's sidewalk ordinance, which would remove the phrase "for construction purposes" to allow enforcement against any materials blocking pedestrian access. Guest speakers from the Bangor Public Library and Downtown Bangor Partnership emphasized the need for accessible sidewalks, while committee members and public commenters raised concerns about the impact on unhoused individuals and the adequacy of existing loitering laws. The meeting concluded without a final vote as the committee continued to deliberate on the appropriate balance between accessibility and equity.

Key points

• City Manager Carollynn Lear explained that the ordinance change was requested by the police department to clarify that blocking sidewalks with materials is impermissible, following complaints about accessibility issues on Cedar and First Streets.
• Ben Treat, director of the Bangor Public Library, noted that the encampment in front of the library has caused some patrons to feel unsafe, but emphasized that the library remains a safe resource for unhoused individuals.
• Committee member Shane Boyes questioned the necessity of the new ordinance, arguing that existing loitering laws already prohibit obstructing sidewalks and that the new language could be seen as targeting unhoused people.
• Public commenters, including resident Katie Brydon, expressed concern that civil fines could lead to incarceration for unhoused individuals who cannot pay, advocating for a compassionate approach that includes safe storage and designated spaces.
• Betsy Lundy of the Downtown Bangor Partnership stressed that sidewalk accessibility is an equity issue for all residents, including those with mobility devices, and that the city must prioritize passable sidewalks regardless of the homelessness crisis.

Next steps

• The committee will continue to deliberate on the ordinance language and prepare a recommendation for the City Council's second reading.
• Committee members discussed the possibility of coordinating with the newly formed Homelessness Committee to address the broader issue of housing and safe spaces for unhoused residents.

Read the full transcript