Bangor Planning Board approves bank, housing, and zone change

The Bangor Planning Board approved a major site development for a new credit union on Stage Street and a final subdivision for 26 rental units on Broadway. The board also voted to recommend a zone change for a former University of Maine property on Main Avenue to allow for commercial use.

Key points

• The board unanimously approved a land development permit for a 3,647-square-foot bank with a drive-through at 96 Stage Street, noting the project includes sidewalk improvements.
• A final major subdivision for 26 residential rental units at 2645 Broadway was approved, with the applicant confirming that water wells have been drilled and meet preliminary standards.
• The board voted to recommend a zone change for 355 Main Avenue from Government and Institutional Service to Shopping and Personal Service, despite some members noting it appeared to be spot zoning.
• Chair Jonathan Boucher disclosed a potential conflict of interest as a University of Maine employee, but the board voted that no actual conflict existed, allowing him to remain on the panel.
• Staff provided an update that recent state housing law amendments will reduce the need for subdivision approvals for projects adding three or four units to existing buildings.

Next steps

• The zone change recommendation for 355 Main Avenue will be sent to the City Council for a final vote.
• The applicant for the Broadway subdivision must submit water well testing results to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
• Staff will review recent ordinance rewrites and provide comments to consultants, with updated drafts expected around June.

Read the full transcript