Bangor Marsh Commission elects David Lamon as chair

The Penjajawoc Marsh/Bangor Mall Management Commission elected David Lamon, director of northern operations for Maine Audubon, as its new chair and Roger D. Applegate as vice chair. City Manager Carollynn Lear briefed the board on the commission's advisory role, the upcoming land development code update, and the status of the TIF fund for potential land acquisitions.

Key points

• David Lamon was nominated and elected chair of the commission, with Roger D. Applegate elected as vice chair.
• City Manager Carollynn Lear explained that the commission serves an advisory role regarding development in the Penjajawoc overlay zone and will review the new land development code draft expected in late March.
• Cindy DeBeck raised concerns about the specific uses of the TIF fund, noting past restrictions on its use for commercial services versus conservation easements.
• Sarah Eremita inquired about the maintenance of the overgrown area between the Comfort Inn and Wendy's, and the board discussed the city's limited capacity to manage such public spaces.
• Members discussed the status of a stalled development project on Stillwater Avenue that required a new application due to a lapse in the previous approval.

Next steps

• City staff will investigate the legal restrictions on the TIF fund to clarify if it can be used for land purchases or conservation easements.
• The commission will review the draft land development code when it is released by staff in late March.
• The commission is expected to meet again in the summer to address any proposed developments in the overlay zone.

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