Bangor Livable Communities Committee hears on senior workforce program, street safety updates

The Bangor Livable Communities Committee hosted a presentation on the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which helps low-income residents over 55 re-enter the workforce through paid internships. Committee members discussed potential host agencies for the program and shared updates on local infrastructure projects, including sidewalk repairs, bike lane improvements, and tree management efforts.

Key points

• A representative from Associates for Training and Development (A4TD) presented the Senior Community Service Employment Program, explaining how it provides job training and paid internships for seniors.
• Committee members suggested potential host agencies for the program, including the City of Bangor, the YMCA, and local home health agencies.
• The committee discussed the city's sidewalk ordinance, noting that the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights has not yet reached a decision.
• Updates were provided on the installation of bike racks, the repainting of bike lanes, and the implementation of a Safe Streets for All grant at the Hammond Street intersection.
• Members discussed the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, noting that the city is injecting public trees to prevent death and that private property owners must treat their own trees.
• The committee mentioned upcoming events, including a stream cleanup on the third Saturday of the month and Big Dig Day for downtown gardens on May 16.

Next steps

• The A4TD representative will contact the City of Bangor's HR department to discuss potential internship placements.
• The committee will monitor the progress of the sidewalk ordinance review by the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights.
• Public Works and Engineering will implement bike lane and street layout changes on Harlow Street, Union Street, and other locations this summer.
• The city will continue to inject public ash trees to combat the Emerald Ash Borer infestation.

Read the full transcript