Downtown Parking Committee votes down 15-minute parking trial, reviews VPI plan

The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee voted to reject a proposal to convert two parking spaces near 128 Main Street to 15-minute limits, citing concerns about losing permanent parking without sufficient data on delivery volume. The committee also reviewed the Village Partnership Initiative (VPI) study, which recommends adding bike lanes, pedestrian improvements, and traffic calming measures to downtown Bangor. Staff indicated that simple striping changes to implement parts of the VPI plan are planned for this summer.

Key points

• The committee voted 3-0 to reject the motion to convert two parking spaces in front of 128 Main Street to 15-minute parking, with members arguing the change would remove permanent spaces without proven benefit.
• Committee members agreed to provide a written statement to the involved businesses explaining the vote and encouraging them to work together or return with data on delivery volumes.
• The committee reviewed the VPI study, which recommends maintaining the one-way traffic pattern while adding bike lanes, bump-outs, and pedestrian safety improvements.
• Staff presented plans to implement several VPI recommendations this summer using temporary striping and bollards, including bike lanes on Harlow, Hammond, and Union streets.
• The committee discussed the potential for a shared pedestrian plaza on Broad Street and a waterfront park behind the parking garage, noting that the latter area is underutilized but subject to flood zone constraints.
• The next meeting was scheduled for August 6, 2026, to discuss a comprehensive report on proposed parking rates and ticket prices.

Next steps

• Staff will prepare a written statement for the businesses at 128 Main Street explaining the committee's decision and offering to facilitate a meeting.
• Public Works will implement temporary striping changes for bike lanes and pedestrian improvements on Harlow, Hammond, and Union streets this summer.
• Staff will provide a report on proposed off-street parking rates, on-street paid parking, and ticket price increases at the August 6 meeting.

Read the full transcript