Bangor Legislative Committee explores Dorothea Dix site for housing

The Bangor City Council Legislative Committee reviewed the status of the Dorothea Dix facility and identified a vacant parcel at 650A State Street as a potential site for future housing or service development. Councilors discussed strategies to pressure the state legislature to fund a new mental health facility and to address unfunded mandates impacting the city. The committee also prioritized a list of legislative proposals for the upcoming session, including emergency response collaboration with neighboring towns.

Key points

• City Manager Carollynn Lear reported that the Dorothea Dix facility is licensed for 100 patients but currently holds 67, with most of the property actively used for inpatient and outpatient services.
• The only viable site for new development identified is 650A State Street, a vacant building slated for demolition, though the state has not budgeted for the demolition this year.
• Councilors discussed using the potential 650A State Street site to advocate for a new mental health facility, noting that the current infrastructure is outdated and unsafe.
• Joseph Leonard suggested that the city should develop a specific plan for the vacant lot to present to the legislature, arguing that concrete proposals are more likely to gain support than general requests.
• The committee reviewed a list of legislative priorities, including state funding for an emergency response manager, electrification, and unfunded state mandates.
• Susan Deane proposed using the potential facility to provide rehabilitation services for individuals who would otherwise face incarceration, a concept supported by other council members.

Next steps

• Carollynn Lear will work with Jen Genderman and Chief Hathaway to develop a concept for the 650A State Street site.
• Daniel Carson will reach out to Brewer officials to explore collaborative emergency response funding opportunities.
• The committee will await recommendations from the Homeless Advisory Committee and the Property Tax Relief Task Force to align legislative proposals.
• Daniel Carson will draft a memo summarizing the Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee's platform for the upcoming session.

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