Bangor committee reviews Waterfront Concerts impact, housing TIF, and chicken rules

The Business and Economic Development Committee heard a pro bono economic impact study from UMaine showing Waterfront Concerts generated $601 million over 16 years. The committee also discussed a new state law requiring Bangor to allow chickens in residential zones and reviewed a tax increment finance district request for a new supportive housing project.

Key points

• UMaine researcher Todd Gabe presented data indicating Waterfront Concerts contributed $260 million to the local economy between 2022 and 2025.
• Councilors debated chicken regulations, with some opposing a one-acre minimum lot size requirement as too restrictive under new state law.
• Staff recommended using Auburn, Maine's model for chicken limits rather than a strict lot size, focusing on setbacks and coop size standards.
• Carollynn Lear explained that the 30-unit supportive housing project will use a TIF district to access credit enhancement without direct city capital.
• Preble Street representatives reported an 88% housing retention rate for similar programs in Portland over the past three years.
• Councilors requested data on police interaction costs for unhoused individuals to better illustrate the financial benefits of the housing project.

Next steps

• Staff will research how other municipalities enforce chicken regulations and develop a revised recommendation for the city.
• Bangor Housing Authority will provide Davis Bacon wage data for the construction project to the committee.
• Preble Street will share cost study data regarding police contact reductions for housed individuals.

Read the full transcript