Bangor council hears railroad encampment cleared, warming center concerns

City officials told the council that the railroad encampment near Bangor has been cleared, with all residents gone from both the railroad's property and an adjacent city parcel, and cleanup underway. Councilors raised concerns about where displaced residents went, whether warming centers are turning people away, and the strain on volunteer-run shelters. The council also declared a conflict of interest for one member and discussed a legislative committee.

Key points

• City Manager Carollynn Lear reported that all individuals have left the railroad encampment property and cleanup is underway; city staff offered phones, tents, storage, pet boarding and transportation in the days before the railroad's Monday clearing.
• Councilor Susan Faloon relayed accounts from residents who said they were separated from their community, lost belongings, and received confusing information about the clearing timeline.
• Councilor Michael Beck asked whether the city or the railroad initiated the closure; Lear said the city had regular contact with the railroad since about September and that police and outreach staff had long been in the space.
• The council voted that Councilor Beck has a conflict of interest regarding the Together Place warming center because his wife received income from the organization this year; he would need to leave the room for matters specific to that facility.
• Councilor Joseph Leonard said the city cannot keep relying on volunteer-run warming shelters and called for the city to take a larger role; Councilor Carolyn Fish said more outside partners and experts should be brought to the table.
• Councilor Wayne Mallar questioned whether funding is in place for a central kitchen construction manager position; staff said the project has $1 million in congressional funds, $500,000 from the Northern Border Commission, and $6 million in bonding authority in the budget.

Next steps

• City staff will prepare a comprehensive report for the council on city ordinances and laws governing camping on city property.
• The city manager will gather names and types of representatives for a short-term encampment advisory committee and bring a proposed member list to the council by the end of the month.
• A homeless response manager job description is a priority to finish this week, with posting expected after January 1.
• Public health director Jen Gunderman will follow up on reports that some people were turned away from warming centers despite available capacity.
• A special council work session with state legislators is tentatively set for January 5, and a legislative committee proposal will be added to that discussion.

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