Bangor parking committee backs three 15-minute spaces, reviews snow plan and paid street parking

The Downtown Parking Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend converting three of four proposed downtown spots to 15-minute parking, dropping one near Patty Murphy's because it is blocked off in summer. Members also reviewed a two-zone downtown snow removal plan and discussed a consultant's projections for paid on-street parking, which drew support from some members and concern from a small business owner.

Key points

• The committee voted unanimously to recommend three of four proposed 15-minute parking spaces, in front of Harvest Moon, Portland Pie and Bagel Central; the fourth, near Patty Murphy's, was dropped because barriers block it in summer.
• Members agreed the 15-minute change should be treated as a trial lasting at least a full year so it can be evaluated across seasons.
• Staff presented a downtown snow removal plan that splits the area into two zones so parking is not banned everywhere at once; a text alert system and public outreach are planned.
• A parking consultant presented conservative, moderate and aggressive revenue projections for paid on-street parking, with roughly 274 spaces and about 20 multi-space meters at an estimated $202,000 capital cost.
• Ann Ross, who owns a Pilates studio on Harlow Street, said paid street parking is a tough sell for her clients who drive in from other towns, and pressed for better employee and resident parking options.
• Alton Buzzell said the Downtown Bangor Partnership board voted to support paid parking downtown, and members raised questions about resident discounts, enforcement and how the rollout would be communicated.

Next steps

• Staff will follow up on the communications plan for the snow removal zones and on how many downtown residents are signed up for parking text alerts.
• Staff will look into whether the software can offer preferred rates or timing for Bangor residents and will bring high-level capital funding options to a future meeting.
• The committee expects to meet again in early December, with a possible council presentation on paid street parking in the winter.

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