March 29, 2024
Letter

Police station petition

As a downtown investor, property owner and taxpayer, I was disappointed in our Bangor City Council’s recent vote against construction of a new police headquarters on Main Street.

At their June 14 meeting, councilors listened at length to considerable public comment strongly supporting a downtown location, but to no avail. By a 6 to 2 vote, the council first decided not to postpone their decisions until more public input could occur, and then voted against the Main Street location.

I agree with public sentiment that none of us actually believe the council would not place a new police headquarters where it belongs – in the heart of the city. At the downtown location, the police would be centrally located to the developing riverfront, racino at the Bangor Raceway, businesses, hospital – and hopefully – a new civic center. Of most importance, is that our police would provide a strong visual presence along with a greater sense of community and well being.

City officials have successfully made great strides in revitalizing and bringing more people back to downtown Bangor. Relocating basic services of the police department to the outskirts of town makes no sense and is a poor decision.

Hopefully, a petition now circulating to put this question to a public vote will give all Bangor voters the chance to have the final say.

Martin Hipsky

Stetson


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