Yellen Pines / 26-242

Strongly opposed the project, citing destruction at other homeless sites, Preble Street staffing costs, and the $11 million price for 30 apartments.

Questioned the project's rules, success rate, taxpayer cost, and whether Dorothea Dix would be a better investment.

Asked the council to table the deal until a complete 30-year financial analysis is public, noting Logan Place in Portland received zero TIF assistance.

A realtor, she argued the units cost $932 per square foot versus a Bangor median home price far lower, and called the project subsidized rather than affordable housing.

Reviewed the plans and comparables in Maine, Canada and Atlanta, estimating the project could be built for about $6.5 million versus the $11.2 million proposed.

A homeless services hub coordinator, she cited data showing people average nearly five years homeless in Bangor and urged support for housing with wraparound services.

Warned that the city's 30-year commitment is locked in while the state's Housing First funding could change with elections; asked the council to revisit after November.

Said the council has fumbled on housing for years and gave full support: nobody gets back on track without a roof over their head.

Corrected the Dorothea Dix bed figure (67 operational beds, roughly $400,000 per bed per year) and noted any alternative also costs taxpayers money.

Preble Street's VP of operations described Logan Place's Portland results: 88% fewer jail nights, 66% fewer ambulance calls, 80% fewer police contacts in year one.

Bangor Housing's leader said homelessness will persist regardless, the TIF is the only ask, and without it the project cannot move forward.