During a recent meeting of the Bangor Planning Board, discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of low-income housing and the need for innovative solutions to address the community's housing crisis. A key focus was the potential for federal loan programs, specifically the Genesis program, which supports low-income housing projects. Board members expressed interest in exploring these options further, with plans to gather more information for future discussions.

Member Hume brought attention to the difficulties faced by developers in Bangor, drawing comparisons to the housing market in Portland, where former mayor Ethan Stremling has been advocating for low-income housing. The conversation underscored the complexities of building affordable housing in both cities, as rising costs and limited resources continue to pose significant barriers.

A recurring theme in the meeting was the disconnect between the number of available houses and the declining population in Bangor. Board members noted that while there are more houses than ever, many are large and occupied by fewer individuals, particularly as households age. This trend raises concerns about the lack of viable options for older residents looking to downsize, which may contribute to stagnation in the housing market.

The board acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive approach to housing, emphasizing the importance of increasing population density within existing housing stock rather than solely focusing on new construction. As the meeting concluded, members recognized the necessity of ongoing dialogue and collaboration to tackle these pressing housing issues, aiming to create a more sustainable and inclusive community for all residents.