08/21/2026
Thank you Ric Tyler for having me on.
This is a long post but reflects the engagement I have experienced from the public with their questions and concerns about the Yellen Pine Project: As you can see many questions, though asked, were not answered and why I voted no. I’d rather have the answers first, not later. It’s argued that the majority are for, while other’s say, the majority is against the project. I think that perspective comes from your sphere so I’m sure both that argue their point of view feel they are right. For me the majority have been against it, by about 80-85% against. Some have asked since this is such a controversial and serious concern for the residences why was it not put to a referendum? I believe because of the timing it was too late to get it on to a referendum for this year. Here’s the questions I’ve heard many times with my input as being involved on council, though my own prospective and opinion which does not represent, or have any authority, over the council at large.
1) Why was 4. 7 acres agreed to sell for $120,000, below market, and not offered on the open market to other developers who could have built nearly double the 30 units that are proposed now?
A. The developers came to the city with the proposal. The housing was sold as a step toward decreasing homelessness for the individuals with the highest score. This means with the most issues such as long term homelessness, still actively using, likely criminal records, likely other physical or mental health issues. In other words the more issues the higher the score. The project has commitments with other service providers to manage and provide “wrap around” services with the idea this will lead to recovery, at least for some.
B. Its been said $120,000 was market value, though market data says otherwise. It was said that it is because it had pollutants (PFSA) in the land. These typically comes from fertilizer or other residues that often come from military,fire resistant chemicals, plastics etc.
But: The agreed price was before those were discovered.
C. It was explained the land had the stigma from the trash, waste and use as an encampment which decreased the value compared to other vacant land. This has some validity.
But: Why wouldn’t the city put out an RFP to the open market to see what other developers would have proposed for the sales price and for housing projects?
I don’t have the answer.
2. Why does the project cost over 11 mil, when other contractors, who have the plans, say it should cost
6-7 mil?
A. Its been said that the price is due to added and higher level construction or additions needed to provide this type of housing for extra security or medical necessities.
But: other contractors said they took those, or at least those outlined in the plan, into consideration, and to those contractors, it still doesn’t make sense.
B. Why should the city care what the contractor and developer agree to? Since the city is providing 75% tax credit due to a 1 million dollar financing shortage, then perhaps its reasonable to think a 3rd party unbiased opinion might be good.
There’s no information to if that did or did not happen, though I believe was asked.
C. Were there RFP’s (request for proposals)? This Information is a little conflicting. The financing isn’t through HUD, so apparently does not require RFP. Its been said there were not, as the contractor has worked on several other projects with the developer and the developer didn’t feel it was necessary. But, it seems the contractor did put out at least 1 RFP.
Unclear exactly what the answer is.
3. Will this be “Bangor’s” homeless?
The vetting, or scoring to qualify the applicants will be for individuals from Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. 8,000 sq miles and nearly 80 towns. When asked, there was no estimate or guarantee if 1 or all 30 would be Bangor’s homeless.
4) what Is the tax credit reimbursement? The city placed the location (the 4.7 acres) in a special tax credit district called a TIF and agreed to credit, or give back 75% of that property tax for 30 years.
A. Will it cap at the 1,000,000 they need? It would stand to reason over 30 years the property value will increase and the likely tax credit could be substantially more.
At this time there is no cap
B. Will they have to reimburse the city if they sell?
At this time no.
C. If they expand will the 75% credit continue to apply?
Yes, if it’s its on the 4.7 acres
5) Will this decrease homelessness? Some say yes. However, since we have over 40 unhoused a month coming to Bangor, until we manage that flow, AND, since it’s unlikely all 30 will be from Bangor, I don’t see that happening.
6) Will this save tens of thousands of dollars as these individuals won’t be using emergency services.
I have not seen local data on specifically these type of homeless here in Bangor. National statistics have been quoted, but I don’t know what expense Yellen Pines will incur to provide the services these individuals would have, otherwise, called upon by our EMS, police, or hospitals, etc.
So, to me, we don’t have local specific data that I feel I can answer that question.
7) If these individuals are expected to be the hardest hit homeless (meaning still actively using drugs, likely have criminal records and/ or mental or other physical health issues) how and where will they get their drugs, as they will be allowed to continue to use?
I dont have an answer as to how this will be handled.
8)Can these individuals live there indefinitely? Is there a time limit if the dont participate in their recovery?
I dont have the answer as to how this will be handled.
9) Since there are 3000 people on a 3 year wait list to be housed by Bangor Housing, why would they prioritize homeless people with SUD (substance use disorder) over the elderly, veterans, and others? These people have financial, and or physical and/ or mental health issues.. and for some of these elderly, they may not live 3 years… and they dont have the luxury of the opportunity to wake up each day to make a different decision, like stop using and take part in recovery. They can’t decide today’s the day I won’t have cancer, or be old, or handicapped, or have lost a spouse. Why are they less of a priority and ranked differently even on the 3 year list?
I am sorry to say, I dont have the answer.
10) Is it true Bangor Housing will have mortgage payments deferred for 35 years? From public documents that appears to be true, but I believe they will be required to make payments on the interest.
11) Is it true Bangor will be paying the rent vouchers for the 30 apartments?
No, it’s my understanding the State will be paying those.
12) If this is a partnership with the state why didnt they look at doing this development at Dorothea Dix?
The buildings there are not salvageable, but I do not know if any consideration was giving to demolishing the buildings to build these, or not. My guess is not.
13) Since the community is so passionate about this topic why did it not go to referendum vote?
I suspect due to the timing. It’s to late to put on this up coming ballot per our charter.
https://www.wvomfm.com/episode/rewind-08-19-bangor-city-councilor-carolyn-fish-1515/ #
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