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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1965
City of Bangor, Maine
The old auditorium at Bass Park was demolished to make room for the first stage of a multi-phase improvement project to convert this area into a landscaped park and parking area.
An architect will be selected to renovate the Post Office into new municipal office facilities and the renovation project itself should be well underway by the end of 1966.
A substantial amount of time and effort will be expended in assisting various higher educational facilities to get under construction within the City. At the Hogan Road exit of Route 95 it is anticipated that the new state vocational school will be under construction and Husson College will also begin the development of its area on Outer Broadway. To both projects, the City of Bangor has pledged assistance in the construction of access roads and sewer facilities.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1964
City of Bangor, Maine
The new Municipal Golf Course was completed in time to open the second nine holes on September 19 (the first nine had opened on July 9) and play on the course exceeded all expectations. The maintenance building was completed in September, and the clubhouse was completed in October, so that the Recreation Department will be ready for a full season in 1965.
The announcement by the Air Force of the proposed deactivation of the Bomarc Missile Installation and Dow Air Force Base required a considerable planning effort for the future use of these facilities. This will constitute a major portion of the administration's activities in the coming year.
Probably the single most pressing problem in 1965 and for the next two years to come, will be the planning for the smooth and orderly transition of the use of the facilities at Dow Air Force Base from military to civilian. An excellent start has been made on establishing procedures for this project, and the community has take? a . positive approach since the proposed deactivation was announced. However, many months of hard work and tireless effort on the part of many of our citizens as well as municipal staff people will be required to achieve the desired objectives.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1963
City of Bangor, Maine
Bids were opened and contracts let on a Capehart Junior High School for 330 pupils and a Capehart Elementary School for 450 students. These will be ready for occupancy in February of 1965.
The Kenduskeag Stream Parking Plaza was completed and dedicated in July of 1963. This provides an additional 313 parking spaces in the center of the downtown business district. Twenty spaces were also added with the construction of the parking lot at the corner of High and Middle Streets.
The Stillwater Park Urban Renewal project has proceeded smoothly and rapidly. As of the end of the year, 103 parcels of land had either been acquired or were under option, 40 families have been successfully relocated and the construction of the public improvements in the form of streets and sewers has been started by the Public Works Department.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1962
City of Bangor, Maine
Plans were developed during 1962 for the complete renovation of the downtown area through Urban Renewal where it appears that the city could execute a five million dollar project at no additional cost to the city (since its share would be made up of the Kenduskeag Stream Parking Project already nearing completion).
A considerable amount of new highway construction was completed in the city during 1962. This included Washington and Hancock Streets, the reconstruction of the Church Road and the Hogan Road, the reconstruction of another section of Harlow Street, the reconstruction of the intersections at Broadway and Center Street, and Broadway and Somerset Street for improved traffic flow, and the construction of $25,000 worth of sidewalks.
Also there was a considerable amount of state and federal highway construction in the city, with the Capehart area $400,000 project started in the summer of 1962, as well as the reconstruction of a section of Hogan Road from Mt. Hope A venue to State Street. Engineering work began on the relocation of Route 1A, and the improvement of the Bangor end of the old Bangor-Brewer Bridge.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1961
City of Bangor, Maine
A Council Chairman is the leader selected by the City Council membership at the beginning of the Council year. He directs its regular and special meetings, officiates at formal occasions and represents the city in other ways as its mayor. It is an honor and one to which any Bangor citizen can aspire.
As a Bangor native, it is with pride that I represented your City in 1961. As one becomes better acquainted with the Oueen City and its workings, he gains more pride in it. Most of its 32.9 square miles have seen changes in the year and many more are now in the building stages. As elected officials, your councillors are charged with the responsibility of seeing that these changes are always toward the objective of a better Bangor.
Most changes, however, are disruptive in one way or another. But, just as grandfather hates to have the location of his favorite chair moved, so we know that a "status quo" would be much preferred by some. Yet when the changes have been made and the strangeness wears off, it quickly becomes evident that there was a need for the change and it does look better and is an improvement. So it is with Bangor. The times are taking us forward whether all of us relish it or not.
Carl E. Delano, Council Chairman
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1960
City of Bangor, Maine
The year 1960 was a challenging year for the Bangor City Council and the legislation enacted during this year will have long range benefits for Bangor's growth
. On April 25, the Council passed the annual appropriation resolve providing the necessary funds for carrying out the functions of the city government during 1960.
Also during the year, the Council passed ordinances establishing a department of Sealer of Weights and Measures, a department of Harbors and Wharves, a Public Relations Committee of the City Council and adopting the new State Statute relative to procedures for the retention of city records. In October, the Council passed an ordinance completely revising the zoning ordinance of the City of Bangor and also one revising the procedures for street openings.
The City Council passed the necessary legislation to meter the Abbott Square Annex, construct Pickering Square parking lot and put the Kenduskeag Stream proposition to a referendum which was approved by a majority of the voters.
Schools received a major share of the Council's attention and members of the Council served on both the original and the expanded high school building committee working toward the construction of a new secondary school for the City of Bangor.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1959
City of Bangor, Maine
The year 1959 will long be remembered as one of outstanding achievements in our city. It was a year of firsts, a year of celebration, and a year marked by the sincere hard work of your City Council and its associated boards and agencies.
We celebrated 1959 as our Anniversary Year, our 125th as a chartered city, and a year-long program of superlative events was staged by an energetic and tireless Anniversary Committee of industrious citizens.
"Building a Better and Busier Bangor" was the byword, and your City Council cooperated to the fullest in every respect. After several months of strenuous effort the Council, for the first time in seven years, held the line on the tax rate, and there was no increase, despite an upward adjustment on all City employee wages, and a final budget of $4,752,552.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1958
City of Bangor, Maine
The year 1958 saw more outward changes take piece in Bangor than ever before in its history. Construction on the Interstate Highway was well underway as Bangor received the first contract in the State because of a progressive Planning Department, which had a proposed plan ready when Federal and State money became available; the Capehart housing consisting of 530 units was under construction; the Bomarc Missile site; the completion of the new multi-million dollar runway at Dow Field; new modern buildings replacing dilapidated frame structures in downtown Bangor; as well as many new warehouses in our Industrial Park; and the virtual completion of the Main Street Interstate Bypass. All of these projects required close cooperation between the Federal, State and local government. The construction of a new upland water supply was started during the year. The city disposed of various surplus property with the purpose of returning to the tax rolls idle property, which if continued over the years, will help broaden the tax base. The Kenduskeag Stream parking project was voted down by the citizens but a serious parking need still exists, and something must be done soon to alleviate this problem to insure Bangor's continued prosperity.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1957
City of Bangor, Maine
In 1957, as in the years preceding, your city government faced problems of ever increasing size and complexity. In attempting to solve them your city officials, elected, appointed and salaried people alike, worked diligently and long, and while occasional reverses were sustained, by and large the entire city government moved forward on a wide variety of fronts in the effort to make Bangor a better community in which to have your home and business. As in the past, many of the advances and a few of the headaches had their origins in policies and programs adopted by other councils.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1956
City of Bangor, Maine
Progress is a continuing thing. Rarely can a single year provide both the beginning and the completion of any sizable project which has long-range aspects; and 1956 was no exception.
1956 witnessed the completion of several important projects begun earlier. Some of the most outstanding were the final decision that the so-called "Industrial Spur" -- the by-pass from the Hammond Street bulge -- would be built, and actual surveys have been made and plans have been drawn so that construction can be well started and possibly completed in 1957 or early 1958.
1956 saw a successful opening of the new swimming pool on the east side of the city, and while continued experience will improve the operation, many hours of pleasure were afforded to both children and adults by this long needed facility.
The year 1956 saw the adoption of a municipal housing code and the creation and successful beginning of an Industrial Development Department within our city government. The adoption of a plan providing group life insurance for city employees will provide protection to families of employees who die prior to retirement before pension benefits can become operative.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1955
City of Bangor, Maine
One of the items which gave the City Council much concern was the establishment of a new department within the City government for the operation of Bangor's new auditorium. A problem of particular complexity was presented to the Council in the matter of the establishment of a proposed rate schedule for the operation of the auditorium. A compilation of ordinances in auditoriums of comparable size in other areas was made and studied. It was felt by the Council that although the initial cost of the building, which was funded through a bond issue, and interest charges in connection therewith, should be borne by the general taxpayers, the annual cost of operation and maintenance should be borne by those who used the auditorium. The rate schedule adopted by the Council was calculated to provide such an amount and it has, in the operation of the auditorium to date, proven satisfactory.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1954
City of Bangor, Maine
As 1954 draws to a close and we look forward to 1955, the city is working vigorously to solve some of its major problems.
Parking and traffic continue to be two of these. Plans have been made to clear the Harlow Street property owned by the city in early 1956 in order to increase the size of the Abbott Square Parking lot. Plans are also in a formulative stage for the construction of a multilevel parking structure on th west side of the city.
The Air Force, the Bureau of Public Roads, and the State Highway Commission together with the city, have arrived at a solution to the problem of the relocation of Hammond Street around the expanded Dow Air Fore Base and it is expected that construction will be started in 1955. It is hoped that at the same time, a by-pass road can be constructed to connect with Main Street to route east-west traffic around the center of the city.
The operation of the new auditorium will be a major problem in 1955. An auditorium ordinance must be drafted for the regulation of this new department and a new department head chosen to supervise the operations.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1951
City of Bangor, Maine
During 1951, much progress was made toward the construction of a new highway connecting Hammond Street and Main Street. If it had not been for questions raised by the possible expansion of Dow Field, contracts would have been let in October and the highway would have been opened for traffic in the summer of 1952.
This proposed by-pass highway has as its major purpose the elimination of truck traffic from the residential section of the west side of the city. At present, the major portion of the truck traffic coming from or going to outer Hammond Street and points west follows a route along Silver Road, Webster Avenue and Buck Street. The first purpose of the by-pass highway is to provide an alternate route for this truck traffic between Hammond Street and Main Street.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1950
City of Bangor, Maine
Public Works Highlights of 1950:
The construction at Bass Park of the new reinforced concrete grandstand with a structural steel frame roof is probably the outstanding project of the year. The plans, specifications, and contract forms were prepared by the department. The grandstand was completed in time for the Bangor Fair.
In addition to preparing the plans for the grandstand, the engineering division also established street lines and prepared plans for five new streets. Plans were prepared for a dental clinic at the Pine Street School and a fire station at Lane and Allen Streets. The construction of the dental clinic by a private contractor has been completed, but the City Council rejected the bids for construction of the fire station.
The highway division carried on an extensive program of street paving. Two sections of Main Street, totaling 4,320 feet, were resurfaced with hot asphalt. With the completion of this work, the entire surface of Main Street has been covered with a modern type paving. Hot asphalt. paving was also placed on Pine and Hancock Streets.
New construction of city streets was completed on Middle and Columbia Streets and a length of Doane Street.
An extensive tarring program was carried out during 1950, with the result that nearly every street in the city was treated. A total of 275,365 gallons of tar was applied.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1949
City of Bangor, Maine
During 1949 various improvements were made in civic operations andl services but there are still many more improvements left as a future challenge to all of us that we know are needed in order to see our city grow.
In 1949 plans were made for future school building; new facilities were provided for both study and recreation. The next step in the Wilson report was taken when employment of architects to start the new school project for the West side was authorized but we still have unanswered the need for an expanded school budget that will give an amount sufficient for adequate maintenance and a budget that will enable Bangor to be competitive in the procurement of school teachers.
During 1949 improvements were made to our existing sewer system and additional new sewer lines constructed. But here again we still have areas that need improvement and also areas with no service. We also have not answered the request of many of our people for water service in our outlying districts.
These problems cannot be answered in any one year but rather call gor long range planning.
We also recognized in 1949 that we must make further study in the problem of financing a municipal auditorium and steps were made in this direction by the formation of a committee to engage in such a study.
We trust that you feel the year was brought to a successful close as indicated by a substantial cash surplus and by the improvements and the services which were given. The success of operation is due entirely to each employee of the City of Bangor and to each member of the various committees who have given utmost of their cooperation lo help make the successful year.
Many photographs add to the story of 1949 Bangor. Page 55 includes a picture of the Thomas Hill Standpipe being restored to pre-World War II white.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1948
City of Bangor, Maine
Report of Harbor Master:
The Government Ice Breaker "Snohomish" opened the river to the Bangor docks February 14, 1948. The "Snohomish" also came up the river February 15, 20 and 27. The river was opened for commercial craft February 14, and the first tanker arrived at the Port of Bangor February 15, 1948. . The port closed to navigation on January 13, 1949. The port in 1948-49 was opened 335 days as against 339 days for the previous year.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1947
City of Bangor, Maine
During 1947, the city experienced 20 snowstorms varying from 1 inch to 12 inches and the total snowfall for the year amounted to approximately 63 inches. No particular difficulties were encountered in handling these storms and traffic was maintained at all times, with snow removal work being carried out promptly. Twice during January, the city experienced freezing rain storms which coated the streets and sidewalks with a sheet of ice making traffic conditions extremely dangerous. Prompt action on the part of the department by applying salt and sand prevented any serious tie-ups of traffic and greatly reduced the danger of accidents. To combat these slippery conditions, the department used 1493 cubic yards of sand and peastone on the streets, and approximately 500 cubic yards of sand on the sidewalks and 130 tons of salt on the hills and main traffic arteries in the downtown areas.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1946
City of Bangor, Maine
By ordinance enacted late in 1945, the City Council provided for the first time in our history for a full-time Building Inspector. This ordinance established a long needed provision for building regulations that will assure us of a better built city for the future and eliminate, over a long period of time, the many wooden structures now found in the congested area.
While we would ordinarily welcome such a demolition program in the interest of commercial expansion and area improvement, it is regrettable that we were not in a position to further increase the available dwelling units by any residential construction. During the year several meetings were held in the interest of housing, and ways and means were sought lo provide new dwelling units. At each meeting it was definitely concluded that building programs are primarily the function of private capital and of private interests, and that building controls, building supplies, and the labor market permitting the private interests would move quickly to supply the deficiency.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1945
City of Bangor, Maine
Introduction
On August 11, 1945, forty-four months and seven days after it had started on December 7, 1941, the war which had engaged the full productive capacity of this nation for the past four years ground slowly to an end. The successful conclusion of this war, the outcome of which was never in doubt, was assured when the war in Europe ended with the complete capitulation of Germany on May 8, three months before the startling announcement that atomic energy had been employed to hasten the end of the conflict.
Thus, on August 14, 1945, this country had passed through the first stage of its greatest crisis and had emerged with its courage undimmed, its hope for the future still high, and with unbounded faith in its ability to meet the problems of the future and to turn them into golden opportunities.
Your City of Bangor has emerged from this period saddened beyond measure by the loss of 101 of its citizens who gave their lives in its defense, and today stands in full acknowledgement of its debt to them and to the 4,349 others who offered all they had in our behalf and who, in some cases, suffered irreparable physical and mental damage. It is the avowed intention of your city to erect a memorial that will, for a long time yet to come, suitably commemorate the unselfish devotion of these citizens to their fellowman.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1944
City of Bangor, Maine
For many years past, each summer has seen an agricultural fair at Bass Park, and Bangor Fair has become an institution in this section. In 1942, the Fair Association, in the interest of the war effort and at the request of the City Council, suspended the operation of the Fair. In the past, Bangor Fair has been operated at the park under the terms or the lease between the old Bangor Fair Association, and the original owner of the park, Mr. Joseph P. Bass, the lease expiring in January, 1943. In the early part of 1944, the officials of the old Bangor Fair Association evidenced no interest in the renewal of their lease, and the Council authorized a new lease with J.R. Cianchette granting him the privilege of using Bass Park for a definite period each year for the purpose of conducting an agricultural fair which could include a program of light harness racing.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1943
City of Bangor, Maine
The great war and its demands on manpower and materials has influenced the operation of your city to the same extent that it has controlled the policies of other corporate bodies. We have not found it possible, due to these shortages, to carry out our normal peacetime program and, as a result, we are rapidly accumulating a list of deferred maintenance work which will be taken care of when men and materials are again available.
It is the established policy of the city to defer all maintenance work that can, with safety, be delayed until after the war. In pursuing this policy, we are not making further demands on an already limited labor market, nor are we using materials that are badly needed in the furtherance of the war effort. However, what is most important because of this deferred maintenance we are building a work program that will furnish employment to many of the men who will most certainly return to this city when the war is over, and who, by virtue of their service to their country, have every right to expect gainful employment.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1942
City of Bangor, Maine
Highlights:
The regular establishment of the police department consists of forty-four officers, and is made up as follows: the chief, 3 captains, 3 inspectors, 4 sergeants and 33 patrolmen. For the period of the war, provisional police have been authorized to replace, temporarily, those regular officers who are serving in the armed forces.
The program of controlling insect infestation in the shade trees of the City is becoming acute and almost constant effort is necessary to effect control. The Gypsy Moth is the most serious pest and the control work begins in the winter by applying a solution to the cocoons. Last year 7,785 of these were treated and destroyed. During the summer intensive spraying is also necessary and last year 1286 trees were sprayed.
Due to the Federal Government restrictions, the city was unable to obtain the usual supply of tar for surface treating streets with the result that a great deal of patching work had to be done and any section of a street in sufficiently good condition to go through the season was left untreated. Normally the city uses about 350,000 gallons of tar and asphalt but last year only about 160,000 gallons were available. For covering the tar we used 3,867 yards of sand and peastone.
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Annual Report, Bangor, Maine: 1941
City of Bangor, Maine
In this report I shall not attempt to emphasize the amount of work or the difficulties encountered because of the National emergency and its impact upon local government administration; but shall give you a plain statement of fact be it favorable or unfavorable.
In order to arrive at true values over a period of time it is necessary to make comparisons. The several charts in this report are, therefore, definite comparisons. In reviewing the accomplishments and activities of the City Government during the past year the development of the Airport is seen as outstanding. Although the actual work did not come under City control, excepting that specifications, etc., required City approval, the contribution of $75,000 by the City, supplemented by an additional sum by the Maine Military Defense Commission for the purchase of the necessary land, made the development of an Army Air Base here possible. While preliminary negotiations had been made and considerable construction carried out prior to 1941, the change in construction plans resulted in practically the whole existing development as of December 31 having been accomplished during the past year. During the progress of this work many conferences with Government officials were held and agreements and leases entered into, all of which while cooperative, fully safeguarded the City's interests.
The Housing Project on Thirteenth Street, for the accommodation of military personnel, came as a direct result of the development of the Air Base. Again, although the City was not involved in the actual construction, certain agreements had to be worked out and ratified. As one unit of government cannot tax another the City is to be reimbursed by the Federal Government for rendering certain services such as fire and police protection, snow removal, garbage collection, etc.
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