HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-09 12-134 ORDERCOUNCIL ACTION
Item No.
Date: April 9, 2012
12 134
Item/Subject ORDER, Authorizing Removal of the Fountain.in West Market Square and
Relocation of "Continuity of Community" to the Bangor Waterfront
Responsible Department: Community & Economic Development
Commentary: West Market Square is recognized as an important downtown gathering place for individuals
and events. West Market Square is in great need of updating and has the potential to be an even stronger
asset for the City. Plans for a reconstructed West Market Square went through an extensive public meeting
process in the summer of 2005 and received approval from the Business & Economic Development Committee
in September of 2006. Construction concepts and designs were completed at that time and the plan called
for the majority of work to be carried out by Public Works crews. The plan was not implemented due to
budgetary concerns. Community members and business owners have a strong desire to see this project
completed.
The Downtown Bangor Partnership has recommended a phased approach to enhancements to West Market
Square that include the relocation of "Continuity of Community" and removal of the fountain. The proposed
renovations will create open space that will allow for better maintenance, snow removal, decrease hazards
present with the existing fountain and keep people out of the roadways during events.
The Commission for Cultural Development noted that relocation of the "Continuity of Community" to the
Bangor Waterfront will allow for a more prominent venue for the sculpture as well as provide for a more
appropriate display of the sculpture. "Continuity of Community" will become the centerpiece of a "Sister City
Monument" that will provide the opportunity to recognize important relationships and events that highlight
Bangor's relationship to other communities (ex. Sister City relationship with Harbin China).
Funding has been allocated from the Downtown TIF for FY12. Public Works is able to complete the scope of
work in April as to have minimal impact on downtown businesses busy summer season.
1) Relocate the "Continuity of Community" to the end of the Bulkhead on the Bangor Waterfront.
2) Remove the existing fountain and surrounding shrubbery to create a more flexible open area. The
fountain area will be filled with concrete to match existing layout of West Market Square.
3) Make landscaping upgrades as remaining funding allows.
This proposal has been unanimously approved by the Commission for Cultural Development and the Historic
Preservation Commission.
Department Head
Manager's Comments:
City Manager
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Associated Information:
Budget Approval:
Legal Approval:
Introduced for
1/ Passage
First Reading
Referral
Finance Director
Page _ of _
Assigned to Councilor — Sprague
CI'T'Y OF BANGOR
12 134
April 9, 2012
(TLE.) ORDER, Authorizing Removal of the Fountain in West Market Square and
Relocation of "Continuity of Community" to the Bangor Waterfront
WHEREAS, West Market Square (WMS) is a visual focal point for the City of Bangor, a
location for both formal and informal gatherings, events and business activity;
and
WHEREAS, plans for a reconstructed WMS went through an extensive public meeting
process in the summer of 2005 and received approval from the Business &
Economic Development Committee in September of 2006; and
WHEREAS, construction concepts and designs were completed at that time and the plan
called for the majority of work to be carried out by Public Works crews; and
WHEREAS, the plan was not implemented due to budgetary concerns; and
WHEREAS, community members and business owners have a strong desire to see this
project completed. Bringing the project to completion would send a strong
message reinforcing the City Council's continued support of downtown; and
WHEREAS, in the interest of progress the Downtown Bangor Partnership has recommended
a phased approach to enhancements that will offer greater flexibility for
community events and create an atmosphere that is more inviting and
aesthetically pleasing at minimal cost to the City; and
WHEREAS, the proposed renovations will create open space that will allow for better
maintenance, snow removal, decrease hazards present with the existing fountain
and keep people out of the roadways during events; and
WHEREAS, the proposed renovations will not prohibit future enhancements; and
WHEREAS, a location at the end of the Bulkhead on the Waterfront has been identified that
will provide "Continuity of Community" more prominence and a more appropriate
artistic display; and
WHEREAS, "Continuity of Community" will become the centerpiece of a "Sister City
Monument" that will provide the opportunity to recognize important relationships
and events that highlight Bangor's relationship to other communities (ex. Sister
City relationship with Harbin China); and
IN CITY COUNCIL
April 9, 2012
Vote: 5-3
Councilors Voting Yes; Baldaeci, Gratwick,
Hawes, Sprague, Weston .
Councilors Voting No: Blanchette, Durgin,
Longo
Councilor Absent: Gallant
P
CITY CLARK
# 12-134
ORDER
(TITLE,) Authorizing Removal of the Fountain
in West Market Market Square and Relocation of
"Continuity of Community" to the Bangor Waterfront
Assigned to Councilor
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