I want to clarify the recent opposition to Bangor Hydro’s initial proposal for putting equipment on the Zoidis lot on Central Street:

If one only gets their information from the Bangor Daily, one might think a few merchants wanted to save a small, cute, undesignated park and that the needs of the Hydro were ever more important.

Under the stewardship of Cheryl Wixson a unique and charming alcove park was created. Indeed, her efforts are greatly appreciated and to use half of it for a bank of transformers seems regressive. However, there were even more issues at stake.

First, the initial proposal, taking up the rear half of the lot with two transformers and three other pieces of equipment, would have precluded any future development of the space either as alfresco seating for an eatery or the construction of another building. Secondly, the noise from the buzzing transformers, magnified by the alcove quality of the space, would detract from the tranquility of the park. Third, there was no process in place to notify any of the neighbors of this plan. We found out by accident. Finally, the opposition was strong and large in number, including virtually every business on Central Street.

Other successfully revitalized downtowns such as Portland and Burlington, Vt., take a strong stand on these issues and demand that electrical facilities be located away from view, in parking lots, behind buildings or underground, and certainly not such that future development is prevented. Visibility and land use issue must be taken seriously if we are to go forward with revitalization efforts. We must be able to foresee the future economic viability of such spaces, expecially so close to the very center of downtown.

A few people in this city government saw the validity of these concerns and stepped in to request a compromise. We are grateful for those efforts and the creative compromise of Jim Ring, the city engineer. Everything is going underground except a quiet switch box. If at some future point, a building is planned, the Hydro will graciously put the switch box underground. Meanwhile, we can enjoy the charming and creative plantings.

According to the Main Street Center, a nationally known agency that is part of the National Trust for Historic Places and is considered an expert on downtown revitalizations, any downtown can be restored. They recomment uninterrupted retail corridors for success. They also suggest if you have a river nearby or any stream running through, chances of success are improved. If you have any interesting architecture, it’s even better. If you have an association of merchants, your chances are better still. Bangor is in a very good position! With the new expanded library, the new Opera House home for Penobscot Theater, the new Cadillac Mountain Sports, the momentum is now for a surge in interest in downtown. Let’s have vision, optimism, and appreciation for the gem that it is and the bright future that is at work.

Patricia Alcott owns and operators Alcott’s Antiques at 30 Central St. in Bangor.