Bangor seeks support for civic center from Brewer

BREWER – The future of the Bangor Auditorium and Civic Center and the next step for the city’s waterfront revival effort were two of the matters city councilors considered Tuesday night during their monthly meeting.

In a matter of regional significance, Brewer officials heard a presentation about the future of the Bangor Auditorium and Civic Center.

During its presentation, a delegation from Bangor led by Mayor John Rohman noted that the auditorium, built in 1954, is in need of either replacement or major modernization.

The civic center, though newer, is ill-suited for many events now held there.

To that end, last spring the city of Bangor began evaluating several options, including the possible closing of the buildings that Bangor officials estimate bring more than 300,000 people to the area each year, representing an annual economic impact of more than $30 million.

Facing potential replacement costs of $30 million, or upgrade costs of up to $12 million, Bangor officials have been seeking ways to share expenses. They are making the rounds to governing boards in nearby communities to try to elicit support.

The Brewer appearance was among several scheduled.

According to Rohman, after researching the matter and consulting area businesses and residents, Bangor officials have concluded that replacing the structures is the best option.

He also noted that the city can’t afford to finance the project on its property tax alone.

Officials are now are in the process of exploring what options exist in the private, regional, state and federal sectors.

Cost-sharing possibilities considered in recent months include countywide financing similar to that used for the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, and an additional local sales tax or a meal and lodging tax, either of which would be subject to approval from state lawmakers.

Though Brewer officials took no action on the matter Tuesday night, Mayor Eddie Campbell agreed that the two cities should meet again to explore the matter in greater depth.

Also Tuesday, city councilors unanimously adopted a master redevelopment pln for the city’s waterfront, now called Penobscot Landing.

Now that the plan has been approved, the project will enter the implementation and marketing phases.

MBIA Bartram & Cochran of Hartford, Conn., which led the consortium of contractors hired to help develop the waterfront strategy, was tapped by the city last month to serve as a consultant for the next stage.

The plan includes proposed placements for various waterfront attractions and features, as well as a timeline and cost estimates.

It calls for an entertainment district and public market, several facilities for boaters, a ferry shuttle facility, a performing arts center and artisans cooperative, a fishing pier, museums and recreational and interpretive trails, among other things.

The project would require between $35 million and $57 million in investments to be spread out over at least 10 years.

Just over $7 million of the project’s total cost is likely to be borne by the city, while the rest will come from the state or federal governments, private developers and investors and sponsors.

Brewer’s $7 million share, however, reflects $3 million in tax-increment financing, leaving only $4 million to be raised locally.

The councilors also approved liquor licenses and special amusement permits for Leo Cookson and Ray Achorn of C&A Associates and Donna Herweg of Lucky Duck Inc.

According to their applications, Achorn and Cookson are opening a restaurant and lounge called Sonny Rays at the Twin City Motor Inn on Wilson Street.

Last month, their proposal to open Sonny Rays at 395 North Main St. was rejected by the council, mainly because that location is within a largely residential area that includes the local Little League ball field, a popular ice cream spot and Washington Street School.

Herweg is in the process of taking over Caps Tavern on South Main Street, according to her lawyer, Robert Miller of Old Town.

Though the establishment has been the subject of noise complaints in the past, Miller assured councilors that Herweg would be a full-time, on-site manager.

Miller said Herweg does not intend to hire bands, like her predecessors did, but plans to continue offering karaoke as entertainment.