Pull plug on project

Earlier this year, the Bangor Daily News editorial staff wrote an endorsement of the conversion of the waterworks by the Shaw House Development Inc. – a for-profit subsidiary of Shaw House Inc.

Since that time, its cost per apartment was $6 million divided by 35 units or $171,000 per unit. Each unit is but 331 square foot, and the windows will be fixed shut so no despondent tenant can jump into the Penobscot River.

You can purchase a two-bedroom trailer home with all housekeeping facilities for $60,000.

The use of eminent domain by the city to the railroad also seems to border on suspicious since it was for private use and Maine laws recently exposed this to be illegal.

With a concern over a historic site, the historical participants should be required to provide annual maintenance to cover the deterioration. To some, the large pump is of interest as each stroke sent 250 gallons of water to the standpipe off Ohio Street.

Of more concern is the crossing of the railroad tracks by the tenants. It has been said a fence would be erected, but where is the emergency exit for the building – into the river?

With fiscal restraint in question, the city, Maine State Housing Authority, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Bangor Savings Bank should review the data and pull the plug on this ill-advised project for the safety of the proposed 35 tenants and the taxpayers.

Fred Boyce

Bangor