BANGOR – Faced with two “quality” options for a small city-owned property across Court Street from the police station, city councilors Monday night decided to allow more time for discussion about the best use for 58 Court St. The city acquired the property last year for nonpayment of taxes.

A representative of the Bangor Y, which wants the property, suggested that the parcel could be a factor in whether the Y stays in downtown Bangor.

“One of the things that will influence that is the physical space we have [near its Hammond Street facility],” Joseph Pratt, treasurer of the Y’s board of directors, said. While he said that the Y’s preference is to stay where it is, “we really need more space to stay downtown.”

When the matter last was addressed last December, councilors appeared to be leaning toward negotiating a deal with the Y, which is experiencing a serious parking crunch near its Hammond Street facility.

While council members made no promises at that time, a majority indicated by a show of “thumbs up” their support for continued talks with the Y regarding terms and conditions for the disposition of the property, which currently houses a duplex.

The Y’s initial proposal called for paying off the $8,000 in taxes owed on the property and covering demolition costs. The duplex then would be torn down and turned into parking space for staff members.

Resident Jody MacGregor, however, said that the duplex is repairable and to raze it to create parking for the Y would take the property off the tax rolls.

“I personally would like to rehabilitate the building,” she said, adding that it was she who brought the idea to the city in the first place, only to find herself shut out of the process.

“I think in all fairness, it should go out to bid,” she said.

Last December, City Assessor Benjamin Birch estimated the property’s value at $31,800 in its current condition and at $82,200 after renovations. Code Enforcement Officer Dan Wellington said estimates for repairing the building range from $63,000 to $113,000.

During deliberations, the councilors said that they wanted the Y to stay downtown.

“I believe the Y is definitely a fixture in downtown Bangor,” Councilor Richard Stone said.

Despite that, some on the council said the affordable housing option also had merit.

“It turns out that it’s not a simple case,” Councilor Geoffrey Gratwick said. While he agreed with Stone, he said that 58 Court St. was a “reasonable rehabilitation property. … So we’re having to deal with two good causes.”

Discussion surrounding the issue was confusing and complex because Monday’s agenda had two conflicting orders, one authorizing negotiations with the Bangor Y and the other, directing staff to request proposals.

In the end, however, councilors agreed to kick it back to committee level for more discussion. The issue will return before the council during its Dec. 28 meeting.