DOWNTOWN, EXTENDED

Bangor city councilors may be forcing themselves into a false choice by trying to decide if a new civic center facility should go downtown or at Bass Park. A better way to look at the situation is to consider that the park area, across the street from the major casino development, has become an extension of downtown. Rather than consider the merits of a downtown location versus one nearer the edge of Bangor, councilors can focus on the more important issue of what is the best location for such a facility. From this perspective, ease of access and proximity to parking are more important factors than a street address.

The distance from Bass Park to the core of downtown Bangor is about the same as that from the Public Garden to Fanueil Hall, a distance often walked in Boston. Differentiating between downtown and other parts of the city makes such distances seem greater in Bangor.

That distance should shrink, at least psychologically, with further development along the city’s waterfront. The existing walkway and green space, with the planned addition of restaurants and a hotel, will link what is now considered downtown with the Hollywood Slots facility being built on Main Street.

Once the permanent racino is open, additional businesses will open along Main Street, growing the city’s center. When this happens, the Bass Park area should be considered part of that larger center, not something separate or on the edge.

Against this backdrop, debating whether a new civic center should be downtown is less relevant. Any location in this business district should increase foot traffic in the city, boosting sales at shops, restaurants and other establishments.

Councilors must then decide what is the best location based on other criteria, such as where enough land is available and at what cost. Other important considerations are traffic flow and parking.

Although a new facility isn’t likely to be built until 2010, the council is already gathering information to determine what should be included, such as venues for concerts, sporting events and meetings. It should ensure a new facility is as flexible as possible and fits well with other venues and events in the region. Updating a 2002 study with consideration of new businesses, such as Hollywood Slots and other anticipated projects, will better inform such decisions.

Taking a broader view of downtown Bangor will eliminate unnecessary debate and ensure that a new civic center goes in the best spot.