Bangor, Maine

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Downtown Bangor in the mid 60's. The Kenduskeag Stream was narrowed to provide parking on both sides. Photo credit: Bangor Public Library
 
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Some information on Bangor's urban renewal efforts which came down to a city wide vote with the citizens deciding in favor of using the available federal funds to demolish dilapidated buildings in the downtown core. Credit for all items: Bangor Public Library/Digital Commons
 
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One hundred and six buildings demolished, so sad! In fairness to Bangor, almost every sizable city east of the Mississippi was dealing with these issues of decay and abandonment. A few cities like Savannah and Charleston, SC were pioneers in the historic preservation movement where others moved forward and destroyed entire neighborhoods and historic districts. The construction of the Interstate system was also at fault during the 50's and 60's by clearing huge swaths of land for the convenience of the automobile which allowed city dwellers to bail from the decaying urban centers and escape to the suburbs. Poor planning and design of the interstate spurs that either circled or cut through downtown areas isolated neighborhoods from the central core and actually shrunk many city propers. Fortunately, Interstate 295 through Portland was located on the back side of the peninsula and not along the waterfront. (y)
 
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Portlander said:
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Some information on Bangor's urban renewal efforts which came down to a city wide vote with the citizens deciding in favor of using the available federal funds to demolish dilapidated buildings in the downtown core. Credit for all items: Bangor Public Library/Digital Commons
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I'm really liking the palm trees in this model. It really sells the vision that Bangor can be the new Bali.
 
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