08/26/2026
Yesterday, one Facebook post turned into a conversation that reached far beyond our corner of downtown.
This morning, called for a Blueberry Coffee Cake Macchiato and reflecting on everything that was shared.
I’ve read the comments. The supportive ones, the angry ones, the heartbreaking ones, and the stories from other businesses and residents dealing with many of the same things.
For us, this conversation didn’t start yesterday.
We’ve dealt with break-ins. Smashed windows. Theft. And even a fire where the resulting water damage caused us to lose everything in one of our businesses.
We’ve watched the challenges facing downtown Bangor grow, and we’ve also watched people struggling with homelessness, addiction and mental health who desperately need real help.
Those two realities do not have to compete with each other.
We can have compassion AND expect accountability.
We can want people to get the help they need AND expect our businesses, employees, customers and community to be safe.
Yesterday made one thing very clear… people are ready to talk about this.
And maybe having the uncomfortable conversation is where something finally starts to change.
For now, the coffee is brewing, the doors are open, and we’re here… because we still believe in Downtown Bangor. ❤️
City of Bangor, Maine - City Hall
