Bangor group plans outreach for Community Development Week; downtown "glowup" grants, sidewalk art festival set for summer

Betsy Lundy, representing downtown interests, outlined downtown programming for the spring and summer, including the return of adopt‑a‑garden, more flower boxes, volunteer events such as the "big dig day" and a sidewalk art festival moved to the second Saturday in July to avoid Fourth of July conflicts. "We are rolling into our spring season here in downtown and launching all of our warm weather programs," Lundy said, noting free volunteer signups and a calendar of events on the city website.

In partnership news, Lundy described a new "glowup" grant program, created with Da Vinci Signs, that will provide small storefront grants for paint, awnings, signage or other streetscape enhancements to encourage pedestrian friendly storefronts.

Separately, a community development staff member proposed a Community Development Week outreach activity (April 6–10): a kindness or "love" card campaign in which volunteers or businesses distribute small cards and encourage pass‑along acts to foster social connection. "We could maybe partner with one or multiple local businesses to sort of set up shop," the staff member said, describing options such as library or West Market Square pop‑ups and hospital or campus partners. Attendees suggested using multiple locations, passing blank cards forward to sustain the effort, and recruiting volunteers from area hospitals, Fusion Bangor and college campuses.

Staff noted practical next steps: finalize a schedule quickly, coordinate with Robin and other partners, and use city pop‑up tents and tables if weather permits. Staff also distributed maps and a contact card for downtown resources and noted Jeremy Brock is now the city communications contact replacing Jason McCambley (phone remains functional).