Council recommends relocating two downtown restroom units after repeated vandalism and maintenance issues

Staff recommended that Bangor keep public restrooms at Cohen and Cascade parks and remove the two downtown units on Broad Street and Abbott Square because those locations show the highest frequency of vandalism, dispensary replacements and maintenance calls.

Parks staff told council the two downtown units have required repeated repairs and replacements: "170 hand sanitizers in those two units have been replaced since July 1 of last year, eight paper dispensers, five doors," the manager summarized from the memo. Parks and recreation described limited monitoring capability at those sites and recommended redeploying the units to lower-demand park locations, such as the city forest and Essex Woods, where events and park use justify facilities without the same downtown maintenance burden.

Councilors raised concerns about the effect on downtown businesses and asked whether the units were being used for their intended purposes versus inappropriate activities. Staff said they could not monitor usage 24/7 but that other facilities (harbor-master building and some park buildings) are open when park rangers are on duty and are in good condition. Councilors also discussed options to increase signage, add staff hours, and install motion sensors or alert systems like those at the transit center. Several members asked for a legal opinion on liability if a sensor alert went unanswered.

Staff noted council-commissioned artwork on the units would be relocated to nearby park sites if the downtown units are removed. The manager recommended keeping the original budget for restroom maintenance to allow flexibility if redeployment is approved.

Next steps: staff will bring more detailed cost and staffing estimates and clarify timing and signage plans before removing the downtown units.