Northern Maine Rec Center Tied To Tax Hike In Bangor Would Compete With Similar YMCA Project

A taxpayer-financed $75 million rec center and ice arena is being proposed by Bangor city officials.

The controversial city project will hinge on a council vote whether the city needs two similar sports arenas – one of which is run by a non-profit entity, the YMCA.

Bangor planners say their project would require an annual tax increase estimated at $300 on a $250,000 home.

The city rec center and ice rink is slated for a 40-acre Griffin Road lot across from Husson University.

The new athletic center would replace two city facilities – the aging parks-and-rec building on Main Street  as well as Sawyer Arena on 13th Street.

Plans for an expensive taxpayer-supported sports complex come amid a $58 million Greater Bangor YMCA project already under construction.

The new Y building on Main Street, which nearly doubles the size of the current 45,000 square-foot facility on Second Street, is scheduled to be ready early next year.