Bangor, Maine’s New Winter Parking Rules Might Make Life Easier

I remember the days of trying to find overnight parking...

When I lived in Portland years ago, it was insane trying to find off-street parking if there was a major snow storm. The city would come alive with people driving way beyond where they lived, trying to claim their little piece of overnight real estate. It was almost like a really bizarre version of musical chairs.

Read More: Take a Video Tour of One of Bangor, Maine's New Tiny Homes

In Bangor, things have felt kind of like that for quite a while. In winters past, Bangor would have all-out bans for overnight parking, especially in downtown areas. It would be a similar scramble, as described above. God forbid, you were one of those folks that took a little too long to find a space, and they were all gone. No fun...

Bangor is trying out a new policy for winter parking.

Because of some recent zoning changes, Bangor isn't requiring new construction to offer as many off-street parking spots. Because of that, the city decided they should try out the concept of making winter parking pretty much exactly like summer parking, with of course, one exception.

If Bangor declares a citywide snow ban, cars in specific downtown areas will need to park somewhere else. Outside of those areas, people will be free to park overnight on the street. This new policy also does away with the old "odd/even" parking that Bangor has done during the winter for decades.

Bangor will also be providing some additional overnight parking lots.

According to the BDN, the city will make additional parking spots available for folks who are affected by the downtown parking bans. They will include Cameron Stadium, some of the Cross Insurance Center lot, the Essex St. Dog Park, Gateway Park, Hayford Park, as well as other areas.

Read More: Bangor, Maine Now has its Own Cheech & Chong Weed Store

In theory, it all sounds very positive. We'll have the whole winter to find out. But Bangor in general, has had a lot less snow in recent years, so it'll likely be a welcome change among residents. Let's hope it's just as positive a change for the city as well.