City HallWednesday, November 4
Bangor Mall is condemned, but JC Penney and Dick's Sporting Goods stay open
The Today in Bangor team
If you were headed to Bangor Mall, check first. The city condemned the building Monday, and the signs on the doors say it's "unfit for human habitation or use." On Tuesday the city explained why: restrooms aren't working, parts of the building have no heat, and a leaking roof caused electrical problems at two corridor entrances, where it cut power.
The closure followed months of unfixed violations
- JanuaryThe city condemned the former Sears wing and cut its power.
- AugustNamdar had not finished court-ordered repairs or paid the $1.1 million fine.
- Nov. 2City employees posted condemnation signs on the mall's doors.
- Nov. 3The city said missing heat and restrooms forced the closure.
Source: Bangor Daily News
The city's economic development team is working with the stores inside to offer what help it can. Betsy Lundy, executive director of the Downtown Bangor Partnership, wants to fill downtown vacancies with pop-up shops from mall retailers.
- Open: JC Penney, Dick's Sporting Goods, Furniture Mattresses & More
- Fine for entering or removing a sign: $100 to $2,500
- Potential sale: appears poised to fall through after a financier pulled out
Namdar owes millions as the mall closes
- $2 million
- at least, owed by Namdar after three lost lawsuits
- $1.1 million
- fine to the city, unpaid as of August
- 30 days
- for Namdar to appeal the condemnation
Source: Bangor Daily News
Q106.5 was told the local investment group hoping to buy the mall didn't know the city planned to act this week.
Sources: Bangor Daily News, FOX 22/ABC 7, Q96.1, Q106.5