BANGOR — The future of Bangor’s homeless encampment is still unclear, but the city may have more time to figure it out.

The site near the railroad tracks behind the Penobscot Plaza has dominated recent council meeting discussions since the city announced it would close the site by Dec. 19 due to safety concerns. 

But, at a special meeting on Friday, councilors decided to put a pause on that date.

This comes just days after public pushback on the closure. 

“All of the different department heads are going to come together and see what’s feasible, what makes sense,” Bangor City Councilor Michael Beck told reporters after the meeting. 

According to Bangor Public Health Director Jennifer Gunderman, the number of people staying in the encampment during the nighttime has dropped in recent weeks. 

While 40-45 people were initially estimated to be staying at the location, that number is now closer to 20.

And, according to Gunderman, a number of those remaining residents are being linked to resources such as housing vouchers. 

“So, we’re looking at about 10 people out of that 20 that have a resource or potentially will have an upcoming resource when available,” said Gunderman.

During the meeting, councilors discussed multiple options for how to help the remaining unhoused individuals. This included further talks about creating a sanctioned encampment or “safe outdoor space.” 

Law enforcement officials and other councilors said they felt the closure date shouldn’t be pushed too far into the future.

“When we have a date certain, most of the folks, in previous experience, have found better options,” said Bangor Police Chief Mark Hathaway. “If we have a closure date of late spring, our experience has been in the past that the campsite will likely have a significantly higher number of participants.” 

Additionally, Bangor Fire Department Chief Geoffrey Low was one of several people who emphasized the safety risks posed by unhoused individuals continuing to stay in the railroad encampment.

“I have to look at the physical harm as a greater threat to the folks that live there than the psychological harm in its gravity,” said Low. “I feel like this is good intentions going awry by allowing them to stay in what is, from my perspective and based on my experience, a dangerous place for them to be in.” 

Some councilors also said that they have been having regular meetings with residents of the encampment.

“This is their lives we’re talking about, and I’d like them to have more input,” said Beck. 

Officials also decided Friday that the city will look into hiring a new homelessness response manager soon. 

Jena Jones, who previously held the position, resigned last month.  

It’s not yet clear if or when the encampment will be cleared, but councilors will take up the topic again on Monday.

“My hope is that on Monday we’ll coalesce around another date,” said Bangor City Manager Carollynn Lear. “But that will ultimately be up to the city council.”