BANGOR — A new bill aims to allow the state to take control of the Bangor Mall.

The proposed legislation comes after the city of Bangor filed two lawsuits against the owners of the mall, Namdar Realty, for alleged code violations and claims of stormwater and sewer violations.

“The retail has almost completely evacuated from that property,” said Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, who proposed the bill. “It’s a shell of its former self.”

If passed in its current form, it would direct the state’s housing authority to purchase the mall or seize it through eminent domain.

However, at a public hearing on March 18, Maine Housing said this type of project is not within their scope.

“Maine Housing doesn’t own or manage any housing properties,” said Erik Jorgensen, Maine Housing director of government relations. “We’re not housing developers nor are we land-use planners, and this sort of project would be outside of our expertise as a housing finance agency.”

During the hearing, Jorgenson said he was voicing “respectful opposition” of the bill.

Jorgensen also suggested that the project should start at the local level. 

“We really appreciate Senator Baldacci’s faith in Maine Housing, but we think that seeking to have us act as the developer for a project like this would be sort of like asking DHHS to perform surgery,” said Jorgensen. “They definitely understand how medical systems work, but you probably wouldn’t want them in the operating room working on a patient.”

According to Baldacci, one of the goals with this bill would be for it to make way for affordable housing on the mall property.

During the hearing, Baldacci said an amendment to the bill may include finding a different state entity to purchase the property.

“I think, ultimately, what we’re hoping for to develop — but it will take some time — is a partnership between an appropriate state entity, the local government and the Bangor Housing authority,” said Baldacci. “To come up with a strategic plan to redevelop that area for both housing and commercial use.”

Next, the bill will go to a work session. However, Baldacci said one option for the bill would be to hold it until next January to allow time for the city’s lawsuits to work their way through the court system, and to iron out the details of the bill and find stakeholders in Bangor to come up with a “collaborative community strategy.”

“At some point, we have to do something,” said Baldacci. “At this time, the very large Bangor mall area has not only become an eyesore but is deteriorating quickly.”