A Bangor nonprofit serving drug users is pursuing rezoning its new location after it was shut down less than a week after opening.
Needlepoint Sanctuary did not confirm that its new location, at 1009 Ohio St., would be a viable option under the city’s zoning requirements prior to opening, despite previously being in touch with the city while searching for a location.
“We are committed to working with the city of Bangor to explore options related to rezoning,” William Hurley, the organization’s executive director, said Tuesday.
He received a notice from Bangor code enforcement on July 8 stating that the organization’s use of the building was not permitted under the city’s zoning restrictions for neighborhood service districts, he said.
“We are currently a fully staffed, fully funded, ready to go program, and we’re in the midst of an HIV crisis, so we’re hoping that this gets addressed quickly,” he added. “What we’re looking for is a home where we can navigate services in a dignified and safe way.”
A 27th case was identified this month as part of the Penobscot County HIV outbreak.
City officials previously expressed concerns about Needlepoint Sanctuary’s initial plan to offer mobile syringe services in public spaces like Pickering Square and Pierce Park. The group’s new office is far from downtown, located between a gas station and a creek.
“We wanted to find a location that was quiet, that wouldn’t cause any sort of friction with any neighbors, and we thought that this was the perfect location,” Hurley said. The organization planned to offer a shuttle and free bus tickets to transport people to the building, he added.
The Ohio Street office was open and providing syringe services on five days between July 3 and July 11, Hurley said. When the Bangor Daily News asked Hurley on July 21 about the new location, he did not disclose that the office had already been shut down.
While the group tries to find a way to restart its syringe program, it is also offering other services, including STD testing, free food and connections to health care providers, every Monday and Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church on 120 Park St.
“It’s a safe haven for us,” said Anthony Miles, who goes to those events every week.
“This community is in desperate need of syringes,” he said, noting that he visited the new location once before the syringe services stopped. “With a place like that, I think it would really control the HIV outbreak.”
