Lewiston, City of

The meeting centered on the Lewon Housing Authority's application for development review and subdivision amendment concerning the Martell School Apartments project on a 3.2-acre lot. Key discussion points included requested amendments to the Phase One approval from September 2023, particularly regarding pathway surface materials and location changes due to construction cost variations and coordination with Phase Two engineering. Significant debate occurred regarding pedestrian access and safety, specifically the lack of a direct, safe pathway for residents, especially seniors, to the adjacent Shaws facility, which lacks a connecting sidewalk. The applicant explained the constraints posed by grade changes and property lines that prevent direct sidewalk connection. Furthermore, changes to the stormwater management plan were detailed, involving the removal of focal points and redesigning the system to utilize a larger underdrain soil filter to maintain current flow patterns and avoid increasing runoff toward East Avenue. Board members also requested a visual review of the proposed plan changes and clarification on property boundary encroachments.

The City of Lewon's 5-year Capital Improvement Program (LCIP) for fiscal years 2027 to 2031 outlines a total of $239 million in capital projects. These projects, funded through city resources, bond issues, and operating budgets, span various departments including transit, economic development, fire, police, public works (buildings, sidewalks, streets, parks), library upgrades, and school facility improvements. The plan emphasizes debt management strategies and addresses the challenging nature of the FY27 budget amidst rising costs and a city-wide revaluation process.

The meeting began with the election of officers, resulting in the re-election of Shana Cox as Chairperson, the election of Lucy Bisson as Vice Chairperson, and the selection of Zoe Lindstöm as Secretary. Following the officer elections, the Board reviewed and adopted the 2026 policies, procedures, and protocols handbook. Correspondence regarding the Complete Streets program and the fiscal year 27 LCIP was noted and placed on record. The main segment involved a workshop with the Complete Streets Committee to foster dialogue regarding pedestrian movements, priorities, and alignment with development planning, specifically addressing how development projects, such as the new grocery store project at the Lewon Mall and an adjacent LHA project, are brought before the committee for review.

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance led by a Lieutenant. Key discussions involved the approval of the minutes from the November 18th meeting, which passed unanimously. Public comment focused on concerns regarding violence and de-escalation in public meeting spaces and a resident's request for the City Counselor to address a School Board vote regarding an investigation, citing Robert's Rules of Order. The City Administrator's report covered several key administrative updates, including public education efforts surrounding the first citywide property revaluation in 30 years, announcing the upcoming 'Holiday at the Plaza' event, and outlining plans for public safety listening sessions following the new Chief's appointment. Furthermore, the administration is researching job descriptions and salary scales for a public health position and announced an employee appreciation lunch closing city departments briefly on December 18th. The council also addressed an agenda item concerning the extension of the purchase and sale agreement with Heert Development for a substantial housing development on city-owned land at 55 Old Lisbon Road, which was approved unanimously after discussion regarding due diligence on easements, traffic, zoning, and buffering adjacent industrial growth.

Key discussions included the Spring Street Mill and Fill Project in Auburn, focusing on a 50/50 funding split with the State of Maine for the Court St. to Elm St. section, which includes grinding, curb work, sidewalk redo, drainage improvements, and a recommendation for a rapid flashing pedestrian crossing beacon near the Hannaford entrance. The committee also reviewed the preliminary design for the Turner and Dennison Intersection in Auburn, which includes proposed speed tables, bump outs, and raised crosswalks, noting that detailed design funding is secured but construction is years away. An update was provided on the Canal Street Demonstration Project in Lewiston, which has City Council endorsement and is moving forward with painting and potential flexible delineators for bike lanes; the potential closure of the Chestnut St. Bridge is now off the table. The committee also received a heads-up regarding multiple construction efforts in Lewiston, including work on Sabattus Street, Main Street (with a planned crossing island near the Looking Ahead Clubhouse), and the 5 corners intersection. Finally, the committee requested an update on the Safe Streets For All (SS4A) initiative for the June meeting.