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4 days ago

Residents at Lewiston meeting press council on syringe cleanup and demand accountability for survivor funds During the council’s public-comment period, residents pressed for revisiting needle-exchange policies after a local resident said she was stuck by a discarded syringe and asked for aggressive cleanup protocols; another speaker urged an investigation into allocation of $1,900,000 raised for survivors and asked the council to seek return of funds to victims.

Residents of Lewiston are demanding urgent action on public safety and financial transparency after a local woman was pricked by a discarded needle, highlighting the need for aggressive cleanup and accountability for survivor funds.

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4 days ago

GrowLA urges Lewiston to press for stronger river protections ahead of Brookfield's 40‑year FERC relicensing GrowLA representative Peter Rubins told the council the upcoming federal relicensing of Brookfield’s hydropower project is an opportunity to lock in higher minimum flows, timed releases and recreation infrastructure; he asked the city to ask DEP to ensure any future river reclassification will be reflected in the FERC Water Quality Certification.

A once-in-a-generation opportunity is on the horizon as GrowLA pushes for stronger protections for the Androscoggin River ahead of Brookfield's critical 40-year FERC relicensing.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #LewistonRiver #RecreationAccess #WaterQuality

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1 week ago

Lewiston airport director flags FAA obligations, deferred maintenance and staffing shifts in budget briefing Airport Director Jonathan Labonte told the council the airport has nearly tripled based aircraft but still faces FAA follow‑ups — including clearing nearly 3,000 trees from approach surfaces, updating property maps and fixing Hangar 5 — and urged coordinated capital planning with both sponsoring cities.

Lewiston Airport is experiencing unprecedented growth with nearly 110 based aircraft, but it faces urgent FAA compliance issues and a budget shortfall that could ground progress.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #InfrastructureNeeds #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LewistonAirport

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1 week ago

Council debates how to phase revaluation impact as proposed budget would raise tax bills for many homeowners Administration estimated a 6.6% operating increase and showed sample tax‑bill comparisons under revaluation; councilors discussed phased implementation, potential cuts and protections for fixed‑income residents as revaluation-driven increases could be substantial for many households.

The proposed budget could lead to a staggering 6.6% tax increase for homeowners, prompting urgent discussions among councilors on how to ease the financial burden.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #LewistonBudget #CommunitySupport #TaxReform #FiscalTransparency

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1 week ago

Lewiston council approves $250,000 loan to Milltown Sports for Coliseum amid divided debate After extended questioning about collateral, underwriting and public benefit, the Lewiston City Council voted 5–2 to approve a $250,000, 14‑year 0% loan to Milltown Sports and Entertainment LLC to support its planned acquisition and operation of the city’s Coliseum.

The Lewiston City Council's controversial decision to approve a $250,000 loan for the Coliseum has sparked heated debates about financial security and community impact.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #PublicFinancing #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #LewistonColiseum

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1 week ago

Council hears contentious proposal to fund a Spurwink mobile harm‑reduction unit with opioid‑settlement dollars Spurwink asked Lewiston for two years of funding from opioid settlement dollars to buy and operate a mobile unit offering naloxone, sterile syringes, wound care and same‑day MOUD initiation. Councilors sought more detail about ordinance language, data on treatment conversions, and coordination with Auburn and shelters.

A groundbreaking proposal for a mobile harm-reduction unit could revolutionize opioid care in Lewiston by bringing essential services directly to those in need.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #LewistonHarmReduction #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUseDisorder

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1 month ago

Planning board grants waivers and approves amended 6‑story mixed‑use project at 55 Middle Street The board granted seven design waivers and approved AGN Development LLC’s amended plan for a six‑story, 152‑unit mixed‑use building at 55 Middle St., allowing reduced glazing, modified first‑floor elevations and a reduced active‑area requirement; the waiver motion passed with one abstention and the development approval passed unanimously with conditions including a parking agreement and recorded Riverwalk easement.

The Lewiston Planning Board has greenlit a bold new six-story mixed-use project that promises to reshape 55 Middle Street with 152 residential units and innovative design waivers!

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #MixedUseHousing #CitizenPortal #LewistonPlanning

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1 month ago

Lewiston council approves six-month moratorium on lot-rent increases in mobile‑home parks Facing testimony from dozens of mobile‑home residents about double‑digit lot‑rent hikes after out‑of‑state purchases, the council approved a moratorium on lot‑rent increases (first passage) to give the city time to study permanent protections; vote 6–1.

Lewiston's City Council has taken a bold step to protect mobile-home residents by approving a six-month moratorium on skyrocketing lot-rent increases that have left many struggling to keep their homes.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance

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1 month ago

Council renews option on iconic Bates Mill No. 5 with six‑month extension and performance‑agreement requirement After developer Platts Associates described complex financing and technical hurdles for Mill No. 5 redevelopment, the council approved a six‑month option extension and directed the administrator to negotiate a five‑year performance agreement (amendment passed 6–1; main motion passed 7–0).

Lewiston's City Council just approved a critical six-month extension for the redevelopment of the historic Bates Mill No. 5, but will it be enough to finally breathe new life into this iconic landmark?

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CommunityInput #CitizenPortal

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1 month ago

Lewiston council approves emergency ordinance limiting municipal cooperation with federal immigration enforcement After hours of debate and more than two hours of public comment, Lewiston’s City Council adopted an emergency ordinance restricting city employees from assisting federal immigration enforcement except when ‘legally authorized,’ a change officials said was requested by the police chief; the measure passed 5–2 and takes effect immediately for up to 60 days.

Lewiston City Council has just passed a controversial emergency ordinance that limits city employees' cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, igniting a heated debate in the community.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #ImmigrationPolicy #CitizenPortal

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1 month ago

Council tables request to assess needs of October shooting survivors pending legal review Following emotional testimony from survivors and advocates calling for transparency about donor funds and unmet needs, the council voted to table a resolution requesting an assessment of shooting-related needs and financial burdens and asked staff and legal counsel to return with recommended, privacy‑safe next steps.

Survivors of the October mass shooting demand accountability and transparency regarding the funds raised, as the council tables a crucial resolution to assess their ongoing needs.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CivicAccountability #TransparencyInFunding

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2 months ago

Lewiston audit: city receives clean opinion; fund balance grew as school subsidy and investment earnings rose External auditors gave Lewiston an unmodified (clean) opinion on the consolidated FY audit and highlighted a roughly $31 million assigned fund balance, stronger investment earnings and an increase in intergovernmental revenues tied to higher school subsidies.

Lewiston just received a glowing audit report, revealing a remarkable $31 million fund balance boost thanks to higher school subsidies and investment earnings!

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #InfrastructurePlanning #CitizenPortal #CommunityFunding #LewistonAudit

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2 months ago

Residents press Lewiston council for transparency after mass‑shooting donations routed to nonprofits Multiple public speakers accused the Maine Community Foundation and some nonprofits of diverting $1.9 million to organizations rather than directly to victims; speakers urged the council to request audits, return funds and form a victim‑centered fund. The city posted a timeline of donations and staff said materials are available online.

Survivors and families of victims are demanding transparency and accountability from the Maine Community Foundation after $6.6 million in donations were misallocated, leaving many feeling "revictimized."

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #LewistonVictims #CitizenPortal #VictimCare

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2 months ago

Lewiston planning board and Complete Streets Committee discuss gaps in how projects get reviewed At a Jan. 12 workshop, Complete Streets Committee members and city staff said the traffic movement permit (TMP) is currently the main formal trigger for committee review; board members pressed to broaden engagement so pedestrian connectivity is considered for projects that do not meet TMP thresholds.

The Lewiston Planning Board is pushing for changes to ensure that pedestrian and bicycle access is prioritized in development projects, even when they don't meet current review thresholds.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #UrbanPlanning #TransportationAccess #PublicSafety

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3 months ago

Lewiston council opts for appointment route and opens applications to fill Ward 5 seat After debate and public comment, the Lewiston City Council voted to follow the charter’s appointment process for the vacant Ward 5 seat, rejected a motion to place a specific candidate on the Jan. 20 agenda, and directed staff to open an application period with a Jan. 14 deadline for inclusion in the Jan. 20 packet.

The Lewiston City Council has opened applications to fill the vacant Ward 5 seat after a heated debate, but tensions remain high over the process and potential candidates.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #PublicParticipation #LocalGovernance #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability

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3 months ago

Lewiston officials unveil $239 million five‑year LCIP; council warned LCIP exceeds charter debt limit Lewiston administrators presented a five‑year capital improvement plan totaling about $239 million and outlined FY27 bond and operating requests; finance staff said the LCIP exceeds the city charter's 80% local debt authorization rule unless the council overrides it or identifies non‑property tax financing.

Lewiston's ambitious $239 million capital improvement plan faces a critical challenge as it exceeds the city charter's debt limit—will the council find a way to move forward?

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability

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3 months ago

Council approves Lowell Street TIF amendment to unlock HUD‑backed housing project The council unanimously adopted a first amendment to the Lowell Street TIF and development program to support a 152‑unit HUD‑insured 'missing middle' building, reducing city public‑project funding to $850,000 and authorizing a fixed annual $400,000 credit enhancement for 20 years to help secure financing.

Lewiston's City Council has just approved a groundbreaking amendment to fund a 152-unit HUD-insured housing project, addressing the urgent "missing middle" housing gap in the community.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #LewistonHousing #AffordableHousing #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Council asks incoming body to review qualifications of Ward 5 councilor‑elect In a nonbinding resolve, the council asked the incoming council to review residency and qualification questions related to councilor‑elect Iman Osman; the measure passed 7‑0 after extensive public comment both supporting and opposing further inquiry.

Lewiston's City Council is stirring up controversy by asking the next council to review the qualifications of councilor-elect Iman Osman amid a heated residency debate.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CommunityDiversity #PublicDiscourse #CivicTransparency #LewistonCouncil

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3 months ago

Lewiston Housing Authority outlines progress on multiple projects, HUD grant for older‑adult modifications The Lewiston Housing Authority reported completion of Wedgwood phase 1 (82 units nearly leased), DeWitt (104 units) slated for 2026 completion, funded Martel senior phases with ground expected in early 2026, Soleil phases planned, acquisition of a 36‑unit SRO at 163–165 Bates Street and a $1.25M HUD grant to modify older homes.

Exciting developments are on the horizon for Lewiston's housing scene, with new projects set to transform downtown living and provide essential support for families, seniors, and veterans!

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #LewistonHousing #AffordableHousing #VeteranServices

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3 months ago

Lewiston council rejects Mill Compute AI data‑center agreement amid strong public opposition The City Council voted 0‑7 to reject a joint development agreement with Mill Compute LLC to convert Bates Mill 3 into a Tier‑3 AI data center after residents and several councilors raised concerns about water use, air and noise impacts, limited local jobs and an insufficient public process.

In a surprising turn, Lewiston's City Council unanimously rejected a major AI data center proposal amid fierce public outcry over environmental concerns and community impact.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #LewistonCommunity #CitizenPortal

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4 months ago

Planning board approves change of use for former Sears at Lewiston Mall; TMP requires off‑site signal and pedestrian work The board approved an application to repurpose the former Sears space at 20 East Avenue as a new retail use, imposing Traffic Movement Permit conditions requiring off‑site signal timing adjustments, new crosswalks and ADA improvements, and verifying stormwater/pipe repairs before occupancy.

Big changes are coming to the Lewiston Mall as the Planning Board approves a new retail tenant for the old Sears space, paving the way for improved pedestrian safety and infrastructure!

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityInfrastructure

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4 months ago

Council bans parking on part of Ash Street after shelter and neighborhood complaints about street-level exploitation After presentations from police and the warming-shelter manager describing ongoing prostitution, drug use and loitering around the shelter entrance, the council approved amending the traffic schedule to prohibit parking on a portion of Ash Street to improve safety for shelter guests and neighbors.

Lewiston's City Council has taken a bold step to combat street-level exploitation by banning parking on Ash Street, responding to alarming reports of solicitation and safety concerns from local shelters and residents.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal

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4 months ago

Lewiston council approves updated syringe service program ordinance after heated public debate After extensive public comment and council debate over caps and program controls, the Lewiston City Council approved amended changes to the city's syringe service program licensing ordinance on a 5-2 roll-call vote, with councilors saying they will revisit implementation in about six months.

Lewiston's City Council has passed a controversial ordinance for syringe service programs after a heated debate, aiming to balance public safety with harm reduction.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #LewistonSyringeService #HarmReduction #PublicHealth

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4 months ago

Casco Bay Trail presenters ask Lewiston for support after state clears 25-mile interim corridor Board members of the Casco Bay Trail Alliance told the Lewiston City Council they are moving from authorization toward design and engineering for a 25-mile interim corridor from Portland to Auburn and asked Lewiston to consider a resolve of support as they plan connections into the city.

A visionary 72-mile multi-use trail connecting Portland, Lewiston-Auburn, and Brunswick is on the horizon, promising to transform local transportation and boost public health!

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #TransportationInnovation #CommunitySustainability

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6 months ago

Council Rejects Amendment to Limit Licenses Amid Zoning Discussions Council votes against limiting licenses, while zoning regulations for hospitals are revisited.

The Lewiston City Council's recent rejection of a controversial license amendment has sparked new debates about healthcare accessibility and zoning regulations in the community.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #ZoningRegulations #HealthcareAccessibility

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6 months ago

City Council Approves New General Assistance Policy Aligning with HUD Guidelines Council adopts maximum assistance amounts for various essential expenses per HUD standards.

Lewiston's City Council just approved a vital update to its general assistance policy to better support residents in financial need—aligning with HUD guidelines!

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #LewistonAssistance #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #FinancialHardship

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6 months ago

Lewiston Council Schedules Workshop for Public Works Report on Needle Litter Councilors plan a workshop to address ongoing needle litter issues in Lewiston.

The Lewiston City Council is tackling urgent community issues, from school staffing stability to dangerous needle litter, all while planning a crucial workshop for open dialogue.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #LewistonPublicWorks

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6 months ago

Lewiston City Council Hears Public Concerns on Parks and Public Safety Issues Citizens voice concerns about park maintenance and downtown safety during Lewiston council meeting.

Residents of Lewiston are demanding action on pressing safety and park maintenance issues, sparking a heated discussion at the recent City Council meeting.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ParksEquity #LewistonPublicSafety #CommunityTransparency

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6 months ago

Council Votes to Reconsider 911 Dispatch Center Location in Auburn City council unanimously supports reevaluation of 911 dispatch center placement at Auburn City Hall.

The Lewiston City Council's unanimous approval of previous meeting minutes signals a strong commitment to transparency and sets a hopeful tone for future decisions that will impact the community.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LewistonCouncil

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6 months ago

City Council Addresses Concerns Over Unannounced Installation of AI License Plate Cameras Council members discuss unapproved Flock camera installations and email policy transparency.

Lewiston's City Council is facing backlash over the secret installation of AI surveillance cameras, sparking urgent calls for transparency and community input on privacy issues.

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#LewistonAndroscogginCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #AccountabilityInCommunication #PrivacyConcerns