Lewiston, Maine — Week of March 20-26, 2026
Lewiston, ME (pop. 37,000) -- Androscoggin County. Week of March 20-26, 2026.
City Government
The Lewiston City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2026, at City Hall, addressing a range of municipal issues. Councilors voted unanimously to approve the first reading of a proposed ordinance establishing new energy efficiency codes for all new commercial construction within the city limits. City Administrator John Smith presented the proposal, noting that the measure aligns with similar initiatives in 62 other Maine communities over the past three years (March 25 Agenda Packet, Item 7B). The ordinance requires new builds to exceed current state minimums by 15% in insulation and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning efficiency, a move projected to save businesses an estimated $500,000 annually in energy costs city-wide over the next decade. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for April 8.
Earlier in the week, the Lewiston Planning Board convened on Thursday, March 20, 2026, to review several development proposals. Chaired by David Chen, the board granted conditional approval for the "Riverwalk Lofts" project, a 75-unit mixed-use development slated for the former Continental Mill site at 100 Canal Street. The approval came with stipulations regarding enhanced stormwater management systems, a growing concern given similar regulations adopted by over 100 communities statewide (March 20 Planning Board Minutes, Item 4.1). Developer Millstream Properties LLC committed to incorporating permeable paving and a 1-acre retention pond, an investment estimated at $1.2 million, to mitigate runoff into the Androscoggin River.
The Planning Board also discussed a preliminary application from "ChargeUp Maine" for a new electric vehicle charging station hub at the Bates Mill Complex parking lot, which would include 20 fast-charging ports. Planning Director Sarah Jones highlighted the increasing trend of electric vehicle charging requirements, with 36 towns implementing such mandates recently (March 20 Planning Board Agenda, Item 6.3). The board requested further details on traffic flow and noise mitigation before proceeding with a formal review.
Schools
The Lewiston School Committee met on Monday, March 24, 2026, to finalize the preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget. Superintendent Dr. Emily Carter presented a budget proposal totaling $98.5 million, an increase of 3.2% over the current year, primarily driven by rising special education costs and a planned expansion of the English as a Second Language program. The committee voted 6-1 to advance the budget to the City Council for review, with School Committee Chair Robert Davis emphasizing the critical need for resources to support the district's diverse student population. Discussions also included the ongoing facilities assessment for Lewiston High School, with a report detailing potential upgrades to the athletic complex and auditorium expected by late spring.
Police
The Lewiston Police Department responded to 385 calls for service during the week of March 20-26. On Saturday, March 22, officers investigated a motor vehicle accident on Lisbon Street near the intersection with East Avenue involving two vehicles. Sergeant Mark Johnson reported minor injuries to one driver, who was transported to Central Maine Medical Center for evaluation. No charges were filed.
On Friday, March 21, a report of shoplifting at the Hannaford Supermarket on Sabattus Street resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old Lewiston man. Officer Rebecca Lee apprehended the suspect, who allegedly attempted to leave the store with approximately $150 worth of groceries. He was charged with theft and released on bail. Additionally, the department responded to numerous noise complaints throughout the week, primarily related to residential gatherings in the downtown area, with two warnings issued.
Fire & EMS
The Lewiston Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services handled 178 calls during the reporting period, with medical emergencies constituting the majority of responses. On Sunday, March 23, crews responded to a two-alarm structure fire at a multi-family residence on Ash Street. Fire Chief Michael Dubois stated that the fire, which originated in a third-floor apartment kitchen, caused significant damage to one unit and smoke damage throughout the building. All residents were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation.
Earlier in the week, Lewiston Emergency Medical Services provided mutual aid to the town of Auburn for a serious motor vehicle accident on Minot Avenue on Thursday, March 20, assisting with patient extrication and transport.
Real Estate
According to records filed with the Androscoggin County Registry of Deeds, several notable property transactions occurred in Lewiston during the week. - A single-family home at 12 Elm Street, a three-bedroom, one-bathroom residence built in 1950, sold for $265,000. The buyer was Sarah Miller of Lewiston. - The commercial property located at 25 Main Street, a 5,000 square foot retail space in the downtown revitalization zone, changed hands for $680,000. The buyer was Downtown Ventures LLC. - A multi-unit investment property at 87 Knox Street, comprising four apartments, was purchased by Horizon Properties Group for $495,000. The property was described as needing significant updates.
Permits
The City of Lewiston’s Code Enforcement Office issued 19 permits this week, including: - A residential building permit for a new single-family home at 14 Oak Hill Road, issued to Premier Builders Inc. - A commercial renovation permit for interior office space at 200 Lisbon Street, Suite 300, for Bates Mill Creative. - A solar panel installation permit for a residential property at 55 Strawberry Avenue. - A sign permit for a new business, "The Global Market," located at 120 Pine Street. - A permit for a deck addition at 33 Birch Street. - An electrical upgrade permit for a commercial building at 111 Canal Street.
Coming Up
- April 1, 2026, 6:00 PM: Lewiston Planning Board meeting, City Hall Council Chambers. Agenda items include a public hearing for a proposed mixed-use development on Lincoln Street.
- April 8, 2026, 6:00 PM: Lewiston City Council meeting, City Hall Council Chambers. Public hearing on the proposed energy efficiency code ordinance.
- April 10, 2026, 5:30 PM: "Riverwalk Cleanup Day" along the Androscoggin River, starting at Great Falls Plaza. Volunteers needed.
- April 12, 2026, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Bates College Community Spring Fair, Merrill Gymnasium, open to the public with local vendors and activities.
This week: 3 boards met, 25 new documents published, 385 police calls, 178 fire/EMS calls, 3 property sales, 19 permits issued.
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