Lewiston, Maine — Week of March 22-28, 2026

Lewiston, ME (pop. 37,000) -- Androscoggin County. Week of March 22-28, 2026.

City Government

Lewiston city officials focused on infrastructure improvements, budget preparations, and ongoing development projects during the week of March 22-28. The City Council convened on Tuesday, March 24, for its regular meeting, where members approved a significant contract for the next phase of the city’s stormwater management overhaul. The $1.2 million contract with Androscoggin Civil Engineering, Inc. will address aging culverts and drainage systems along Main Street, a project City Administrator Sarah Chen noted as critical for preventing future flooding and complying with federal environmental regulations (March 24 City Council Agenda Packet). Council President Robert Miller praised the proactive approach, emphasizing the importance of resilient infrastructure for Lewiston's growth.

The Planning Board met on Monday, March 23, to review several proposals, including a conditional use permit for a new mixed-use development at the former Continental Mill site. The proposal, from Millside Revitalization LLC, includes 40 residential units and ground-floor commercial space, with particular attention paid to integrating new dark sky lighting standards for the exterior. Planning Director Michael Davis highlighted the project's adherence to the city's updated lighting ordinance, which aims to reduce light pollution (March 23 Planning Board Minutes). The board also considered a variance request for signage regulations from a new retail establishment on Lisbon Street, ultimately approving a modified design that balanced visibility with the city’s aesthetic guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Finance Committee, meeting on Wednesday, March 25, continued its review of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposals. Finance Director Emily White presented departmental requests, noting a 3% increase in general fund expenditures primarily due to rising personnel costs and essential equipment upgrades. Discussions included allocations for community development block grants, with several proposals from local non-profits seeking support for housing assistance and job training programs (FY27 Budget Workshop Document 3). The committee will forward its recommendations to the full City Council in April, aiming for a final budget adoption by June. The Staff Review Committee also met briefly on March 26 to finalize permit recommendations for upcoming commercial renovations.

Schools

The Lewiston School Committee held a workshop session on Thursday, March 26, to discuss preliminary enrollment projections for the upcoming school year and facility needs. Superintendent Dr. Brenda Jones presented data indicating a slight increase in kindergarten enrollment, necessitating a review of classroom capacities at elementary schools. The committee also received an update on the ongoing HVAC system replacement project at Lewiston High School, with Project Manager John Stevens confirming the project remains on schedule for completion by late summer. The Lewiston High School track and field team celebrated a successful week, with several athletes qualifying for the state championships in events held over the weekend.

Police

The Lewiston Police Department responded to 187 calls for service during the week. Incidents included a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Sabattus Street and Old Greene Road on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in minor injuries and traffic delays. Officer Maria Rodriguez reported that a sedan and an SUV collided, with both drivers issued warnings for failure to yield. On Wednesday, officers investigated a report of shoplifting at a business on Main Street, leading to the apprehension of a 28-year-old male suspect who allegedly attempted to leave the store with electronics valued at over $300. He was charged with theft. Additionally, police responded to several noise complaints in the downtown area late Friday night, issuing warnings to residents after calls concerning loud music.

Fire & EMS

Lewiston Fire & EMS personnel responded to 62 calls this week, including 48 medical emergencies and 14 fire-related incidents. On Monday morning, crews responded to a two-alarm structure fire at a multi-unit residence on Walnut Street. Fire Chief David Stone reported that the fire, believed to have started in a kitchen on the second floor, caused significant damage to two apartments. All residents were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Lewiston received mutual aid from Auburn Fire Department to assist in containing the blaze. On Thursday, EMS crews transported an elderly individual from a residence on College Street to Central Maine Medical Center following a medical alert activation.

Real Estate

Androscoggin County Registry of Deeds recorded four significant property transactions in Lewiston this week:

14 Elm Street: A three-unit residential property sold for $375,000. The historic building, near Kennedy Park, was purchased by Elm Street Holdings LLC from the Estate of Arthur Jenkins.
210 Lisbon Street: A commercial storefront, approximately 2,500 square feet, was acquired by Downtown Ventures Inc. for $290,000. The property will house a new retail boutique.
78 Pine Street: A single-family home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms sold for $265,000 to the Rodriguez Family from Sarah Thompson.
Lot 4, Technology Park Drive: A 1.5-acre vacant commercial lot was purchased by Northeast Logistics Group for $180,000, indicating potential for future industrial development.

Permits

The Lewiston Code Enforcement Office issued six permits this week:

112 Bates Street: Commercial interior renovation for a new office space. Estimated cost: $45,000.
33 Russell Street: Residential deck addition and repair. Estimated cost: $8,500.
250 Sabattus Street: Installation of new illuminated business signage for "The Daily Grind Cafe."
5 Park Street: Residential roof replacement. Estimated cost: $12,000.
190 College Street: Installation of rooftop solar panels on a single-family home. Estimated cost: $28,000.
10 Canal Street: Electrical upgrade for a commercial tenant fit-out in the Continental Mill. Estimated cost: $15,000.

Coming Up

April 1, 2026, 6:00 PM: City Council Meeting at City Hall Council Chambers. Agenda to include budget review and public hearings on proposed ordinance revisions.
April 2, 2026, 5:30 PM: Library Board of Trustees Meeting at Lewiston Public Library, discussing summer reading programs and facility improvements.
April 3, 2026, 9:00 AM: Downtown Neighborhood Action Committee Meeting at the Lewiston Armory, focusing on spring clean-up initiatives and local business support.
April 7, 2026, 4:00 PM: Public forum on accessory dwelling unit ordinance updates at the Lewiston Public Library Community Room, hosted by the Planning Department.
April 8, 2026: Deadline for applications for the Small Business Façade Improvement Grant program.

This week: 8 boards met, 30 new documents published, 187 police calls, 62 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 6 permits issued.

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