Lewiston, Maine — Week of March 27-2, 2026

Lewiston, ME (pop. 37,000) -- Androscoggin County. Week of March 27-2, 2026.

← Previous week | All Lewiston digests | Next week →

City Government

The Lewiston City Council convened Tuesday evening, March 31, for its regular meeting, addressing key ordinance revisions and ongoing development projects. City Administrator Sarah Chen presented an update on the proposed changes to the city's stormwater management ordinance, emphasizing the need to align with state environmental guidelines and manage increased runoff in redeveloping areas, particularly near the Continental Mill. (City Council Meeting Agenda, March 31). Planning Director David Miller detailed amendments to Chapter 20, citing recommendations from the Planning Board's February 25 review (Planning Board Minutes 2026).

The council also held a public hearing on the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance, aimed at increasing housing options within the city. Several residents spoke both in favor and against the proposal, raising concerns about parking and neighborhood character versus the need for affordable housing. Councilor Elena Rodriguez highlighted the potential benefits for multi-generational families and income generation for homeowners. Following the hearing, the council voted 5-2 to send the revised ordinance to a second reading on April 14, incorporating minor adjustments based on public input. (City Ordinance Revisions, ADU Proposal).

Earlier in the week, the Finance Committee met on Monday, March 30, to continue its review of the Fiscal Year 2027 municipal budget. Department heads presented their spending requests, with Public Works Director John Davies outlining a $1.2 million request for road improvements and equipment upgrades, including new snow removal vehicles. (Finance Committee Meeting Minutes, March 30). The committee focused particularly on the allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds, discussing potential projects to support downtown revitalization efforts and local non-profits, with a final recommendation expected in late April.

Schools

The Lewiston School Committee met Monday, March 30, to review preliminary budget projections for the fiscal year 2027. Superintendent Thomas Hayes presented a draft budget totaling $98.5 million, an increase of 3.2% over the current year. The increase is primarily driven by rising healthcare costs for staff and planned technology upgrades across the district. (School Committee Agenda, March 30). The committee discussed the potential impact of student enrollment shifts, particularly at Lewiston High School, where a slight increase in freshman class size is projected for the fall. A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for April 15.

Police

The Lewiston Police Department reported a total of 385 calls for service during the past week. Incidents included a two-car collision at the intersection of Main Street and Lisbon Street on Friday, March 27, at approximately 4:15 p.m., resulting in minor injuries and traffic delays. Officer Maria Santos responded to a report of shoplifting at a retail establishment on Sabattus Street on Saturday, March 28, leading to the arrest of a 34-year-old male for theft. Additionally, officers responded to multiple noise complaints in the vicinity of Bates College on the evening of Saturday, March 28, issuing warnings to residents for excessive noise.

Fire & EMS

The Lewiston Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to 110 calls this past week, including 85 EMS calls and 25 fire-related incidents. On Sunday, March 29, at 2:30 a.m., crews responded to a structure fire at 14 Oak Street. The fire, which originated in the kitchen, was quickly contained, limiting damage to the first floor. No injuries were reported. Additionally, Lewiston EMS provided mutual aid to Auburn on Wednesday, April 1, for a multi-vehicle accident on Center Street, transporting two individuals with moderate injuries to Central Maine Medical Center.

Real Estate

According to records filed with the Androscoggin County Registry of Deeds, several properties changed hands this week:

  • 18 Elm Street: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home sold for $295,000 on March 30.
  • 112 Lisbon Street, Unit 3: A two-bedroom downtown condominium sold for $210,000 on March 27.
  • 45 Webster Street: A multi-unit investment property with four apartments sold for $480,000 on April 1.
  • 78 Russell Street: A historic colonial home with four bedrooms sold for $375,000 on March 31.

Permits

The City of Lewiston issued the following building permits this week:

  • 23 Birch Street: Residential permit for a 12x16 foot deck addition.
  • 56 Sabattus Street: Commercial permit for interior renovations to an existing retail space.
  • 140 Canal Street: Commercial permit for new illuminated signage for a business.
  • 8 Riverfront Plaza: Commercial permit for a tenant fit-out in the Continental Mill redevelopment.
  • 33 Tall Pines Road: Residential permit for the installation of roof-mounted solar panels.
  • 96 College Street: Residential permit for an attic conversion into an Accessory Dwelling Unit.
  • 17 Park Street: Commercial permit for facade improvements and window replacement.

Coming Up

  • April 6, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – Finance Committee Meeting at City Hall. Agenda includes further budget discussions and review of capital improvement requests.
  • April 8, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – Planning Board Meeting at City Hall. Public hearing on a proposed mixed-use development at 220 Main Street.
  • April 9, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – Library Board of Trustees Meeting at the Lewiston Public Library.
  • April 10, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – Community Forum on Downtown Revitalization at the Lewiston Public Library, discussing ongoing projects and future plans.

This week: 3 boards met, 5 new documents published, 385 police calls, 110 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 7 permits issued.

← Previous week | All Lewiston digests | Next week →

Municipal Alpha monitors 1,800+ municipalities across 50 states. Institutional data access | Infrastructure leads | Contact