Lewiston, Maine — Week of March 28-3, 2026

Lewiston, ME (pop. 37,000) -- Androscoggin County. Week of March 28-3, 2026.

City Government

Lewiston city government saw a busy week, with the City Council, Planning Board, and Finance Committee addressing key local issues. The City Council convened on Tuesday, April 1, primarily focusing on the second reading of a proposed ordinance to update stormwater management regulations. City Administrator William Thompson presented the revised language, which aligns with recent regional best practices for environmental protection and infrastructure resilience (April 1 City Council Agenda Packet). The Council voted 6-1 to approve the ordinance, with Councilor Sarah Chen casting the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns over potential compliance costs for small businesses. The new regulations are set to take effect in 30 days.

Earlier in the week, the Planning Board met on Monday, March 31, to consider several development proposals. A notable discussion centered on an application from Bates College for a new faculty housing project, which included plans for several accessory dwelling units on campus property at 190 Campus Avenue. Planning Director David Miller highlighted the project's potential to alleviate housing pressures in the downtown area. The board granted conditional approval, pending a final review of landscaping plans (March 31 Planning Board Minutes). Additionally, the board approved a revised signage regulation for the downtown historic district, streamlining the permit process while maintaining aesthetic standards, a move praised by local business owners.

The Finance Committee met on Thursday, April 3, to review preliminary budget figures for fiscal year 2027. City Treasurer Maria Rodriguez presented an overview of departmental requests, noting a projected increase in capital expenditures for ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, including the Continental Mill redevelopment project. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around funding for infrastructure improvements related to the recently approved stormwater management ordinance, with an estimated initial investment of $1.2 million over the next two fiscal years. The committee recommended several adjustments to the proposed budget before forwarding it to the full City Council for further consideration (FY27 Budget Workshop Document).

Schools

The Lewiston School Committee held its bi-weekly meeting on Monday, March 31, addressing budget priorities and student enrollment trends. Superintendent Mark Stevens presented an update on the proposed school budget for the upcoming academic year, highlighting continued investment in technology and special education services. Enrollment figures showed a slight increase in elementary grades, consistent with projections. The committee also discussed facility upgrades at Lewiston High School, including plans for a new athletic training room, with a projected cost of $350,000 to be funded through a combination of grants and school district capital reserves.

Police

The Lewiston Police Department responded to 685 calls for service during the week of March 28-April 3. On Saturday, March 29, officers responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles at the intersection of Main Street and Lisbon Street around 2:30 p.m. Minor injuries were reported, and one driver, Ms. Eleanor Vance of Lewiston, was cited for failure to yield. On Monday, March 31, officers arrested Mr. Johnathan Carter, 34, of Lewiston, on shoplifting charges after he allegedly attempted to leave a grocery store on Sabattus Street with unpurchased items totaling $150. He was transported to the Androscoggin County Jail. Additionally, police responded to multiple noise complaints throughout the week, primarily concentrated in residential areas near Bates College during weekend hours.

Fire & EMS

The Lewiston Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to 132 calls for service this week. On Sunday, March 30, units responded to a structure fire at 14 Elm Street. Firefighters quickly contained a blaze that originated in the kitchen of a multi-family residence. No injuries were reported, and damage was estimated at $25,000. The cause is under investigation but is believed to be accidental. On Tuesday, April 1, Lewiston EMS responded to a medical emergency at the Great Falls Mill building, providing assistance to an individual experiencing a cardiac event. The patient was transported to Central Maine Medical Center. Mutual aid was not required for either incident.

Real Estate

Several property transactions were recorded with the Androscoggin County Registry of Deeds this week:

12 Oak Street, Lewiston: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home sold for $285,000. The property features a large backyard and was built in 1955.
45 Chestnut Street, Unit 3B, Lewiston: A two-bedroom condominium in the downtown area sold for $198,000. This unit offers modern amenities and proximity to local businesses.
210 Lisbon Street, Lewiston: A commercial storefront property, previously a retail space, sold for $410,000 to a local developer with plans for renovation. The building includes ground-floor retail and two upper-story apartments.
87 River Road, Lewiston: A 1.5-acre vacant lot with river views sold for $115,000. The buyer plans to construct a custom single-family residence.

Permits

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

148 Main Street: Commercial permit for interior renovations to an existing office space, valued at $75,000.
55 Birch Street: Residential permit for a rear deck addition, estimated cost $12,000.
300 Sabattus Street: Commercial permit for new exterior signage for "Maple Leaf Cafe," valued at $4,500.
9 Pleasant Street: Residential permit for a solar panel installation on a single-family home, estimated cost $28,000.
110 College Street: Residential permit for a garage conversion to an accessory dwelling unit, estimated cost $45,000.
17 Park Street: Commercial permit for façade improvements to a historic building, valued at $95,000.
6 Lincoln Street: Residential permit for roof replacement, estimated cost $18,000.

Coming Up

April 7, 5:30 p.m.: Lewiston Historic Preservation Review Board meeting at City Hall. Agenda includes a review of proposed modifications to a building on Canal Street.
April 8, 6:00 p.m.: City Council workshop on the fiscal year 2027 budget, City Council Chambers.
April 9, 4:00 p.m.: Downtown Neighborhood Action Committee meeting at the Lewiston Public Library, discussing upcoming spring events.
April 10, 5:00 p.m.: Board of Appeals meeting at City Hall, considering a variance request for a property on Webster Street.
April 12: Deadline for applications for the City Administrator's Citizen Advisory Committee, focusing on public engagement initiatives.

This week: 5 boards met, 7 new documents published, 685 police calls, 132 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 7 permits issued.

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