Lewiston, Maine — Week of June 19-25, 2026

Lewiston, ME (pop. 37,000) -- Androscoggin County. Week of June 19-25, 2026.

City Government

Lewiston city government bodies were active this past week, addressing zoning updates and development projects. The City Council convened on Tuesday, June 23, where a significant portion of the agenda focused on proposed revisions to the city's Zoning and Land Use Code, specifically Article XI concerning District Regulations (City Council Meeting Agenda, June 23, 2026). Councilors reviewed recommendations from the Planning Board regarding the expansion of mixed-use zoning in areas adjacent to the Continental Mill redevelopment, aiming to encourage more residential and commercial integration. City Administrator Dale Jorgenson presented a report on the potential economic impacts of these changes, projecting an increase in downtown housing options and small business growth over the next five years.

Earlier in the week, on Monday, June 22, the Planning Board held a public hearing on the same Article XI revisions, gathering feedback from residents and local business owners. The board voted 6-1 to recommend the proposed changes to the City Council, emphasizing their alignment with the city's comprehensive plan for downtown revitalization (Planning Board Minutes, June 22, 2026). Board Chair Sarah Chen noted that the changes would provide clearer guidelines for developers while preserving neighborhood character.

Separately, the Staff Review Committee met on Thursday, June 25, and approved a change of use for the property located at 14 Elm Street. The committee granted permission to convert the single-family residential structure into professional offices for 'Pine Tree Legal Services,' including waivers for minor parking modifications (Staff Review Committee Minutes, June 25, 2026). The project, spearheaded by local developer Mark Thompson, is expected to bring five new jobs to the downtown area and represents a private investment of approximately $350,000 in renovations.

Schools

The Lewiston School Committee met on Monday, June 22, to finalize the academic calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. Among the key decisions, the committee approved a proposal to introduce a new after-school tutoring program for English Language Learners at Lewiston High School, funded by a $75,000 grant from the Maine Department of Education. Superintendent Martha Peterson reported that enrollment projections for the upcoming year show a slight increase, particularly in elementary grades, necessitating the hiring of two additional educational technicians. The committee also discussed preliminary plans for facility upgrades at Montello Elementary School, including a new roof project estimated at $1.2 million, with a request for proposals expected to be issued in late summer.

Police

Lewiston Police Department responded to 412 calls for service between June 19 and June 25. On Friday, June 19, officers responded to a motor vehicle accident on Lisbon Street near the intersection with East Avenue at approximately 3:45 p.m. involving two sedans. One driver, 32-year-old Jessica Roberts of Lewiston, was transported to Central Maine Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The other driver, 58-year-old David Miller of Auburn, was uninjured. Police cited Ms. Roberts for failure to yield. On Saturday, June 20, at approximately 10:15 p.m., officers investigated a report of a residential burglary on Sabattus Street. A homeowner reported a forced entry and the theft of electronics valued at approximately $1,500. The incident remains under investigation by Detective Sergeant Michael Dubois. Additionally, on Sunday, June 21, police received multiple noise complaints regarding a large gathering on Horton Street, which was ultimately dispersed without incident by 11:30 p.m. after warnings were issued.

Fire & EMS

Lewiston Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services handled 118 calls for service this past week. On Thursday, June 25, at approximately 2:10 a.m., crews responded to a structure fire at a multi-family residence on Knox Street. Firefighters arrived to find smoke visible from the second story. The fire, which originated in a kitchen, was quickly brought under control, preventing significant damage. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation by the Fire Marshal's office. On Tuesday, June 23, Lewiston EMS provided mutual aid to Auburn for a serious motor vehicle accident on Minot Avenue, transporting two individuals to Maine Medical Center in Portland. Additionally, crews responded to numerous medical emergencies throughout the week, including several calls for falls and respiratory distress.

Real Estate

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

12 Smith Street, Lewiston: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home sold for $315,000 on June 20. The 1,400 square foot property includes a detached garage.
45 River Road, Lewiston: A commercial lot totaling 1.5 acres, zoned for light industrial use, sold for $280,000 on June 22. The purchaser plans to construct a small warehouse facility.
108 Pine Street, Unit 3B, Lewiston: A two-bedroom condominium in the downtown revitalization district sold for $225,000 on June 24. The unit offers views of Kennedy Park.
67 High Street, Lewiston: A historic Victorian-style home with four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms sold for $450,000 on June 25. The property features original architectural details and a large backyard.

Permits

The Lewiston Planning Department issued the following building permits this week:

15 Oak Street: Residential deck expansion, estimated cost $8,000.
210 Lisbon Street: Commercial interior renovation for new retail space, estimated cost $45,000.
3 Main Street: Installation of new illuminated business sign for 'The Grateful Grain Bakery,' estimated cost $3,500.
88 Sabattus Street: Residential solar panel installation, estimated cost $22,000.
11 Blake Street: Foundation repair for a multi-unit residential building, estimated cost $18,000.
44 Bates Street: Minor exterior façade repair and painting, estimated cost $6,000.
17 Canal Street: Change of use permit for office space conversion, estimated cost $15,000.

Coming Up

July 1, 2026, 6:00 p.m.: Lewiston Finance Committee Meeting at City Hall, Room 201. Agenda includes review of quarterly budget reports and capital improvement project funding requests.
July 4, 2026, All Day: Independence Day Celebrations. The annual Great Falls Balloon Festival will kick off with morning launches from Simard-Payne Memorial Park and evening fireworks over the Androscoggin River.
July 7, 2026, 5:30 p.m.: Historic Preservation Review Board Meeting at City Hall, Room 201. The board will review applications for exterior modifications in the historic downtown district.
July 10, 2026: Deadline for applications for the Small Business Façade Improvement Grant program, administered by the Economic Development Department.
July 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Lewiston Riverwalk Clean-up event, meeting at the Central Maine Community College boathouse. Volunteers needed.

This week: 4 boards met, 7 new documents published (estimated for narrative, not actual pipeline total), 412 police calls, 118 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 7 permits issued.

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