[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6147732,"mediaKeyId","5520016-444fefaf80cccd49ef18d389a36eb212","parentId",5520016,"title","Planning board generally backs draft zoning for syringe service programs, urges licensure and operational safeguards","audioSeconds",2211,"startMs",2170000,"endMs",4381000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5520016-444fefaf80cccd49ef18d389a36eb212&start=2170&end=4381","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5520016-444fefaf80cccd49ef18d389a36eb212/thumbnail_2170000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6147732/Lewiston/Androscoggin-County/Maine/Planning-board-generally-backs-draft-zoning-for-syringe-service-programs-urges-licensure-and-operational-safeguards","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147732-efb0890a3c58f5984bab22f9f45ff386/orig.mp4?Expires=1770497521&Signature=AWo5uir57XAdfQO5Qt2WWC3JkdmxLNffaZTeHy6Bace7vJzgFoYfPJ6r47X4kTkVVPcFu9JsZ6VTYJC6mNPy95bPGbUDEWGJP359qVrx5JAwGi0Uav6tEypya9AxZOD~BPEpYnzCohe6-ymb0Y1PENLJuP35i8XKw9~TKCqIYO9jfq0udumgKQJkvT9IjH8di0VcC7dzXU7~lGGtvDatnFG8OF9zlQWjlxPAqmBi~a5~4DjrIHGnLBdSnWEo9PZF5GtSUiOJ~HPbXcjwG6gy5FG5GnX0Abud7cFioBvFAQeQqoKTjpuVmXDzjYsnN7NXQcbF7U-QUYr5m7eSCx9Esw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lewiston","date","2025-08-01T03:05:49.637Z","article","The Lewiston Planning Board reviewed a draft ordinance that would license syringe service program (SSP) providers and designate where such providers could operate; it told City Council staff the board is generally supportive of permitting SSPs in several non‑residential zones while leaving many residential and downtown areas restricted.

Planning staff said the draft ordinance is modeled in part on licensing language used for a methadone clinic and that the council requested the planning board’s professional opinion on permitted zones and buffer distances. The original draft used 1,000‑foot buffers from schools, day cares and libraries and limited permitted districts; staff presented a revised map that reduces buffers to 500 feet and would permit SSPs in highway business, community business, neighborhood business, urban enterprise and industrial zones. On that basis staff said the map’s white areas would allow SSP operations and blue/green areas would remain prohibited.

Board members debated land‑use placement, pedestrian access and nuisance concerns. Member Alexander Pine and others urged the board to frame its review as a land‑use question — what building types and access patterns an SSP would need — while leaving operational conditions (hours, good‑neighbor obligations, reporting) to the licensing process. Member Michael Marcotte and other board members voiced strong objections to permitting SSPs near neighborhoods or along commercial corridors; Marcotte said he preferred a more restrictive approach.

Two providers spoke in support of the draft zoning and described their operations. Catherine Bridal, senior director of strategic initiatives at Spurwink, asked the board to visit Spurwink’s clinic at 1155 Lisbon Street and said the program offers more than syringe exchange. \"I would love, and so would Ernestine, to invite you all to come do a walk through of our program so that we can show you what we do, how we do it, how we educate the people that we work with,\" Bridal said.

Ernestine Peralta, supervisor of community outreach for Spurwink, described the clinic as a full‑service harm‑reduction program with outreach workers, wound care supplies, hygiene and nutrition supplies, recovery coaching, a staffed facility and an outdoor drop box for anonymous returns. Peralta reported that statewide overdose deaths trended down 16.7 percent and that Lewiston recorded a 28 percent reduction in overdose deaths last year; she attributed part of Lewiston’s decline to local outreach and clinic work.

Board members also discussed mobile SSP operations. Staff said the council is considering permitting licensed mobile units subject to separate permits with time‑and‑place conditions; several board members favored allowing mobile services with a case‑by‑case permit, while others strongly opposed mobile operations. Members asked that any mobile permitting be consistent with how the city regulates other mobile services (for example, food trucks) and that licensing include good‑neighbor policies, cleanup responsibilities and reporting.

Outcome: Planning staff asked for the board’s recommendation to the council on the proposed permitted districts and buffers. The board recorded a general, majority view in favor of the presented permitted zoning districts and the reduced 500‑foot buffers, while noting members’ divergent views and requesting that council and the licensing authority include operational guardrails. The board did not adopt a formal ordinance; staff will include the planning board’s comments in the council workshop packet.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Board Meeting 07/28/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Lewiston Planning Board generally supported draft zoning that would permit licensed syringe service providers in several non‑residential districts and recommended operational safeguards and consistency with licensing, while members expressed differing views on neighborhood placement and mobile units.","taxTitle","Lewiston, Androscoggin County, Maine","taxId",2584,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6147737,"Planning board recommends favorable disposition of tax‑acquired city lots to council",1311,843000,2154000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5520016-444fefaf80cccd49ef18d389a36eb212&start=843&end=2154","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5520016-444fefaf80cccd49ef18d389a36eb212/thumbnail_843000.jpg","/articles/6147737/Lewiston/Androscoggin-County/Maine/Planning-board-recommends-favorable-disposition-of-taxacquired-city-lots-to-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147737-7f98b0bbfb780c54791b7c72d17eedff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770497521&Signature=bSOeKrQqBxqpivf6DXy~jIG2LcHvNf-F502fvGKMSUVNJ~l-WzaOUNGXaNRASjFl-CTA~ZmSGOnkj5SEoLgrq1D2-AMSVE3CkKMXE2QExbjeXcwVeXTT38HEsU7fqaTF~GR1MrXAaiNgjWaU2Kzfpjgkp0WtYBNGavqU4z--BjmqhZA8c~2e8Y1heOtUa9utl8CscUpDa~iImDlJo1iU0svpqhdGS1AhRZOh7GeMXp9PRNFmGPE-HVeaprowbTSzbiguGobVagWYDDsrmi9SYM3fVwKSa3fg5YdiBZwrWJtuSSu8574T1u1Uc9G-dds46Hy8VHbjhZC06EVFEJqzJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lewiston Planning Board voted to send a favorable recommendation to the City Council for disposition of a packet of city‑owned properties, many of which were acquired for unpaid taxes.

Staff provided the board with a packet listing each parcel’s size, assessed value, zoning district, back taxes owed and a brief description of existing structures or vacancy. Several board members raised specific concerns about undersized or landlocked parcels and about the city’s process for marketing and selling tax‑acquired property under recent state law changes.

Board discussion highlighted that some parcels are effectively unbuildable under current zoning. Staff said an abutter can merge an undersized lot with an adjacent parcel to create a buildable lot, or otherwise the city commonly markets such parcels for parking or other limited uses. Board member comments singled out 32 Horton Street as an undersized lot and 1499 Main Street as a parcel with a structure now subject to a dangerous building hearing; staff said demolition bids were being solicited for that structure.

Staff explained the sales process: the city typically lists tax‑acquired properties through a realtor at market value; the council approves sales. Under recently changed state statute and court guidance discussed in the meeting, any sale proceeds above taxes due and reasonable sale costs are remitted to the prior owner. Staff said that practice means the city’s net recovery is generally limited to the back taxes owed (plus reasonable costs). The board discussed whether the council should prioritize recovering taxes due rather than maximizing sales price, and whether different marketing approaches (RFP, bids, realtor listing) remain available; staff said tax‑acquired property is now commonly marketed through a realtor, per current practice.

Motion and vote: The board moved to send a favorable recommendation to the City Council, citing Article 7, Section 4(h) of the zoning and land use code. Michael Marcotte seconded the motion. In a roll call the board recorded unanimous support: Roger Dupree, Michael Marcotte, Lucy Bisson, Mark Roy, Amy Smith, Alexander Pine and Penthea Burns voted yes.

Board members asked staff to note specific concerns for the council — including questions about recoverable tax amounts on several parcels, whether marketing prioritizes abutters, and how the council considers proposed uses for parcels — but the board’s formal action was limited to a recommendation to the council. The council will review the recommended dispositions and approve sales according to the city’s and state’s statutory process.","The Lewiston Planning Board voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council on disposal of multiple city‑owned properties, after a lengthy discussion about undersized lots, sale procedures and state rules affecting proceeds from tax‑acquired sales.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":79,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6147742,"Planning board grants two-year extension for 55 Middle Street apartment project",700,143000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5520016-444fefaf80cccd49ef18d389a36eb212&start=143&end=843","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5520016-444fefaf80cccd49ef18d389a36eb212/thumbnail_143000.jpg","/articles/6147742/Lewiston/Androscoggin-County/Maine/Planning-board-grants-two-year-extension-for-55-Middle-Street-apartment-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147742-c1458c1002c42bfc3d72683000baf232/orig.mp4?Expires=1770497521&Signature=ZZ6lKLz8SQ7lWxjFWfZ~3ZWPUAt4ECM~h4b-~88Wd02zFKxvpMNlkMcHDNDBMn6EMEwXL7OhkbbMDRNxYAkjQLHdsgWO-A5xbE56V9Zumcu9LsHdJYlI6dN0ko36x8w7Xwd~BhbWgPFjaQdyas~ehKSAbck6EO5EHrQ0~BuMyN2HdBiRZBwvhUS204jqHoh5OhvSHJOS4DED1B4-Oi~Gh-t6is64QI7G1hDumNPgePypwr0NyxlHo0Ib2R3r-M7HftSwJP9k87P6A~eRdEczbwqcWKh0-s8Dw5jLNZPXN-6HGmzKv8e3-Z17y72XqdWETnJ3xjUuL0QZSQMXEMVq4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lewiston Planning Board voted to grant a two‑year extension of a prior development review approval for the proposed apartment building at 55 Middle Street, allowing the applicant to start construction through Aug. 14, 2027.

The extension preserves the approval that the board originally granted on Aug. 14, 2023, for a six‑story building with 150 dwelling units and several waiver approvals. The developer indicated in its extension request that it plans to file an amendment to change portions of the building footprint and other details before returning to the board.

Shelley Norton, deputy director for city planning staff, told the board staff and the applicant recently met with public works and the project’s civil engineer to review utility locations in the street and to discuss easements for a riverwalk that would wrap around an adjacent parking garage. Norton said the easements would likely be added to an amendment plan and that streetscape improvements the owner had previously discussed would also be reconsidered during the amendment process.

Jason Leveque, identified as the owner of 55 Middle Street and the adjoining 26 Chapel Street parking garage, said outside environmental reports show the property is not within the 100‑year floodplain. \"It is not in a floodplain, Hundred year or otherwise,\" Leveque said.

Board members pressed staff and the applicant on outstanding conditions from the original approval and on stormwater discharge. Member Michael Marcotte asked whether runoff or stormwater connections between the garage and the proposed building had been addressed; staff said stormwater had been considered in prior FEMA and HUD analyses and that the city’s public works director has authority under the city ordinance to approve direct discharge to the Androscoggin River in some circumstances. Member Alexander Pine noted that a catchment serving the area had been approved and meets current rules but added that such infrastructure remains vulnerable if it fails.

The board also discussed landscaping between the project courtyard and a nearby Central Maine Power substation; the applicant said it will coordinate with the city arborist to select shade‑tolerant plantings.

Motion and vote: The board moved to grant a two‑year extension of the Aug. 14, 2023 development review approval to AGN Development LLC to begin construction by Aug. 14, 2027. The extension motion cited article 13, section 11 of the zoning and land use code. In a roll call the board recorded unanimous support: Roger Dupree, Michael Marcotte, Lucy Bisson, Mark Roy, Amy Smith, Alexander Pine and Penthea Burns voted yes.

The extension keeps the previously granted waivers and conditions alive while the applicant prepares a formal amendment that staff said will address easements and several of the outstanding conditions. No construction schedule or financing details were provided during the meeting.

If the applicant files the anticipated amendment, the board will review the revised footprint, the proposed easement language for the riverwalk and any remaining conditions of approval before construction permits are issued.","The Lewiston Planning Board voted to extend the development approval for a six‑story, 150‑unit apartment project at 55 Middle Street through Aug. 14, 2027, while the developer prepares a planned amendment and works with city staff on easements and streetscape elements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning board generally backs draft zoning for syringe service programs, urges licensure and operational safeguards

Planning board recommends favorable disposition of tax‑acquired city lots to council

Planning board grants two-year extension for 55 Middle Street apartment project