Lewiston Planning Board approves Tree Street Youth building, 860 Lisbon St rezoning

The Lewiston Planning Board held a meeting on April 13, 2026, to reconsider two previously approved items that required new public notice due to procedural errors. The board voted to approve a development review for a new Tree Street Youth classroom building and a rezoning request for 860 Lisbon Street. The board also began hearing applications for a subdivision amendment at 77 Jenkins Street and a conditional use permit for a homeless shelter at 70 Horton Street.

Key points

• The board voted 6-1 to reconsider and approve the development review application for Tree Street Youth's new 7,250-square-foot building at 143-145 Howe Street, with conditions regarding sewer easements and parking.
• The board voted 6-1 to reconsider and approve the rezoning of 860 Lisbon Street to a contract zone, allowing for reduced setbacks and potential future drive-through business use.
• Board members discussed taking a tabled item regarding the No Name Pond conservation overlay district off the table to allow for immediate discussion, citing delays in a related building permit.
• The board heard public comment on a subdivision amendment for 77 Jenkins Street, where neighbors expressed concerns about wetland impacts and stone wall preservation, while the property owner supported the easement shift.
• The board reviewed a conditional use permit application for a 49-bed homeless shelter at 70 Horton Street, with staff noting that the facility would operate 24 hours a day and include an outdoor guest area.

Next steps

• The applicant for the Tree Street Youth building must provide documentation of financial capacity and verify the 15-foot sewer easement before a building permit is issued.
• The applicant for the 77 Jenkins Street subdivision amendment must record the approved plan with the Androscoggin County Registry of Deeds within 90 days of approval.
• The Planning Board will continue to review the homeless shelter application at 70 Horton Street, with staff recommending approval of the conditional use permit and development review.

Read the full transcript