Lewiston Council reviews draft lot rent stabilization ordinance, delays pickleball hours

The Lewiston City Council held a workshop to review a draft lot rent stabilization ordinance proposed by the Housing Committee, which would cap annual rent increases based on housing inflation and current rent levels. Council members expressed mixed views on the ordinance's complexity and potential impact on investment, while public comment highlighted concerns from both residents and park owners. The council also voted to delay extending hours for the North Temple pickleball courts until sound barriers are installed and enforcement protocols are clarified.

Key points

• The Housing Committee presented a draft lot rent stabilization ordinance that uses a tiered system based on housing inflation and current rent levels to set annual increase limits, with a 2% minimum cap and 20% maximum.
• Councilors discussed the complexity of the proposed tiered system, with some supporting it as a fairer alternative to flat caps and others raising concerns about potential chilling effects on new investment and property values.
• Public comment included strong opposition from a mobile home park owner who cited a 26% drop in property value due to the moratorium, and support from residents who emphasized the need to protect fixed-income seniors from displacement.
• The council voted 7-0 to enter an executive session to discuss economic development issues.
• The council voted 7-0 to approve an amendment removing the mayor's authority to appoint members of the Public Safety Committee, transferring that power to the City Council.
• The council voted 7-0 to amend the parks and recreation ordinance to remove the North Temple pickleball courts from the proposed extension of operating hours, citing unresolved noise complaints and the lack of installed sound barriers.

Next steps

• The Housing Committee will continue to refine the draft lot rent stabilization ordinance based on council feedback before presenting it for first and second hearings.
• The Recreation Department will install sound barriers at the North Temple pickleball courts and work with the police department to enforce existing closing times until the ordinance is revisited.
• The city will hold public information sessions on the cart-to-curb program on July 8 and August 26.
• The Main Mill Museum opening ceremony is scheduled for June 27.

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