Lewiston Council approves Red Shop LOI, rental ordinances, and school committee appointment

The Lewiston City Council held a workshop on the upcoming cart-to-curb transition, detailing distribution dates and public information sessions. During the business meeting, the council unanimously approved an updated letter of intent for the Riverfront hospitality development and passed several amendments to the solid waste and rental property ordinances. The council also confirmed appointments to the School Committee and Housing Committee.

Key points

• Public Works officials announced that cart-to-curb distribution begins August 3, with service starting August 24, and confirmed a fall leaf pickup program beginning November 16.
• The council approved the updated letter of intent with Eco Hospitality Consultants for the Red Shop and Riverfront development, allowing for either a sale or long-term lease.
• Councilor Bret Martel raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest regarding Lewiston Rowing's involvement in the Red Shop, while Councilor Scott Harriman read a supportive letter from the organization.
• The council passed first passage on solid waste ordinance amendments, agreeing to revise the weight limit for trash carts from 50 to 250 pounds and adjust spacing requirements.
• Emily Levasseur was appointed to fill the Ward 7 vacancy on the School Committee, and Julia Bartlett was confirmed as the financial institution representative on the Housing Committee.
• The council approved an option agreement with Bates Mill LLC for the redevelopment of Bates Mill Number Five, a 360,000-square-foot historic structure.

Next steps

• Public Works will distribute cart-to-curb carts starting August 3 and hold additional public information sessions at Geiger, McMahon, and Hoppers locations.
• Staff will verify the appropriate weight limit for automated side-load trucks with Casella before the second reading of the solid waste ordinance.
• The city administrator is authorized to execute the option agreement with Bates Mill LLC for Mill Number Five.

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