LEWISTON — The City Council unanimously passed more than a dozen measures Tuesday, bringing the city into compliance with state legislation to increase housing.
Councilors also unanimously approved amendments to the interlocal agreement with the Auburn Water District, which adopts new boundaries for the watershed district on Lake Auburn.
Language amendments to the zoning and land use code included adding a definition for affordable housing, establishing a growth area overlay district and adding affordable housing density, all to encourage new housing development.
Changes to the riverfront area also encourage more housing opportunities and commercial development.
Affordable rental housing, according to new language, is a development where household income does not exceed 80% of median income for the area. Affordable home ownership means a household does not exceed 120% of median income.
Councilors also passed a purchase and sale agreement between the city and Emerald Hospitality for the 171 Park St. property where Lewiston Police Department is located.
The building and its two acres will aid the Lewiston-Auburn Community Market in establishing a licensed kitchen, among other functions, enabling many area residents to create and sell quality foods, many speakers at the meeting said.
Also approved at Tuesday’s meeting were $200,000 in capital funds for Lewiston Schools to install cameras and sensors; amending the 2020-2024 community development block grant consolidated plan, 2023 action plan and 2023 CDBG budget; and authorizing $18,500 in community development block grant funds for Tree Street Youth to demolish its 143 Howe St. location.
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