Lewiston council pauses syringe‑service ordinance after hours of public testimony and council debate

Lewiston — After more than two hours of discussion and public testimony, the Lewiston City Council voted to continue the public hearing on a proposed ordinance to license syringe service programs and send the draft back for more work.

Planning Co‑Director John Connor told the council the draft "is not ready to be voted on" and urged more workshops and legal review. The council then heard more than two dozen public comments, including health‑care providers, people in recovery, harm‑reduction advocates and downtown business owners.

Why it matters: The ordinance would change Chapter 22 (business licenses) — article 18 — and could affect where and how syringe service programs operate in Lewiston. Supporters said current programs reduce disease and connect people to treatment; critics said some downtown locations have created nuisance behavior and public‑safety concerns. Councilors repeatedly asked for clearer zoning, stronger "good neighbor" requirements and more input from state public‑health officials.

What the council discussed and decided - Director John Connor told the council he had expected additional workshops before a…