Lewiston council approves zoning amendments, event permits, property disposition and HOME budget; votes unanimous

Lewiston — The Lewiston City Council approved a set of ordinances, permits and budget actions on Tuesday, passing each item by roll call or voice vote with unanimous support.

Votes at a glance - Outdoor entertainment event permits for various summer community events — approved unanimously (7–0). - Outdoor concert permit for El Pocho’s, 97 Lisbon Street (June 4) — approved unanimously (7–0), contingent on department approvals for public safety, fire and health compliance. - Zoning amendment, Article 5: temporary on‑site housing during construction (owner‑occupied) — final passage by roll call (7–0). - Zoning amendment, Article 12: performance standards for home occupations — final passage by roll call (7–0). - Zoning amendment, Article 2: definitions (single‑family dwelling and home business definitions) — final passage by roll call (7–0). - Orders establishing 2025 festival zones for the Lewiston‑Auburn Balloon Festival, Dempsey Challenge, Liberty Festival and Lewiston Farmers Market — approved unanimously (7–0). - Order approving disposition of 112 and 115 Shawmut Street (disposition for housing purposes as described in staff materials) — approved unanimously (7–0). - Resolve approving amended Lewiston FY26 / FFY25 HOME budget and action plan for HUD submittal (consortium allocation increase) — approved unanimously (7–0). Council staff said the consortium increase amounted to $33,787 and Lewiston’s share was $16,049; funds will support program administration and rental housing projects. - Resolve renewing and extending the mutual cooperation agreement between Lewiston and Auburn for the HOME consortium for three years — approved unanimously (7–0).

Context and procedure Most items were routine final readings or administrative orders. Staff said the HOME allocation change from HUD was positive (an unexpected increase) and therefore required an amended budget resolution and a council vote. Several zoning code changes clarified rules for temporary onsite housing during construction and for allowable home‑based businesses; staff said no additional public comment or questions had been received since first readings.

Councilors asked staff for follow‑up briefings on implementation steps and to share updated materials. The council scheduled additional workshops and public engagement on related topics across the coming weeks.

Ending All roll calls recorded in the meeting ended with 7 votes in favor and no recorded opposing or abstaining votes; councilors emphasized that more detailed briefings and implementation monitoring would follow for several items.