Planning board debates PUD draft: ownership incentives, density bonuses and open-space rules draw the longest discussion

The Lewiston Planning Board devoted extensive time to a redlined draft of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance, focusing on the document’s purpose, eligibility, permitted uses, flexibility, density‑bonus framework and open‑space rules. The session produced a range of policy questions rather than formal votes; staff said it will return with revisions and additional testing of the bonus math.

Purpose and definitions: Board members and staff debated language meant to encourage long‑term investment in place, focusing on phrasing to capture both housing and non‑housing forms of "ownership." Several members favored language that specifically promotes "owner‑occupied or resident‑controlled" units; others urged broader wording that would include resident cooperatives, business ownership models and collective stewardship. The board did not adopt a final definition at the meeting; staff agreed to provide…