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Lewiston council approves easement for 59 LLC to convert Lisbon Street building to apartments; councilors press owner on access and drainage
Summary
The council approved a 550-square-foot easement to 59 LLC for property at 78 Lisbon Street to install a retaining wall, fence and daylight egress to enable conversion to about 12 apartments, 7–0. Councilors raised concerns about public access, liability insurance verification, and drainage from replacing permeable surface with concrete.
The Lewiston City Council voted 7–0 to authorize a 550-square-foot easement to 59 LLC across a portion of property shown as 78 Lisbon Street (Map 78, Lot 68) to permit installation and maintenance of a retaining wall, daylight egress pathway, fencing, and related site improvements to support a residential conversion.
Deputy director of Economic and Community Development John Blais described the easement as necessary to "get daylight basement" space and to make a planned conversion of an old commercial building (previously Victor News) into roughly 12 apartments viable. Blais provided a plan and said the deed description and plan will be stamped and recorded with the Androscoggin County Registry of Deeds (Book 1097, Page 320).
Peter Lavoie, managing partner of 59 LLC, confirmed details of the proposed surface and construction. Councilor Chidham asked whether the public would retain access to the 6- to 8-foot strip adjacent to the building; Lavoie and Blais confirmed the plan would preclude public use of that strip. "The intent is that this easement would then preclude the public use of that strip of land adjacent to your building," Chidham said, pressing the presenter for clarity.
Chidham also asked about verification that required liability insurance policies would be maintained annually; Administrator Kanrath said the city would provide a direct answer but expected finance department oversight and that staff could report back. Chidham raised a technical concern about replacing a currently permeable surface with concrete and asked that the project's engineers address drainage, noting that runoff currently percolates into the soil and might change with a concrete surface.
Blais and Lavoie noted the plan will proceed to Planning Board site-plan review because of the number of units, where additional technical questions and conditions can be addressed. Councilor Longchamps said the project is "great for housing" and welcomed the conversion.
The council approved the order authorizing the easement by roll-call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. The easement will be recorded with the Androscoggin County Registry of Deeds and the final description and stamped plan will be filed as part of closing steps.
