Lewiston council debates proposed Jewett Park lease, requests clearer terms and cost breakdowns

The Lewiston City Council heard a detailed presentation and debate April 7 over a proposed lease from Northwest Children’s Home for Jewett Park and asked city staff and the home to provide clearer, itemized terms before finalizing any agreement.

Councilors pressed Northwest Children’s Home leaders for specifics after the organization’s executive director and board chair said the home wants a written lease primarily for liability and risk-management reasons and is proposing $10,000 in annual rent, not including utilities. Brian Pope, executive director of Northwest Children’s Home, told the council the site has needed capital work — including a walking path, parking improvements and reassessment or replacement of older playground equipment — and that the home had expected capital improvements to be planned with city staff but was now seeking funds to begin repairs.

Councilors said the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission had reviewed the home’s draft…