Developer outlines 80-acre proposed subdivision south of 3rd South; commission warns of sewer, drainage and zoning hurdles

Jeremy Wright presented a concept plan on Jan. 8 for an approximately 80-acre residential development south of 3rd South in Lewiston.

Wright described a multi-phase concept with roads, several cul-de-sacs at the north edge, and a proposed first phase that could include homes fronting Main Street. "We've got a property here just south of 3rd South," Wright said. "It's... an 80 acre piece." He said the concept designer pulled lot-size and road-size standards from the city's materials and estimated a long-term buildout potential of roughly 135 lots if infrastructure and other constraints allow.

Commissioners and staff focused discussion on three constraints that must be resolved before any final approvals: sewer capacity, drainage and irrigation features on the site, and the need for rezoning. Staff said the city currently requires that cluster and subdivision proposals meet city construction standards and that any change to the zoning code itself would require council action. Commissioners repeatedly told Wright that a formal rezoning application is the likely first administrative step. Staff agreed to put the matter on a council agenda so the council could hear the concept and to advise on next steps for the application process.

Wright flagged drainage as a major design issue and asked to consult the local drainage district about filling or reconfiguring open drains. He told the commission the drain behind several properties "doesn't keep any water; it dries out in the summertime" but that engineers would need to evaluate compaction and stability if the drain were filled. Wright also noted an irrigation pipeline and an open drain on the east side of one parcel; commissioners said drainage-district sign-offs would be required for frontage and design.

Sewer capacity was raised repeatedly. Staff and commissioners said the city and nearby Richmond are working on sewer improvements, but that the current system would need capacity studies and possible upgrades (lift stations, mains) before large-scale buildout could be approved. Wright acknowledged the project would likely be phased; commissioners and staff recommended a rezoning application and engineering studies before the commission or council could make a final decision.

Next steps: staff said they would place an item on the city council agenda (applicant was told staff would add the item for the 21st) to inform the council and gather city-level feedback. The commission and staff advised Wright to submit a rezoning application, engineering studies (sewer/storm/drainage), and the other application materials required by city code; once the application is complete, planning and zoning will set a public hearing and take a recommendation to council.