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Council approves purchase of 20 Martin Drive to preserve seven acres for recreation
Summary
The city will acquire 20 Martin Drive from the Portland diocese for $210,000 to preserve seven acres of recreational land and reduce the city’s recreational acreage deficit tied to prior federal/state grant conditions; staff to complete necessary appraisals for rec‑conversion credit.
The City Council voted Oct. 21 to purchase 20 Martin Drive, a seven‑acre parcel with ball fields long used by local youth leagues, for $210,000.
Public Works Director Kevin Gagne said the diocese offered the land for sale and the parcel is a good candidate for a recreational‑land conversion that would help offset a prior deficit tied to use of replacement land required by federal/state recreation grant rules. The city has funds set aside from a FY23–24 parks allocation and the parcel received strong support from the volunteer board of Lewiston Hal Ripken Baseball, which described long‑term stewardship and multi‑decade community investment in the fields.
Council approved the purchase 7–0. Staff said next steps include completing a formal yellow‑book appraisal(s) and documentation needed to secure recreation‑conversion credits with the state. Appraisal scheduling and timing may take 6–9 months due to availability of certified appraisers, staff said.
Why it matters: The acquisition preserves an existing youth‑sports site and addresses grant compliance and long‑term recreational needs for the community. The council noted the parcel’s volunteer maintenance history and discussed how the recreation department and volunteer league can collaborate on operations.
Speakers: Kevin Gagne (Public Works Director); representatives from Lewiston Hal Ripken Baseball provided public comment in favor of purchase.
