Council bans parking on part of Ash Street after shelter and neighborhood complaints about street-level exploitation
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Summary
After presentations from police and the warming-shelter manager describing ongoing prostitution, drug use and loitering around the shelter entrance, the council approved amending the traffic schedule to prohibit parking on a portion of Ash Street to improve safety for shelter guests and neighbors.
Lewiston—s City Council approved an amendment to the traffic schedule prohibiting parking on a portion of Ash Street following complaints from neighbors and shelter operators about persistent loitering, solicitation and criminal activity adjacent to a warming center. Lieutenant Theiss told the council city administration had received complaints and recommended removing parking on a short stretch after discussions with neighbors; the revised limits were drawn to avoid adversely affecting a nearby resident at 143 Ash Street.
Kevin Bollard, president of the Alter L.A. Warming Center, described frequent open solicitation and exploitation near the shelter—s front doors and said the warming center averages more than 50 guests per night with many women at risk of trafficking and exploitation. Bollard and neighborhood representatives urged the council to act to reduce the opportunity for exploitation by removing parking in a short segment.
Councilors debated the geographic limits—some favored extending the ban further—and several asked administration to explore using the freed curb space for pedestrian improvements, bike lanes or plantings. The council adopted the no-parking amendment by roll-call vote; public-safety and social-service representatives said removal of parking is intended as a targeted safety measure while broader outreach and service strategies continue.
