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Board approves River's Edge conversion at 29 Avon Street in Lewiston, chair abstains
Summary
The City of Wilson Board of Appeals unanimously approved River's Edge Holdings LLC's application to convert 29 Avon Street in Lewiston from an auto repair shop to a light industrial facility for cleaning, storage and refilling of fire extinguishers; the motion passed 6–0 with the chair abstaining due to a conflict of interest.
The City of Wilson Board of Appeals voted to allow River's Edge Holdings LLC to convert 29 Avon Street in Lewiston from an auto repair shop to a light-industrial facility for cleaning, storage and refilling of fire extinguishers, the board decided at its Wednesday meeting.
City staff, represented by Mr. Connor, told the board that the proposed use is considered equal to or less intensive than the prior auto repair use and is more compatible with the Neighborhood Conservation B zoning district. Staff reported the plan met all eight required criteria and would not negatively affect traffic, parking or the environment; staff recommended approval.
The recommendation carried weight: no public opposition spoke at the hearing, and the applicant addressed the board in support of keeping and expanding his business locally. The applicant said the business has been at the location since 1979 and described growth following a merger from about 50–60 employees to roughly 135 employees and from about 50 vehicles to about 115 vehicles based at the site.
The board first voted that the application was administratively complete. On a motion made under Appendix A, Article 6, Section 4E and Article 8, Section 4E of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lewiston, the board voted by roll call to grant the conversion. The motion was moved by David Bjensky and seconded by Matthew Aren. The recorded roll-call votes were: Bernard Mallister — yes; Melanie Dorne — yes; David Bjensky — yes; William Coffan — yes; Paul Kosalante — yes; Matthew Aren — yes. The motion passed 6–0; the chair had earlier stated he would abstain from votes related to this matter because of a conflict of interest.
Procedural notes in the meeting record show an unsigned emailed application copy was received but that staff confirmed a signed paper copy is on file (Craig Tibo confirmed). The permitted use was described on the record as limited to cleaning, storage and refilling of fire extinguishers; staff advised the change is no more intensive than the prior use and compatible with the zoning district.
The board also identified a clerical correction to the minutes of the July 30 meeting (the minutes listed Melanie Dorne as having signed when she had not been present); staff said they would correct the record. The board adjourned after routine closing remarks.
Action summary: the board approved River's Edge Holdings LLC's conversion request for 29 Avon Street; no public opposition was recorded and staff recommended approval.
