An East Avenue hotel came one step closer to reality Tuesday as councilors approved a first look at a rezoning change.

Councilors approved Tim Dubuc’s rezoning request for the land around Mom and Dad’s Guest House. Dubuc plans to build a four-story hotel with as many as 120 rooms, guest suites and a restaurant.

Councilors are scheduled to take a final vote on the rezoning March 16.

The site involves three pieces of property: 121 East Ave. and 6 and 8 Malo St. Most of the property is zoned Office Residential. Only the eastern portion of 121 East Ave., which borders a handful of Pearl Street homes, is zoned Neighborhood Conservation Zone A. Neither district allows hotels.

According to the plan, the city would require Dubuc to maintain a 20-foot buffer around the property, shield lights from neighbors and encourage only right turns onto Malo Street.

– Scott Taylor
Lewiston: Downtown liquor rules considered

The City Council this week adopted the first of the new rules designed to make downtown bars classier. Councilors adopted new classes of drinking establishments – including restaurants with dancing, restaurants without dancing, nightclubs and function halls – and adopted new definitions for adult businesses. But they tabled a plan that would ease restrictions on bigger nightclubs, which would be more expensive to develop.

In November, the city put a moratorium on new bars in the downtown while leaders looked for ways to bring some class to the area. The Centreville area, which includes the Bates Mill and the Southern Gateway on Lisbon Street, has been the city’s economic development focus lately. Oxford Networks, Andover College and VIP Auto Discount Center all are moving into the gateway on Lisbon Street.

– Scott Taylor
Lewiston:

Clock work

to begin

Crews will begin converting the landing between City Hall’s second and third floors into a home for the historic E. Howard clock Thursday.

The clock was removed from the tower above City Hall in November 2001, restored and returned to the city in June 2002. It has been on display on the third floor of the Community Development Department since then.

Work on the landing is scheduled to wrap up by Monday, March 8. People with city business during construction should use the City Hall elevator. The clock should be installed and on display by July 4.

– Scott Taylor
Lisbon:

Candidate papers available

Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk’s office for the May 15 municipal election for the following:

• Two seats on the Board of Selectmen, now held by Edward Madden and Michael Bowie.

• Four seats on the School Committee, now held by Norma Wells, Monica Riordan, Harold Moran and Janet Henry.

• One seat on the Water Commission, now held by William Bauer.

• Two seats on the Library Governing Board, now held by Camille Rossignal and James Gurney.

For selectmen, Jonathan Foster and incumbent Bowie and are circulating papers. Also circulating papers are incumbents Henry for School Committee and Gurney for Library Governing Board. The deadline to file is 4:30 p.m. on April 5.

No one has applied to fill a vacancy on the Advisory Board, said Town Manager Curtis Lunt. The vacancy, due to a resignation, will run until the May town meeting. Anyone interested in the position may call Lunt at 353-3000.

– Connie Footman

Auburn: Commission buys cars, truck

County commissioners have approved a bid to purchase two cars and one pickup truck for the Sheriff’s Department.

Augusta Chevrolet will receive $48,568 and four vehicles in trade for two Chevrolet Impala four-door sedans with the police package and one Chevrolet four-wheel-drive extended cab LS pickup. The trade-ins are three Ford Crown Victoria sedans and one Chevrolet Lumina, all equipped with the police package.

County Clerk Patricia Fournier said the department will need one less vehicle because of a change in personnel in the Civil Process Division.

– John Plestina

Auburn: Jail getting new inmate uniforms

The County Commission has accepted a bid for replacement inmate uniforms for the Androscoggin County Jail.

A contract was awarded to Robinson Textile of California to furnish 835 pieces, including a mix of shirts and pants, and 36 pairs of footwear, for $4,350.

The uniforms are in three colors: orange, khaki and blue, depending on the classifications of the inmates.

– John Plestina