The city of Lewiston and Visible Community will host a joint brainstorming session from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Multi-Purpose Center to talk about downtown redevelopment plans. While the city’s Heritage Initiative prompted this meeting, the conversation will consider all issues of downtown development and will not be limited to housing.

More information may be obtained by calling the city at 784-2951 or Visible Community at 782-7876. The public is encouraged to attend.

Sabattus: Parking ban in effect

A parking ordinance that went into effect this week bans winter parking on town roads between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. through April 15. Ticketing and towing will occur accordingly.

– Nick Angelides
Lewiston: Ideas on tax-reform

City councilors presented the findings from their tax-cap panel to the Twin Cities’ members of the state Legislature Wednesday night.

The City Council and eight citizen volunteers reviewed the city budget based on a planned 1 percent property tax cap. The group recommended increasing fees and cutting services, if voters approved the cap.

Voters statewide turned down the plan on Nov. 2, but City Administrator Jim Bennett believes there is still a need for tax reform.

“We’re all relieved that the tax cap failed, but our work is far from done,” Bennett said. “And since local officials have little ability to influence what goes on at the state level, we thought we should get to the players early and make sure tax reform is a priority for them as well.”

The meeting is scheduled to be televised on Great Falls TV at 7 p.m. Thursday.

– Scott Taylor
Lewiston: EPA program graduates 11

The first group of students trained locally in environmental cleanup methods will graduate on Nov. 23.

The 11 students were the first to take advantage of a new Brownfields Initiative for Local Development program offered by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. They will graduate in a ceremony at noon Tuesday at the Bates Mill Enterprise Complex.

The program gives unemployed and unskilled workers new training, skills and certifications to work on environmental cleanup sites, including construction projects and commercial and residential lead and asbestos abatement projects.

Lewiston was one of 16 cities nationwide to get a $200,000 grant to create the program. Classes are offered through Central Maine Community College and Women Unlimited.

They cover basic construction skills, lead and asbestos abatement, Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety guidelines and hazardous material handling.

Partners in the effort are area businesses, education providers, community service agencies and the city of Lewiston.

– Scott Taylor

Lewiston: Council cancels meeting

City councilors agreed this week to cancel their Dec. 21 meeting because it is so close to Christmas. The council will hold its regular meeting on Dec. 7.

– Scott Taylor