When Lewiston announced its Heritage Initiative last year, plans calling for a new boulevard and office building drew almost immediate opposition from some downtown residents and community groups.

City leaders had two choices: Force the issue and overcome its opponents, or develop an alternative. They chose the latter, to their credit.

Instead of the original plan, the city now plans to tear down the old St. Dominic’s Regional High School – which has been vacant for four years – and build in its place a three-story office that will eventually house Community Concepts and bring about 100 new jobs downtown.

The alternative became possible after the city agreed to purchase the old school and was developed during meetings with community groups in January. It will save money, repair a blighted area and avoids a confrontation with neighbors.