I was extremely disappointed by the editorial Aug. 6 concerning Lisbon Street. The editorial implied that the only acceptable solution is for the road to be widened. That is an issue that the city, the Androscoggin Transportation Resource Center and AVCOG need to work with the Maine Department of Transportation to determine the best solution.

However, for the current situation, the city engineers, MDOT and the engineering firm of Gorrill-Palmer have determined that a three-lane configuration would be able to handle the expected traffic needs on Lisbon Street for the next 15 to 20 years and will increase the ability of traffic to enter and exit Lisbon Street, making travel safer for all.

Bashing the developer and city for proposing a cost-effective solution that meets the needs of that road for the next 15 to 20 years is exactly the type of thinking that leads developers, retailers and other businesses to shy away from Lewiston.

There is a developer who not only wants to bring a project to Lewiston, bringing new jobs and increased taxes, but is willing to pay, without taxpayer help, for the road improvements required by the state to provide safer access to this business and existing businesses and residences along Lisbon Street.

I travel that road daily. I support changes that would make traveling Lisbon Street safer while allowing growth.

I would urge city officials to consider how to make this a win-win situation for both the short and long term.

Mark Lewandowski, Lewiston

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