LEWISTON – Fixes to downtown Lewiston’s character may not depend on bricks and mortar solutions, according to a group studying the area.

Members of a Downtown Neighborhood Task Force presented a progress report on their work to councilors Tuesday. The group is writing a master plan for the residential downtown area designed to guide future improvements.

“When we talk about improving the downtown neighborhood, we can’t just focus on infrastructure and things that visually improve the area,” said Adilah Muhammad, head of the city’s Downtown Neighborhood Task Force. “We also have to look at the things that make people that live there want to stay there, and maybe bring other people into the area.”

Members of the Downtown Neighborhood Task Force began working last summer to devise ways to encourage new growth, new housing and boost the area’s spirit. The group met with downtown residents, business owners, the Chamber of Commerce, landlords and nonprofits in a series of forums.

Muhammad said they’ve developed a list of key issues to address, from housing and safety and security to transportation and sidewalk improvement. But issues also include arts and cultural access, creating community and recreation space and encouraging residents to get more involved.

Now the group will take those broad issues and begin looking at specific issues this summer – and developing solutions by the October.

“We want to bring it all back to the people we’ve been speaking with all along, but develop specific questions that need to be addressed,” she said.