I think most compassionate individuals would agree that our low-income citizens deserve some form of assistance when it comes to basic housing needs. I believe in that. I also believe that when we develop new affordable housing we must look at its placement in a manner that is economically viable and sound for the community as a whole. I believe that new affordable housing in downtown Lewiston warrants that discussion.

Let’s look at the new project at the Intown Manor Building (formerly Healy Asylum) on Ash Street . The $7.6 million project is planned to produce 32 apartments renting from $575 to $700 a month,  which, when you think about it is not much lower than privately owned rental housing. It will be paid for through Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding, state and federal low-income tax credits and the creation of a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District for the project. So, a lot of our tax money is being spent on this project and just because it’s for disadvantaged citizens doesn’t mean we shouldn’t discuss it.

Let’s start with the cost. With 32 units at this construction cost, you are talking about $237,000 per unit to alter and construct the building to suit the plans. At that price, we could literally build each of the potential renters their own energy efficient new house in existing neighborhoods, where we can achieve a healthy mix of market rate and subsidized housing, and have them pay all or part of the money back with low or no interest loans. Is it so important for us to save this historic building? If our goal is to build affordable housing, why not look to a different location where new construction would be far cheaper to build such a project?

I’m struck by something else too. Location. We are trying hard to revitalize our down town here in Lewiston. The years and the economy have not been good for Lewiston’s downtown business district. No law says that development funds must be used for subsidized housing, why not help a private developer with certain tax abatements and incentives and create a project that will generate significant revenue through property taxes and an infusion of people who may spend money in the downtown?

Affordable housing, by definition, addresses living space for individuals of low income who cannot afford housing on their own. I feel required to remind readers again, that I am all for that. However, if individuals require living assistance, it therefore stands to reason they also do not have disposable income to be spent on the very downtown businesses who are searching for growth in the slumping economy. We are limiting the infusion of retail expenditures on our struggling downtown merchants and denying the possibility of new merchants, either relocating or growing and filling these empty voids of business in our town.

Bottom line: We (yes “we” all need to take responsibility for this) are failing with regards to strategic planning for our downtown, and in turn our community as a whole. We might have destroyed the balance that a free market provides, and sold our future prosperity for a short-term, feel good project.

What we need to do is realize that our downtown is the heart and soul of our community; it not only houses our public service centers, but also cultural, dining and business activities. It also serves as a billboard to those from away who want to do business and move families here. We need to be very concerned about our image. When people think of Lewiston what pops into their mind: A blighted downtown with little activity or a robust and diverse mix of retail, business, and mixed rate housing?

I want our city administrators to have an open meeting with commercial property owners in the area and get their input on our current housing status. Why don’t we talk with people who have been working in this field for years?

Let’s focus our energies and money on rebuilding our downtown from Lisbon Street out; we don’t need a multi-thousand 0-dollar downtown planning study to realize that, just a drive down Lisbon Street and you can see the gaping holes and vacancies. Let’s encourage private industry to build on vacant lots mixed-use buildings with mixed-rate housing so once again it makes sense to shop, dine, live and work downtown.

The future of Lewiston’s downtown is at a crossroads. The question is what direction is best for the future of our community? It’s up to us to make our voices heard and to ask the tough questions of our elected and appointed leaders.