LEWISTON — A groundbreaking ceremony of the Raise-Op Housing Cooperative will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at 198 Blake St.

Artist rendering shows the Raise-Op Housing Cooperative planned for Blake Street in Lewiston.

“I am thrilled to see the Blake and Walnut buildings start to rise in this neighborhood, which is rich in history and tradition,” Shaad Masood, president of Raise-Op, said. “The buildings carry the grit and cooperative spirit that is Lewiston.

“The start of construction is a validating and inspiring moment for all of the residents of Raise-Op who took part in our planning and design process, so that their neighbors could have new affordable and healthy homes, Masood said. “The inclusion of people most impacted by the housing crisis in the development of these and future projects, we believe, is crucial to making homes that are truly responsive to people’s needs and desires, and will make for more meaningful social change in our community.”

Mayor Carl Sheline will be joined by Lewiston Economic and Community Development Director Lincoln Jeffers, Lewiston Ward 3 City Councilor Scott Harriman, LA Metro Chamber President and CEO Shanna Cox, an Androscoggin Bank representative and members of the public.

The Raise-Op Housing Cooperative develops and operates affordable homes that are inclusive and empowering for its residents. Raise-Op has been operating in the Tree Street neighborhood since its founding in 2008.


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