Lewiston council approves Farwell Street contract zone in first reading

LEWISTON — A contract zone for the potential development of an 11-acre parcel off Farwell Street was unanimously approved in a first reading Tuesday, but officials debated over possible restrictions on commercial uses.

The development team, led by David Gendron, has previously said it intends to pursue a multifamily development of up to 321 units focused on those 55 years and older, with the potential of including commercial uses for the residents.

Mike Gotto, a consultant for Gendron, said they are uncertain if they will consider commercial uses, but would like to have the flexibility with the land. Gendron has owned the property for years, but has not been able to develop it due to the zoning.

Many councilors said they have heard from several constituents who are against the proposal due to the proposed density and traffic. Prior to the council’s vote Tuesday, several councilors said they would like to see limits put on the allowed commercial uses to prevent “a worst-case scenario” for neighbors.

An undeveloped 11-acre parcel in Lewiston is seen Sept. 26, bordered by Farwell Street at bottom, Charles Street at left, Meadowview Park housing development on Spofford Street at right and East Avenue at top. Developer Dave Gendron of Lewiston is seeking a contract zone to build 321 housing units, likely in three or four buildings of between four and six stories. At far left is part of Farwell Elementary School at 84 Farwell St. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

While Councilor Rick LaChapelle said the council didn’t want to “handcuff” the developer, Gendron said, “that sounds like what’s happening.”

“We’ve been at this five years,” he said, referring to the development. “If I didn’t live in Lewiston I would’ve walked a long time ago.”

Gendron said office and retail spaces are struggling and that any commercial use is intended to be businesses that would accommodate the 300 residences.

Despite the concern for the scope of commercial uses, councilors were supportive of the overall plan, with several stating that Lewiston has a dire need for all types of housing. Others had opinions on the potential upgrades to traffic patterns and intersections in the area.

Councilor Lee Clement said the fact that the units would be market-rate is “music to my ears.”

The Planning Board voted unanimously in favor of the contract rezoning on Sept. 26, despite concerns from neighbors about the existing traffic issues along Farwell Street.

Dave Hediger, director of planning and code enforcement, said it is typical for the developer to pay for traffic signal upgrades tied to a new development. Any proposed development would have to go through the development review process with the Planning Board and staff.

The land lies between 128 Farwell St. and 255 East Ave.

During a city effort to rezone the larger surrounding area in 2022 — in part to alleviate the housing crunch by allowing more multifamily housing — the parcel was left out due to concerns from neighbors. While the City Council initially supported rezoning the parcel with some conditions, Lewiston’s legal counsel said a contract zone would be required, and the council agreed that a contract zone could alleviate some neighborhood concerns.

The council ultimately voted unanimously, with the developer scheduled to meet with city staff to review potential language to be included in the contract rezoning during the final reading Oct. 17.