Lewiston approves contract zone for Farwell Street development proposal

LEWISTON — The City Council approved a contract zone Tuesday that will allow David Gendron to move forward with plans to develop an 11-acre parcel off Farwell Street.

The council voted 5-2 to approve the rezoning in a final reading. Robert McCarthy, Rick LaChapelle, Laurier Pease and Lee Clement and Mayor Carl Sheline voted in favor; Linda Scott and Scott Harriman opposed. Stephanie Gelinas abstained, allowing Sheline to vote.

A development team led by David Gendron has said it intends to build a multifamily development of up to 321 units focused on those 55 years and older.

The council voted in favor during the first reading earlier this month, but Scott and Harriman wanted to see additional language in the contract zone that stipulates a certain percentage of the development must be residential.

On Tuesday, David Hediger, director of planning and code enforcement, said staff has not yet been able to meet with Gendron to hash out the language but plans to do so.

Harriman said there is no guarantee Gendron will build housing on the site, and if he doesn’t, he could pursue a small number of commercial uses allowed under the contract zone.

“From what I can see here, there’s nothing requiring housing to be built there,” he said. “I’m just concerned this is not going to end up having housing on it.”

The developers have said they plan any commercial uses to be accessory to the residential development.

Lincoln Jeffers, director of economic and community development, said Gendron has owned the property for years, and that it has always been his intent to build housing there. He also said the city’s strategic plan prioritizes encouraging all types of housing, and the contract zone language has narrowed what Gendron can build there.

Jeffers said he understands the concerns of the neighbors, but asked councilors to think about “what is best for the city in its entirety.”

Many neighboring residents have previously spoken out against the proposal due to its potential density and traffic impacts in an area that already has traffic issues. A study conducted by the city lays out the current traffic problems, but city staff and some councilors said the developers — and tax revenue from the development — could be used toward potential upgrades.

Hediger said the level of residential development proposed would likely trigger an additional traffic study during the development review process.

Councilor Scott said the neighborhood has serious concerns and she was hoping to find a better “balance” in the contract zone language.

During public comment, former councilor and mayoral candidate Luke Jensen said he would not support moving ahead with the project due to “safety reasons around traffic.” He said people are concerned for safety. However, he said, Lewiston needs to create more market-rate housing, and should work with Gendron to find a different location.

Councilor Rick LaChapelle said Lewiston has a reputation for turning developers away, and the estimated tax revenue from the development could help pay for traffic fixes.

“We have a problem with developers coming to Lewiston because of the red tape and hassle,” he said. “This is a $50 million to $60 million investment.”

Councilor Bob McCarthy said since the housing would likely be 55-plus, it would not create an additional burden on the nearby schools.

“We definitely need housing of all types in this city,” Sheline said.