LEWISTON – Richard Hollis’ plans to reopen his Lewiston Radiator Works on Main Street are on hold while city officials begin efforts to take the property.
Councilors will decide whether to take the 0.37 acre parcel along Main Street, north of the Bate Mill No. 5, at their regular meeting Tuesday night. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
If the council agrees, the city will pay Hollis $150,000 for the property and take control by eminent domain or condemnation.
“I feel like they’re kicking me when I’m down,” Hollis said.
Hollis’ auto repair business and the neighboring Hotel Holly were destroyed in a January explosion, which was blamed on a gas leak. In February, Hollis said he planned to rebuild his shop. He owns three lots at 109, 103 and 95 Main St.
The city has been eyeing the land for years.
Assistant City Administrator Greg Mitchell said the three lots owned by Hollis are the last privately owned parcels on that block. The city hopes to redevelop Mill No. 5, possibly for a convention center.
“We need those lots to give us the most flexibility to redevelop that area,” Mitchell said.
Hollis said he doesn’t doubt why the city wants the property.
“Just try and find another space like that downtown,” Hollis said. “It has water, it has electricity and it has great exposure. What I don’t understand is why the city isn’t willing to pay me for what it’s worth.”
The city values the land at $89,400 but Hollis said the properties’ Main Street access make it more valuable.
Hollis also said a $540,000 deal the city made to move his competitor, Lincoln Street Radiator, last month was unfair. According to that deal, the city bought 1522 Lisbon St. and will put up a new building there for that auto repair shop. In exchange, owner Richard Libby gave the city his land at 500 Canal St.
“So I think $150,000 for my business is a ridiculous offer,” Hollis said.
Mitchell disagreed. Hollis’ business was destroyed in the explosion.
“It is not an operating business,” Mitchell said. “We pay for what’s actually in the ground.”
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