Page 4 - David Hediger News Today

After a lengthy and passionate debate Tuesday, the council directed city staff to draft a moratorium ordinance.

A series of ordinance updates will make several existing businesses non-conforming.

The council will take up the changes on Feb. 15.

If approved, it will mark the first major changes to how the city regulates marijuana businesses since 2019.

Plus, a potential rezoning on Main Street in Lewiston to allow for marijuana business use.

City planners say this is a once-in-a-career opportunity to encourage waterfront revitalization and influence the project's license agreement.

The budding cannabis industry went into full bloom in Maine in 2020 once the first licenses were issued for adult-use marijuana, and Auburn has become one of the biggest players in the state.

The more targeted eviction moratorium can be confusing, and may not have a big impact in Maine, some experts say.

Submitted photo AUBURN — A year to remember. That’s how Eric Cousens, director of planning and permitting, began a presentation to city officials Monday on Auburn’s recent development boom. During fiscal year 2021, which ended June 30, a “conservative estimate” from staff put new construction value at $59 million, a record year. The city also saw records for total permits issued and permit fees collected. Officials called the milestone “a big deal” given that the high numbers took...

Read Article Susan Martins, left, her son, Nick Fess, and his girlfriend, Tiffany Martinez enjoy lunch Thursday on Boba’s outdoor sidewalk patio in Lewiston. Taylor Pratt waits on them. The city is considering ordinance changes that would allow businesses to expand the use of sidewalks. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal LEWISTON — New rules under consideration would expand the use of sidewalks for business uses, making it easier for restaurants to offer outdoor dining and even retail stores to set...