Andrew Rice

Portland

City Government Reporter at Sun Journal (Lewiston, ME)

City government reporter at @sunjournal; sometime-musician.

Articles

Lewiston pursuing federal funds for extending riverwalk under Longley Bridge

1 month ago | sunjournal.com | Andrew Rice

LEWISTON — The city is pursuing federal funding to build an extension of the riverwalk under Longley Bridge, considered a critical step in a goal to connect Veterans Memorial Park and Simard-Payne Memorial Park. Officials say the 350-foot span is the most complicated and costly portion of the riverwalk, which is why they’re submitting the $3.4 million project to Maine’s congressional delegation.
Neighbors raise concern over 96-unit Gendron proposal in Auburn

1 month ago | sunjournal.com | Andrew Rice

AUBURN — The Planning Board delayed approvals for a 96-unit housing development and will host a rare site walk at the John Gendron-owned property on Brickyard Circle following concern from neighbors. Developers hoping to get the same project approved for a second time last week were met with a new and more reluctant Planning Board, along with several abutters that have been wary of the proposal since the beginning.
Legislation could create starter home program modeled after Lewiston project

1 month ago | pressherald.com | Andrew Rice

LEWISTON — Legislation sponsored by local lawmakers aims to create a grant program that would encourage the development of more starter homes, modeled after a Howard Street initiative that came online last year. If ultimately supported, Maine Housing would create a pilot program that would provide up to $80,000 to nonprofit housing developers looking to rehabilitate housing stock for first-time homebuyers.
Legislation could create starter home program modeled after Lewiston project

1 month ago | sunjournal.com | Andrew Rice

LEWISTON — Legislation sponsored by local lawmakers aims to create a grant program that would encourage the development of more starter homes, modeled after a Howard Street initiative that came online last year. If ultimately supported, Maine Housing would create a pilot program that would provide up to $80,000 to nonprofit housing developers looking to rehabilitate existing housing stock for first-time homebuyers.
Lewiston to give one-lane traffic along Canal Street a trial run

2 months ago | sunjournal.com | Andrew Rice

LEWISTON — A large portion of Canal Street will be transformed into a single-lane, pedestrian-friendly experiment this summer as a way to test traffic calming measures that could become permanent in the future. Between the months of June and September, the road will be reduced to one lane for vehicles, with a two-way bicycle lane installed and separated from traffic with “flex posts” or bollards.
Lewiston changes job title, description of DEI specialist

2 months ago | sunjournal.com | Andrew Rice

LEWISTON — City administration has changed the job title and description for its diversity, equity and inclusion specialist, shifting the role to a workforce development specialist. The employee, Divine Selengbe, has held the position since late 2023. During a recent budget workshop, acting City Administrator Brian O’Malley confirmed the job title had shifted, reading an updated job description to councilors.
Lewiston takes aim at mounting needle waste

2 months ago | sunjournal.com | Andrew Rice

LEWISTON — As the spring thaw melts the snow, a winter’s worth of litter is uncovered. In Lewiston in recent years, that litter has included discarded syringes, which can routinely be found in public parks, playgrounds, in trash cans or lying in the street. Two weeks ago, a Public Works crew picked up 3,600 pounds of litter downtown in a single day, including more than 100 needles.
L-A This Week

2 months ago | sunjournal.com | Andrew Rice

MONDAY, March 31AUBURN — City Council budget workshop, 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Auburn Hall. LEWISTON — Finance Committee meeting, 5:30 p.m. in the Public Works conference room, 103 Adams Ave. TUESDAY, April 1LEWISTON — City Council budget workshop and meeting, 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. WEDNESDAY, April 2AUBURN — School Committee meeting, budget public hearing, 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Auburn Hall.
Lewiston amends tax district for hydropower station

2 months ago | sunjournal.com | Andrew Rice

LEWISTON — City officials this week approved an amended TIF district for the $340 million hydropower converter station after the state said the initial proposal would’ve put Lewiston over the limit in the amount of value that municipalities can shelter. A TIF, or tax increment financing, is used by municipalities to capture new property taxes generated by a specific project within a defined geographic district. The revenue is then typically used toward public improvements.
Lewiston takes close look at high-crash intersections

2 months ago | sunjournal.com | Andrew Rice

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