Council approves rezoning to advance Martel School senior‑housing project after developer secures financing

The council voted unanimously to approve a contract zoning change for the former Martel School site at 860 Lisbon Street that will allow a three‑phase senior housing development and limited commercial uses facing Lisbon Street.

Ben Lindsey of Lewiston Housing told the council that MaineHousing has committed financing and that the project had its first closing call earlier that day; he estimated construction on phase one could begin in about five to six weeks. The overall plan contemplates three 44‑unit phases (132 total units) with phase three seeking an extra story through the contract zone.

Planning staff and the Planning Board recommended approval (6–1). Councilors praised moving the long‑stalled project forward while asking for careful attention to street design and walkability along the busy Lisbon Street corridor; some expressed skepticism about drive‑through uses in front of senior housing and emphasized the need for age‑friendly commercial tenants.

What happens next: Lewiston Housing will move toward closing for phase one; planning will process final site‑level approvals for future phases and any commercial tenants will require separate approvals from the Planning Board.

Ending: Councilors noted the project’s potential to add much‑needed senior units while urging the developer and staff to prioritize pedestrian safety and appropriate commercial choices.