Council approves conditional license for Alter LA shelter after safety debate

Kevin Bolard, executive director of Alter LA, asked the Lewiston City Council to approve a license for a low-barrier transitional shelter at 70 Horton Street, saying approval “with conditions provides a practical path forward” while the organization completes remaining safety and code items. Bolard and administrative director Linda Scott told the council the shelter would open initially with about 40 beds, with capacity to expand to roughly 49 as needed.

The issue became the meeting’s longest and most contested exchange. Planning, code and fire staff had flagged outstanding building, mechanical and life-safety concerns, and the fire official and code inspector recommended against issuing a license until final permits and a certificate of occupancy were in hand. Councilors pressed Alter LA’s team on staffing, outreach to encampments, client timelines and coordination with mental-health and substance-use providers. Bolard said the organization already works with local hospitals, police PSY workers and area behavioral-health agencies and that the shelter’s model is explicitly transitional rather than permanent housing.

The council split over whether to approve a license before all building-permit work is complete. Supporters argued tabling would stall critical funding and endanger momentum for a year-long effort that has county and city support; opponents warned that issuing a license in advance of final inspections could create safety risks. After amendments and a lengthy public-comment period, the council approved a license by roll call vote, 6–1, adopting staff-recommended conditions and adding a council condition requiring bimonthly meetings between shelter leaders, council members and the public to review operations and community impacts.

The approval does not automatically authorize operation. Director Connor and staff emphasized the license will not be issued until the listed conditions—building, mechanical and fire requirements among them—are met and the city signs off on final documentation. If the provider fails to meet conditions, council policy and the ordinance allow further review or revocation. Bolard said Alter LA expects to prioritize safety work and open before the winter if permits and inspections proceed on schedule.

Next steps: Alter LA must complete the remaining code, mechanical and structural requirements and obtain the certificate of occupancy before the license is formally issued. Council additionally asked staff to schedule the new bimonthly public briefings requested in the vote.