Commission discusses West Lebanon Main Street redevelopment, activation ideas and tenant targets

Commissioners spent the bulk of the meeting reviewing proposals for West Lebanon Main Street and brainstorming ways to generate street vitality. Staff said proposals could create up to 5,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor with housing above, but final configuration depends on tenant interest and fit‑out costs.

The commission discussed a range of activation tactics to attract residents and customers, from food‑truck nights and pop‑ups to indoor food‑court concepts modeled on larger markets. One commissioner urged targeted outreach: "If you know of anybody, point them to Morgan or point them to me," signaling city staff would actively recruit tenants and business leads. Members also suggested temporary uses — food trucks or limited festivals — and longer‑term options including ownership models and townhouses that avoid elevator and fire‑suppression costs.

Commissioners agreed to use an upcoming Sept. 13 block party as a chance to solicit community input on preferred uses. Staff said DEW and Twin Pines will return with more detailed tenant proposals and renderings; no formal commitment was made at this meeting.