Keeping Normal Hill normal

Could lots like this on Normal Hill become the site of apartment buildings?

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Story Published: Oct 9, 2008 at 10:33 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 3:38 AM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON – They say they are fighting for their neighborhood and have made it through round one.

A proposed re-zone on Prospect Avenue in Lewiston has drawn fire from residents on the edge of Normal Hill. The hill on the west side of the street would go from light-industrial to medium-density residential, allowing the construction of other homes or apartments.

Charles Brown is the primary applicant for the zone change, and while he hasn't said what he wants to do with the area, he did adjust lot lines on the land. City Planner John Murray said that resulted in residential-type lots.

Normal Hill Neighborhood Association President Donna Stratton said the neighbors don't like it.

"We don't think that that is beneficial to this area," said Stratton. "This is a very historic and wonderful area, and we want to maintain the character of Normal Hill."

Murray thought the same, when he wrote a comprehensive plan for the area in 2004. The plan identified the zone as having a certain community value, and it was important to preserve its views and steep hillside.

"Everyone in Lewiston enjoys those views," said Stratton. "No one owns those. We have people that come for Fourth of July. They sit and they watch fireworks. We have joggers and runners and people who drive to work who stop and tell me, 'I drive this way just so I can look at this view every day.’"

A zone change would be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, which means the plan would need amending.

The request will go to a city council vote on October 27. Murray said interest at Planning and Zoning meetings has been high.

Stratton said the upcoming meeting will be no different.

"At this moment we are rallying our forces, getting everybody together, letting them know what's going on and encouraging them to attend the meeting. We want people to be there and voice their concerns."

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