Apartment Choice

LEWISTON — The city is seeking a large federal grant that would address housing and other issues in the poorest areas of downtown Lewiston , and neighborhood advocates say the funds could go a long way toward implementing goals they've had for years.  If successful in its bid, Lewiston could receive $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and what's known as a  Choice Neighborhood Planning and Action Grant. The city council approved the application last week, and will commit $237,500 in local Community Development Block Grant funds during implementation if the grant is successful.  The city hopes the funding can lead to long-term changes in the downtown neighborhood , where nearly half of residents live below the federal poverty level . According to 2015 census figures, the median family incomes in downtown census tracts 201 and 203, are $12,417 and $16,047, respectively.  The main purpose of the funds is to plan and execute major housing...

The next steps for two Auburn construction projects were approved at the Aug. 17 Auburn City Council meeting . City council members unanimously voted to award the construction contract for this year's Community Development Block Grant Sidewalk Replacement project to Concrete Slipform. The city will pay the Canastota construction company $147,420 to complete the project. All funds will come from the $172,000 grant the city received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development .  Engineering Services Superintendent Bill Lupien said Tuesday that the following areas will see sidewalk construction beginning in mid-September: • Perrine Street from North Division Street to Pulaski Street, north side • State Street from York Street to Pulaski Street, east side • State Street from Pulaski Street to Perrine Street , east side • Perrine Street from railroad tracks to North Street, both sides Sidewalk replacement will take place in low-to- moderate income area neighborhoods a...