LEWISTON, Maine — The city of Lewiston will see major changes in the coming years in one of its most densely populated neighborhoods. A $30 million federal grant will fund the revitalization of the Tree Streets.
"The housing at this point is severely distressed," said Misty Parker, economic development manager with the city of Lewiston. "This neighborhood, while it's got a lot of historic buildings, has some very poor housing full of lead paint."
The $30 million grant comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.
The funding will be used to replace distressed public and assisted housing with new mixed-income housing. Parker said 185 new housing units will be added in coming years at a number of locations within the Tree Streets.
In addition to housing, funding from the Choice Neighborhoods grant will also fund improved access to health care, job training, and childcare.
"If you don't have proper housing, it's really hard for you to thrive," said Ashley Medina, president of Healthy Neighborhoods, a community organization that worked with the city of Lewiston and other community partners to secure the $30 million grant and create a transformation plan for the city.
"It just means everything and I definitely see a positive future," said Medina. "I just can't wait to see it all unfold."
On Thursday at 6 p.m. on NEWS CENTER Maine, reporter Sean Stackhouse will take a closer look at changes coming to the neighborhood, and introduce you to the community leaders working to bring a bright future to Lewiston.