By Jake Williams

November 8, 2007 | LEWISTON -- One man has his building permit, another faces a tough road before getting his own, and the Lewiston Planning and Zoning Commission has a greater understanding of the city's ordinances following Tuesday's meeting.

Jackson plans to erect a single family dwelling near 1800 S Main St., and took fewer than 15 minutes to hand over all documents requested by the commission. Jackson, a building contractor, is obviously experienced with the process and never seemed in danger of having his permit request denied.

"Have you found a good building contractor yet?" asked Commissioner Cindy Johnson.

"Well, not yet," responded Jackson sarcastically.

Next up was Jerry Jorgensen seeking enough positive feedback to develop his idea for a retirement facility of six 1,700-sq.-ft. apartments at 55 S. Main St. The commission's reaction wasn't what he had hoped for as they questioned how such a facility would mesh with the surrounding area, including a baseball diamond and the city fire station.

"The good thing about earplugs is that you can turn them off," joked one commission member.

The commission concluded such development in the commercial area is possible, but only after Jorgensen provides more information like building dimensions and services offered. Commissioner Wayne Gibbs also pointed out everything discussed may become moot if Jorgensen has trouble working out easements for the property.

After Jorgensen's departure, City Attorney Bruce Jorgensen took the visitor's chair at the commission table to clarify questions raised during Bill Wright's visit last month.

The clarifications are unlikely to affect Wright, however. The commission is more concerned with developing greater understanding for future cases than facing the man who last month left Gibbs feeling "beat up."

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