By Megan Sonderegger

February 9, 2006 | LEWISTON -- A somewhat controversial building permit was passed in Tuesday's planning and zoning meeting after some careful debate and a few complaints from Lewiston residents.

Juana Apaza, a resident of Lewiston, presented a plan to tear down part of her house and rebuild a bigger portion in length. Neighbors of Apaza said they respected her right to build but were concerned that her plan would infringe on their rights and their property.

Roy Hall, one of Apaza's neighbors, said he felt her contractor should be aware that her property has limited space and allows for no access to the rear of her home where she is planning to build. He said Apaza had added onto her house previously and her builders had used his electricity and his driveway to gain easier access to build.

"In the past I have allowed that to happen as a kind thing to do, but I've been taken advantage of," Hall said.

Another neighbor said Apaza's previous building experience caused property damage to his land when cement trucks drove over his lawn. "There were some pretty good sized ruts, and it was done without my consent," he said.

Apaza's contractor said he feels access will not be a problem and he is planning to pump cement over the house in order to avoid any infringement. He also said his building plan will be smaller than the original in width, which will benefit neighboring property.

The committee approved Apaza's building permit on condition that she not change the circumference of her building plan in comparison to her formal home, that she agrees not to encroach on her neighbors and that she satisfies the demands of the building instructor.

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