Lewiston Developers Settle $690K Dispute with City Over Blocked Townhouse Project

Shann Profitt Construction claims city actions repeatedly hindered their 90-unit Lindsay Creek Estates development.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Shann Profitt Construction owners Loris and Shann Profitt say they spent four years working with the City of Lewiston to gain approval for a 90-unit townhouse community called Lindsay Creek Estates, only for the city to later deny a building permit and force the removal of $80,000 in previously approved infrastructure. The couple sued the city, eventually reaching a $690,000 settlement, though they allege the city spent over $1.2 million in legal costs and staff time related to the dispute.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges small businesses can face when working with local governments on development projects, and the potential costs to taxpayers when legal disputes arise. It also raises questions about the city's approval process and decision-making, and whether there are opportunities to streamline the development process to better support local growth.

The details

According to Loris Profitt, she and her husband Shann purchased 11 acres in Lewiston in 2017 and spent four years working with the city's Community Development Office to gain approval for their Lindsay Creek Estates project. The 90-unit townhouse community for adults 55 and older was fully approved, and initial sales were strong. However, in February 2022 a new city engineer denied a building permit for the next phase, requiring the removal of $80,000 in previously approved infrastructure. This prompted a legal dispute that lasted three years, during which time interest rates increased and created financial strain for the Profitts. While a court eventually ruled in favor of the Profitts, the city continued denying permits, leading the couple to settle for $690,000 in January 2026.

  • The Profitts purchased the 11-acre site in 2017.
  • They spent four years working with the city to gain approval for the Lindsay Creek Estates project.
  • In February 2022, a new city engineer denied a building permit, requiring $80,000 in infrastructure removal.
  • The legal dispute lasted three years, until the Profitts reached a $690,000 settlement in January 2026.

The players

Shann Profitt Construction

A Lewiston-based construction company owned by Loris and Shann Profitt, who developed the Lindsay Creek Estates townhouse project.

City of Lewiston

The local government entity that the Profitts say repeatedly hindered their development project through actions like denying permits and requiring infrastructure removal.

Luke Antonich

The Lewiston City Engineer who denied a building permit for the Lindsay Creek Estates project in 2022.

Shannon Grow

The Lewiston Community Development Director who worked with the Profitts on the Lindsay Creek Estates project.

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What they’re saying

“This type of housing was not available in 2021. Our timing was perfect. The interest rate had not been lower and the real estate market had not been higher.”

— Loris Profitt, Co-owner, Shann Profitt Construction (dailyfly.com)

“Actions speak louder than words; your actions regarding our small local business have been less than appropriate.”

— Loris Profitt, Co-owner, Shann Profitt Construction (dailyfly.com)

“Ms. Profitt is entitled to her opinion, but her story is not the rest of the story. Let's just say that their drawings that were submitted did not meet city standards for storm water abatement, driveway location and safe clearances for intersections.”

— Jim Kleeburg, Lewiston City Councilmember (dailyfly.com)

“It should be a streamlined process to work with the City of Lewiston, and it's sad when I hear stories like theirs. I'm well aware that others have had issues as well and would love to hear how it's going now so if it still isn't fixed, we can change things up to make the city more friendly to work with.”

— Jessica Klein, Lewiston City Councilmember (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The Lewiston City Council plans to review the city's development approval process to identify opportunities to streamline and improve the experience for local businesses.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the need for greater transparency and consistency in local government development approval processes, as well as the potential costs to taxpayers when legal battles arise over project denials. It also underscores the importance of supporting small businesses and local economic growth, even when projects raise legitimate regulatory concerns.