LEWISTON, ID – A Lewiston business is speaking out after reaching a settlement with the City of Lewiston following a multi-year legal dispute over a townhouse development the owners say was repeatedly hindered by city actions.
At a Lewiston City Council meeting on Feb. 9, Loris Profitt told council members that she and her husband, Shann Profitt, owners of Shann Profitt Construction, purchased 11 acres at the top of Lindsay Creek Road in 2017. She said they spent four years working with the city’s Community Development Office to gain approval for Lindsay Creek Estates, a 90-unit townhouse community for adults 55 and older.
Profitt said the project was fully approved and initial sales were strong.
According to Profitt, in February 2022 a new city engineer denied a building permit for the next phase of construction, requiring the removal of approximately $80,000 in previously approved curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements. She said the mayor supported the engineer’s decision, prompting a legal dispute that lasted three years.
Profitt said the delays occurred as interest rates increased, creating financial strain. She said their attorney secured a court ruling affirming the validity of the original development plan, but alleged the city continued denying permits despite the ruling.
The couple reached a $690,000 settlement in January 2026. Profitt estimated the city spent more than $500,000 in legal costs and, including staff time, may have used up to $1.2 million in taxpayer funds related to the dispute.
“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,” Profitt said. “Actions speak louder than words; your actions regarding our small local business have been less than appropriate.”
Dailyfly News contacted the Lewiston City Council, the mayor, City Engineer Luke Antonich and Community Development Director Shannon Grow. As of publication, only two council members responded.
Councilmember Jim Kleeburg said, “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. I’ll leave it at that.”
Kleeburg did not respond to follow-up questions about why the plans were initially approved and why the Profitts were allowed to build 10 units after what Profitt described as a four-year approval process.
Councilmember Jessica Klein said she did not have full background on the case.
“I don’t believe I have enough information from the beginning of the whole process as I just came into the council after the Profitts were already in the process of suing the city,” Klein said. “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. We all want more business and growth and want to make it as easy as possible but still follow Idaho and safety regulations.”
