LEWISTON, Maine — Community Credit Union plans to scale back operations at its Pine Street branch in Lewiston, citing ongoing safety concerns at the location while also pointing to changing member preferences and advances in banking technology, according to a new report.
The credit union announced that its branch at 144 Pine St. will transition from a full-service location to upgraded drive-up Interactive Teller Machine services at its existing drive-up facility at 132 Pine St. later this fall.
Community Credit Union President Jennifer Hogan told WMTW that safety concerns played a significant role in the decision.
“The primary factor — ongoing safety concerns surrounding the current location,” Hogan ltold the news outlet. “Safety considerations became an increasingly important part of these conversations, particularly as we thought about the long-term wellbeing of our employees, members and community.”
Driven by Overall Experience
Hogan told the television station that the decision was not driven by a single incident, but rather reflected the credit union’s overall experience over several years. She said the institution has worked with community partners, city officials and law enforcement while evaluating the situation.
According to WMTW, the credit union also plans to open a new, smaller retail branch in the Dewitt Development farther down Pine Street, across from Kennedy Park.
The mixed-use development, which began construction last year, is expected to include 104 apartment units, including 83 designated as affordable housing and 21 market-rate units, WMTW reported.
Increased Concerns Over Crime
The changes come as Lewiston has experienced increased concerns over crime, particularly involving youth. WMTW noted that several teens were arrested earlier this week after police alleged they fired shots at an apartment building located about five blocks from the credit union.
The station also cited several recent violent incidents near the Pine Street branch, including a homicide investigation involving a man found beaten and burned in an apartment in May, a February shooting incident and a drive-by shooting reported last year.
Hogan said the credit union’s decision reflects its responsibility to protect employees, members and operations while adapting to evolving banking trends and service delivery models.
