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Planning board grants two-year extension for 55 Middle Street apartment project
Summary
The Lewiston Planning Board voted to extend the development approval for a six‑story, 150‑unit apartment project at 55 Middle Street through Aug. 14, 2027, while the developer prepares a planned amendment and works with city staff on easements and streetscape elements.
The Lewiston Planning Board voted to grant a two‑year extension of a prior development review approval for the proposed apartment building at 55 Middle Street, allowing the applicant to start construction through Aug. 14, 2027.
The extension preserves the approval that the board originally granted on Aug. 14, 2023, for a six‑story building with 150 dwelling units and several waiver approvals. The developer indicated in its extension request that it plans to file an amendment to change portions of the building footprint and other details before returning to the board.
Shelley Norton, deputy director for city planning staff, told the board staff and the applicant recently met with public works and the project’s civil engineer to review utility locations in the street and to discuss easements for a riverwalk that would wrap around an adjacent parking garage. Norton said the easements would likely be added to an amendment plan and that streetscape improvements the owner had previously discussed would also be reconsidered during the amendment process.
Jason Leveque, identified as the owner of 55 Middle Street and the adjoining 26 Chapel Street parking garage, said outside environmental reports show the property is not within the 100‑year floodplain. "It is not in a floodplain, Hundred year or otherwise," Leveque said.
Board members pressed staff and the applicant on outstanding conditions from the original approval and on stormwater discharge. Member Michael Marcotte asked whether runoff or stormwater connections between the garage and the proposed building had been addressed; staff said stormwater had been considered in prior FEMA and HUD analyses and that the city’s public works director has authority under the city ordinance to approve direct discharge to the Androscoggin River in some circumstances. Member Alexander Pine noted that a catchment serving the area had been approved and meets current rules but added that such infrastructure remains vulnerable if it fails.
The board also discussed landscaping between the project courtyard and a nearby Central Maine Power substation; the applicant said it will coordinate with the city arborist to select shade‑tolerant plantings.
Motion and vote: The board moved to grant a two‑year extension of the Aug. 14, 2023 development review approval to AGN Development LLC to begin construction by Aug. 14, 2027. The extension motion cited article 13, section 11 of the zoning and land use code. In a roll call the board recorded unanimous support: Roger Dupree, Michael Marcotte, Lucy Bisson, Mark Roy, Amy Smith, Alexander Pine and Penthea Burns voted yes.
The extension keeps the previously granted waivers and conditions alive while the applicant prepares a formal amendment that staff said will address easements and several of the outstanding conditions. No construction schedule or financing details were provided during the meeting.
If the applicant files the anticipated amendment, the board will review the revised footprint, the proposed easement language for the riverwalk and any remaining conditions of approval before construction permits are issued.
