Planning board OKs multi-lot extensions at Gendron Business Park and approves new 15,300 sq ft building with conditions

The Lewiston Planning Board approved three development-related items tied to the Gendron Business Park.

Extensions: The board granted two two‑year extensions of prior development approvals for Gendron Realty LLC. The extension for Lot 15 (approved May 8, 2023) keeps approval for a proposed 140,000‑square‑foot building and 7.52 acres of impervious surface active through May 8, 2027. The board separately granted a two‑year extension for Lots 16 and 17 (approved May 8, 2023): Lot 16 had previously been approved for a 51,605‑square‑foot building and 3.24 acres of impervious area and Lot 17 for a 71,470‑square‑foot building and 5.27 acres of impervious area. Staff said the projects are taking longer than anticipated because of extensive blasting and a smaller contractor workforce; stormwater detention for the complex is to be routed to the pond on Lot 17.

New approval, Lot 10 (19 Gendron Drive): The board approved a development review application from De Gendron Construction Inc. for Lot 10 in Gendron Business Park, where the applicant proposes a roughly 15,300‑square‑foot commercial building split into two units on an 8‑acre parcel. Planning staff and Public Works reviewed the application and recommended approval with conditions. The board’s motion adopted the staff recommendations with one modification agreed at the meeting: condition 1 was clarified to require the stormwater buffer easement to be recorded within 30 days of the issuance of any building permits (rather than only at occupancy), to reflect lead times for survey and registry filings while keeping construction timelines agile.

Conditions and waivers (Lot 10): The board approved the project with four conditions: 1) Within 30 days of issuance of any building permits, the developer must provide a stamped plan and stormwater buffer easement recorded at the registry of deeds encumbering the required stormwater treatment buffer; 2) prior to building permits, the city must have delegated review authority from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection; 3) prior to building permits, the applicant must obtain a waiver from the Public Works driveway opening standards and policy; and 4) prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, a professional engineer must provide a stamped statement that all site improvements have been completed per the approved plan.

Board discussion and public comment: Applicants and staff said most delays are due to required blasting and finishing a detention pond on Lot 17; no members of the public appeared to comment. Applicant representative Mike Gatto described the site work timeline and noted the applicant had ordered building materials and expected site and foundation work soon; he and staff discussed timing for survey and easement recording.

Votes at a glance: Lot 15 extension — Approved (motion, roll-call: all voting members present recorded yes); Lots 16 & 17 extension — Approved (roll-call: unanimous); Lot 10 development review with conditions — Approved (roll-call: unanimous).

What’s next: With the Planning Board approvals and extensions in place, the project proponents can proceed with permits and Public Works reviews; staff will track the stormwater easement recording, Maine DEP delegated review and Public Works driveway waiver before permits and occupancy.