The Lewiston Planning Board on Nov. 20 approved a development review amendment to convert the former Sears space at Lewiston Mall (20 East Avenue) for a new retail tenant, and attached Traffic Movement Permit (TMP) conditions requiring on‑ and off‑site pedestrian and signal improvements.

Staff explained that the change of use from a long‑vacant Sears will slightly reduce impervious surface but generate higher peak trips (projected peak of 312 trips on a Saturday morning) and therefore triggered a TMP with recommended off‑site improvements, signal timing changes and new crosswalks coordinated with MaineDOT and regional reviewers.

Applicant representatives (Doug Reynolds and John Adams) said the plan removes approximately 10,000 sq ft of the old building to add ADA parking, pedestrian connections and landscape islands, and that the applicant will replace an old transformer and video/repair stormwater pipes where needed. The applicant described coordination with DOT to place a crosswalk and to adjust signal phasing at East Ave and Bartlett to split phasing and add "no‑turn" blank‑out signs to improve pedestrian safety at a high‑crash intersection.

Residents who live near the mall raised concerns in public comment about chronic drainage problems and caved‑in pipes that have caused flooding into back yards and basements; an attendee also requested clearer responsibility for maintenance of a rear stockade fence. Staff and the applicant acknowledged those issues and said public works and the contractor will video and repair pipes as part of construction and that code enforcement is the recourse for fence maintenance if it is the property owner’s responsibility.

The board voted to approve the change of use and attached conditions: payment of TMP review fees prior to building permit issuance; completion of TMP‑required off‑site improvements and coordination with the city before certificate of occupancy; and engineer certification that all required improvements (including stormwater repairs) are completed before CO. The motion passed with one abstention (Alexander Pine) who said he supports the project but abstained to register concerns about pedestrian and bike infrastructure across the broader area.

The approval clears the way for site work and tenant fit‑out subject to TMP conditions and required inspections and certifications before occupancy.