Lewiston City Council on Tuesday authorized the city administrator to execute a one‑year extension of the purchase‑and‑sale agreement with Hebert Development for the more than 60‑acre, tax‑acquired parcel at 55 Old Lisbon Road.

Director of Economic and Community Development Nate Libby told the council the city and Hebert Development have worked closely since July on feasibility for a large housing development and recommended extending the developer’s due‑diligence period to allow more time to resolve site constraints.

Tim Hebert, chief executive of Hebert Construction and Hebert Development, said the company is seeking a one‑year extension to align design with the site’s complexities and listed five hurdles: access and utility easements, traffic mitigation, reconciling public and private ways, buffering residential areas from adjacent industrial growth, and zoning changes including contract‑zone amendments. “These challenges are real, but they’re solvable,” Hebert said, asking for time to finish engineering, neighbor coordination and zoning work.

Council members praised the company’s work and due diligence, noting the developer has invested its own funds into studies. Councillor Chittum said she supported the extension and confirmed the council understood the proposed timetable; Director Libby clarified the contract would extend to Nov. 14, 2026, with roughly 30 days thereafter to close. The clerk called the vote; the motion passed 7–0.

The extension carries no additional council action beyond authorizing the administrator to execute the agreement; council discussion focused on ensuring neighbor outreach and resolving the enumerated site constraints before final approval.

What happens next: the developer and city staff will continue coordination on easements, traffic planning, zoning amendments and other due‑diligence tasks during the extension period. The council will receive updates as those items advance.