LEWISTON – City planners approved a zoning change Monday that will allow more flexibility in the development of the Island Point project.

Developer Travis Soule sought the change to give him more leeway in how the 8-acre parcel can be developed. The change, from riverfront zoning to centreville zoning, allows for denser development on the site that houses the Libbey and Cowan mills.

“This is indicative of good things, not bad things,” said Soule, noting it was premature to discuss specifics.

Soule and city officials unveiled plans for a $30 million riverside development last winter. Scheduled to be built in phases, the project combines residential, commercial and retail development in a village concept.

Between 20 and 30 condominiums are planned for the project, about half of which Soule holds nonbinding reservations for. He has been trying to line up financial backing for the project for the past year.

The zoning change affects things like setback requirements and building height. For instance, under riverfront zoning, a residential dwelling unit must have a minimum lot area of between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet; under centreville, there are no minimums. Under riverfront, there are 36 permitted uses for the property; under centreville, there are 43.

The zoning change now goes to the city council for approval.

– Carol Coultas