Fall 2007: Developer David Clem purchases former Bailey Brothers auto parts property for $3 million. Clem said he would wait until after a city vote on new zoning laws before planning the property’s use.

January 2009: Clem proposes a mix of retail, residential and research labs, as well as public trails and Connecticut River access on the 38-acre property; delivers informal presentation to the Lebanon Planning Board.

March 2010: City voters approve a petitioned proposal to allow mixed-use zoning for River Park, with 68% in favor, despite opposition from the Lebanon City Council.

May 2011: City Council rejects a request to accept a proposed road through the River Park development as a city street.

October 2011: After a 15-month review, the Planning Board approves the River Park site plan. Attached conditions require Clem to make traffic improvements at three surrounding intersections, install new sewer pipes on Crafts Avenue and rebuild Crafts Avenue with extended sidewalks.

September 2013: Clem seeks a two-year extension to complete preliminary work required in his city permit, due to a state requirement to widen a portion of Route 10 to three lanes. The Planning Board grants the extension.

November 2014: Clem reaches agreement with state on improvements to Route 10 to handle traffic generated by River Park.

July 2015: Planning Board approves a revised site plan for the first eight buildings at River Park. The revised plan includes a width reduction for the Crafts Avenue extension and adjustments to the design of the first commercial building.

September 2015: Groundbreaking ceremony is held at River Park. The planned first phase of construction would include the Crafts Avenue upgrades, installation of water and sewer lines and the construction of the first commercial building, 1 River Park.

August 2016: Clem applies for excavation permit to begin Crafts Avenue sewer installation.

November 2016: Sewer project stalled as Clem and city negotiate terms to receive excavation permit, including the amount in collateral that Clem should put forth in case the work is not completed.

April 2018: Clem and the city reach an agreement on the collateral amount, after 16 months of negotiation. City still needs some additional information from Clem before issuing excavation permit.

August 2018: Sewer work begins, after issuance of permit by the city.

September 2018: City Council approves $350,000 appropriation to replace aging waterline on Crafts Avenue. This water infrastructure will also provide supply to River Park.

October 2018: Clem seeks Planning Board approval to amend the project phasing to move up the completion date of a 125-unit apartment building.

January 2019: Planning Board delays approval of the request while parties negotiate a parking solution for the residential building until a permanent garage is built.

September 2019: Planning Board approves the request to move the apartment building up in the project’s timeline.

December 2019: David Clem announces plan to donate 6 acres of River Park property to create public access to the Connecticut River.

March 2020: Construction of 1 River Park suspended due to COVID emergency response order.

November 2022: Excavation commences to locate the depth of a city-owned stormwater pipe that crosses the River Park property. Developers determine that the stormwater pipe will need to be relocated, which requires city permission.

March 2023: City building inspector notifies Clem that the building permit for 1 River Park — issued in 2019 — will be revoked unless there is evidence construction has commenced.

June 2023: Clem meets with the Zoning Board of Adjusters to appeal the city’s condition to retain a building permit. The board continued the hearing until July 6.

— Patrick Adrian