AUGUSTA -- The Planning Board unanimously approved changes Tuesday to a planned 24-unit, condominium development for residents 55 and older.

Developer Mark Paine received approval of an amendment to his previously approved major subdivision application, changing the development from individually-owned lots to a large, community-owned property with a series of duplexes, each to be sold as condominiums.

One nearby resident spoke out against the proposal, expressing concerns over what he described as already-excessive traffic in the area. The development is off Windy and Glenn streets.

However, several other neighbors, including one who acknowledged initially being opposed to the development, spoke in favor of it.

Paine has already constructed residences in the neighborhood, and neighbors raved about those buildings at a public hearing Tuesday.

"Not only has he improved the neighborhood, he's going to increase the property values and the tax value to the city," said David Davis, who said he owns two properties on Windy Street. "At first I was dead set against it. But if you haven't seen what Mark Paine has done, you should go take a look at one of his houses. If you're 55 or older and looking for a house, this is the place to live."

The only opposition came from Donald White, who lives on Glenn Street and expressed concern there is already too much traffic in the area, especially on Townsend Road.

"There's no consideration for kids or speed. Nobody is addressing the issue of traffic," White said.

Delaine Nye, a member of the Planning Board, said the development is not likely to generate significant new traffic, and that traffic already on Townsend Road is not the responsibility of the developer.

"My personal feeling is there is a great need for this (55-plus community) in Augusta," Nye said. "I can't think of a better project for a neighborhood concerned about traffic and property values. This is just what our community needs right now."

The development will be served by a new road, Stone Ridge Drive, which had been labeled Peace Street on earlier application materials.

Keith Edwards -- 621- 5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com