1778 Columbia Road Developer sues the ZBA for rejection of plans
Remember back in May when the Zoning Board of Appeals rejected a proposal for 1778 Columbia Rd. to be developed into a three-decker? Well, to refresh your memory, neighbors and elected officials objected due to the proposals modern look – which could set a precedent that would lead to the gradual disappearance of three-deckers that now line that street. This proposal needed the boards approval due to the projects location but needed board approval because of its location – in a greenbelt district. The board voted 6-1 against the project without prejudice, which means that the developer could come back with revised plans.
According to Universal Hub, the developer has taken the case to the Suffolk County Supreme Court stating the ZBA illegally rejected the proposal. The suit that was filed on Wednesday, Platt Development Group states that the board could set conditions on the project but not outrightly reject it. Platt also called out one resident’s objection to the design style of the project and her fear of the gradual elimination of the three deckers that now are in that neighborhood.
The article goes on to state that the woman being called out is actually Luanne O’Connor, is chairwoman of the City Point Neighborhood Association. The CPNA collected130 signatures on a petition opposed to the proposal, basically because it might change the character of the street, in addition to the fact the proposal includes a roof deck.
So we shall see where this goes from here. You can read the full article on Universal Hub here including a video fo the board meeting back in May.
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