Lynn condo case over; Way cleared for housing expansion

LYNN-City Solicitor Michael Barry Monday said a state Land Court decision clears the way for a Mount Vernon Street condominium project expansion and future downtown developments.?It?s a victory for downtown development, especially for residential structures,” Barry said, referring to the court?s decision dismissing 90 Exchange St. owner Jonathan Bedard?s lawsuit.The court in its Nov. 16 decision ruling stated Bedard “provided little but speculation with no credible evidence, as to any of its alleged harms” regarding his claims that Mayo Development Group?s plans to expand its 24 Mount Vernon St. condominiums did not conform with downtown zoning policy.Bedard?s 90 Exchange property abuts 24 Mount Vernon. He sued Mayo Group and the City Council in Superior Court two years ago after the council gave Mayo permission to expand the former warehouse it converted into artist lofts from 32 to 49 residential units.Bedard initially submitted testimony to the council supporting the expansion. He subsequently offered testimony opposed to the expansion. The Land Court ruled “there is no foundation” to support Bedard?s concerns about the Mount Vernon expansion increasing litter in the Central Square area or the “potential for rats” as well as the impact on local traffic and parking.?Bedard is the Plaintiff and many of his allegations are self-serving,” the court stated in its decision, adding, “Bedard is not qualified as an expert of any kind,” wrote Justice Alexander Sands III.