Lynn board to reconsider Green Street condos plan

LYNN – The Zoning Board of Appeals last Tuesday shot down a proposal, 3-2, that would have put five row houses on Green Street. But the project may not be dead.”It was denied but Wednesday it was reconsidered by Mr. (Patrick) Calnan,” said Assistant City Clerk Janet Rowe, who is also clerk of the ZBA.Calnan is ZBA chairman. He could not be reached for comment on Friday, but he voted in favor of the project Tuesday, along with board member Norm Cole. Board members Ron Mendez, Daniel Gissono and Jeanne Curley voted against the project.Developer Sean Crowley pitched his plan to build first six, then five, two-bedroom condominiums on the L-shaped lot he owns at 113-117 Green St., three times.Rowe said at Tuesday’s hearing eight people spoke in favor of the project and eight spoke against.Robin Rogers, whose backyard would have been overshadowed by the development, was not in favor of the project. She said she was relieved when it was denied.”This process was stressful beyond what could be imagined,” Rogers said. “I am gratified that the Board of Appeals recognized how damaging the plan proposed by the Crowleys for five row-houses would be to the abutters and the neighborhood.”Rogers said the area is zoned for one- or two-family homes and more than one board member said the Crowleys could make a healthy profit by keeping within the zoning law.”The BOA members do not have an easy job and I appreciate their thoughtfulness, professionalism and independence,” she added.Crowley said he heard that Calnan spoke with his attorney but he did not know the gist of the conversation or why Calnan asked for reconsideration. However, he also said he is not hopeful that the board will change its mind.”I’m not very confident really,” he said. “It’s too bad. The city really needs the tax revenue and they need to clean up vacant lots.”Crowley said he stands by his proposal and he only wished the board would stand by the statements it made in 2007 when it initially approved the very same plan. Under that decision the ZBA called the five row house-style residential building an appropriate use that would be compatible with the neighborhood, Crowley pointed out.But the board on Tuesday thought otherwise and denied the project. Rowe said under Calnan’s request for reconsideration, the project will have to be taken up at least one more time.”They will come in at the next meeting on September 10 and will vote whether or not to reconsider,” she said. “If they vote not to reconsider then it’s over. If they vote yes they will reopen the case and ask for the reason for reconsideration or the new information.”The ZBA will meet on Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in room 302 in City Hall.