Projo Biz Blog

The Johnston Zoning Board of Appeal has rejected four challenges to permits and approvals for a new headquarters being built by insurance company FM Global.

The votes on four separate appeals were 4 to 0, with one abstention, according to Town Solicitor William Conley.

The board's action last night will move the matter back before a Superior Court judge tomorrow.

CapLease, FM Global's current landlord and a neighbor of the new headquarters, filed appeals with both the Superior Court and the Zoning Board seeking to halt construction. Judge Michael A. Silverstein this week ordered FM Global to halt work after it completes a foundation that was already under construction. He said he would review the case again after the Zoning Board met.

CapLease argues that an expedited approval process for the FM Global project violated laws designed to give neighbors a chance to object to projects.

CapLease has said it is concerned about traffic, stormwater runoff and flooding associated with the project.

In court papers, FM Global has said CapLease "is simply a disgruntled landlord whose most important tenant is leaving for new headquarters." FM Global called the appeals "nothing more than CapLease's latest effort to prevent FM Global from departing."

Edward D. Pare, a lawyer for CapLease, said his client was disappointed that last night's decision will prevent the company from having its concerns aired. "This thing just continues to move on a fast track, unfortunately," he said, adding that CapLease will consider appealing last night's action in Superior Court.

FM Global spokesman Steven Zenofsky welcomed the Zoning Board's decision. "Certainly that was a good sign," he said. "And now we're on to see what the judge has to say about it tomorrow."

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