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May 14, 2008

Judge extends restrictions on FM Global construction

A Superior Court judge has ruled that insurance company FM Global can finish the foundation on its new headquarters in Johnston but it cannot do any other work on the project until he reviews permits issued by the town.

Judge Michael A. Silverstein’s order yesterday effectively extended a similar order by the town’s building official, which was set to expire today.

FM Global’s landlord, CapLease, has asked the Johnston Zoning Board of Appeals to review actions by the town’s Planning Board and building official in approving work at the site. FM Global’s new $60-million, 340,000-square-foot headquarters would be on 93 acres it owns adjacent to the 345,000-square-foot building it now leases from CapLease. That lease is due to expire next year.

FM Global received expedited approval of its project, which CapLease contends violated laws designed to give neighboring property owners time to object to a project.

After filing its appeal with the town, CapLease went to court when the town allowed work to continue on the foundation. CapLease argued that state law required work to stop until its appeal is decided.

In court yesterday, Johnston officials told Silverstein they expect a decision on CapLease’s appeal at a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. today. Silverstein said he wants to see the parties in court again after the Zoning Board meets so he can decide how to proceed. That hearing is scheduled for Friday, if the board renders a decision tonight, or Monday, if it does not.

Posted by Paul Parker  at 4:02 PM | Permalink

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