In a recent land use committee meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding a controversial project at 20 Clinton Street in Onantum. The discussion centered around docket number 343-24, which involves a request for the city council designee to file an appeal with the zoning board of appeals, highlighting a financial obligation for the city.

Councillor Greenberg opened the floor by clarifying that the committee would address the entire docket, not just the financial aspects. He provided a detailed overview of the project's history, emphasizing that the land use committee had previously reviewed the project after multiple community meetings involving the petitioner, their legal counsel, and an architect. During these meetings, renderings of the project were presented, which depicted the development at the same grade as neighboring properties.

However, it was revealed that a significant grade change had occurred, resulting in taller buildings than initially anticipated. This alteration was part of the civil engineering plans but was not included in the prospective drawings shared with the committee or discussed in community meetings. Councillors Leary and Greenberg, responding to concerns from abutters, visited the site and discovered this discrepancy, which they believe would have influenced the committee's deliberations had the information been accurately presented.

The committee's unanimous approval of the project was based on incomplete and misleading information, leaving the neighborhood grappling with an outcome that was not expected. The meeting underscored the importance of transparency and accurate representation in the planning process, as community members expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of the project. The committee's next steps will involve further discussions on how to address the situation and the potential appeal to the zoning board.