Developer Fernandes renews St. Francis House plan
June 29, 2012
WOONSOCKET – A new application to convert stately St. Francis House into apartments has been filed by the same developer who already has a $3 million lawsuit pending against the city in a dispute over his rights to the property.
Gary Fernandes wants permission from the Zoning Board of Review to convert the former assisted living center into 18 apartments, 10 more than he is currently allowed.
A hearing is scheduled for July 9, but Fernandes’ lawyer, Michael Kelly, vowed to lodge another lawsuit against the cash-strapped city if the Zoning Board cites the pending litigation as a reason not to hear the petition.
“It will be against them personally,” said Kelly. “Seeing as how they’re busted out I’ll go after their personal assets.”
Kelly said the zoning board does not have the discretion to pass on the application because more than a year has elapsed since the panel last voted on Fernandes’ most recent plan for St. Francis House. Moreover, Kelly said the Superior Court suit is not an appeal from the Zoning Board’s decision, but a civil action seeking damages for denial of due process.
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