A recent article published by the South Florida Business Journal highlights a legal challenge involving the Village of El Portal and a proposed mixed-use development. The complaint, filed by longtime resident Jerilyn Kobrick, alleges that the eight-story project exceeds local zoning limits and encroaches too closely on neighboring homes.

The lawsuit claims the development violates El Portal’s zoning regulations, which restrict buildings within 250 feet of residential zones to a maximum of four stories. The village approved the structure at six stories with an additional two stories permitted in exchange for a $733,000 contribution to the Public Benefits Program.

Representing the plaintiff, attorney Raul Gastesi of Gastesi Lopez Mestre & Cobiella emphasized the importance of zoning compliance:

“No one expects a tower in their backyard, especially when zoning rules say it’s not allowed. These rules exist for a reason, and they need to be enforced,” Gastesi told the Business Journal.

The case seeks to invalidate the agreement between the village and the developer, The Launch at Little River LLC, and halt further development.

You can read the full article via the South Florida Business Journal here (subscription required).