South Boston abutters butt heads over plans to make some condos larger

The Zoning Board of Appeals today rejected plans by condo owners at the six-unit building at 159-165 M St. to add space to the rear of their units after residents of a neighboring building complained the expansion would cut off their light and air - and create a fire hazard for them should a rooftop deck grill at the building ever have a grease fire.

The condo owners' attorney said the expansion would make the units more livable. But one abutter, who noted he has owned and lived in his East 7 Street home for 30 years, plans to live there until hie dies and will keep renting two units as affordable no matter what condo flippers do to try to ruin the neighborhood, said the M Street building is already just 23 inches from his.

The board rejected the proposal without prejudice, which means the condo owners could come back with a revised proposal.