15 approved condos await builder

A proposed 15-unit condominium project in Mount Vernon currently stands in limbo.

The project, which would be located at 301 South Fulton St. in the city, is in a building that currently houses a florist and garden center.

The buildings owner, Mike Rossi Sr., applied for and received the proper variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to remake the building for residential housing in April 2007, and was granted approval to build by the Planning Board in June.

However, Rossi has not been able to start construction on the project, citing health reasons.

According to the city, construction on the project must begin within a year of receiving approval from the ZBA, in this case by April 2008. If that doesn't happen, the approvals would have to be applied for again. Rossi can also apply for an extension before April.

Rossi said he planned to build market-rate housing there, and is seeking a developer to purchase the building and continue the project.

The project is being designed by architectural firm Peter F. Gaito & Associates, which has designed several residential projects in Mount Vernon.