Vitale owns the Pettit Place-Waterford Road property — the former site of Paddy McGee’s and Coyote Grill — which is zoned for industrial use and would require a zoning change to “transit-oriented housing” in order for the apartments to be built. Both restaurants closed their doors after sustaining damage in Sandy, and never reopened.

Rosenberg said that residents of the Yacht Club are not necessarily opposed to a luxury apartment complex being built on the property, but they are opposed to Vitale’s proposal. “We would rather see it residential than bars, but not at that density,” said Rosenberg.

Vitale said he has taken steps to accommodate his neighbors. He said his plan called for no parking variances. “The Yacht Club is a gated community, and there would never be any parking issues,” he said. And, citing a recent traffic study, Vitale said his current proposal would not create traffic problems.

He added that he has taken care to respect the waterfront views of Yacht Club residents. “We revised the plans to improve the view corridors,” he said. “We lowered the buildings. We’re trying to be good neighbors. The proposal has met overwhelming support, even from residents of the Yacht Club.”

Ingoglia said that at the time the chamber voiced its approval, he was not aware of Yacht Club residents’ concerns. “Surely their concerns should be raised,” he said. “We don’t want disharmony. We hope they can come to an agreement that makes everybody happy.”