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Baltimore judge has ruled in favor of a contentious mixed-use project in Charles Village, siding with developer MCB Real Estate against homeowner San San Yu. Yu, who lives across an alley from the site, had argued that the proposed seven-story building would be unlawful and unhealthy due to its height and proximity to her home.

    Yu's attorney, John C. Murphy, claimed that the building would block sunlight and air, causing her property value to drop by over $180,000. Yu, who suffers from lung cancer, relies on natural light streaming into her home from the west. The proposed development would replace a former grocery store and another commercial building on the block.

    The project, which includes student apartments and retail space for Streets Market, was initially planned with 220 beds but has since been scaled back. The City Council amended zoning to allow for the taller building after receiving input from community members over several years. However, Yu's attorneys argued that the development should be subject to a 1996 planned unit development zone that limits height to five stories.

    The developer's attorney, Jamar Brown, countered that the council has the authority to make amendments when adverse effects are outweighed by community benefits. He noted that the project underwent redesigns in response to community concerns and will include features such as sound buffers and a widened alley.

    Yu plans to appeal the decision, while several neighbors expressed disappointment with the ruling, fearing it will set a precedent for similar redevelopment projects in the area. The developer hopes to break ground by late spring or early summer once permits are obtained.