The bill would help developers claim monetary compensation for run-of-the-mill zoning decisions on matters like these.

The court will have authority to overide local zoning decisions if the town cannot justify its housing decisions.

Supporters of the idea say it would protect residents from inappropriate zoning decisions.

The Council could intervene in such zoning decisions by deciding to take jurisdiction by a two-thirds vote.

A state law that took effect last year enabled local zoning decisions to be appealed.

But he added that town lawyers should begin advising their clients to carefully weigh the economic impact of zoning decisions.

The result of that and several other zoning decisions has been a dramatic revitalization.

But even if the village is incorporated, the county said it had the legal authority to build the housing regardless of local zoning decisions.

The Council would probably have to approve wide-ranging zoning decisions made by any administrative zoning panel.

Such zoning decisions must remain the province of city government, not neighborhoods or developers.