A proposal to construct a residential apartment building at 165 Swifts Beach Rd. was met with heavy opposition at a Zoning Board meeting Wednesday night.

Shane Manfred of ADManfred, LLC petitioned the board to convert an existing building into four residential apartment units. The building is currently empty but used to house several businesses, including a laundromat and a pizzeria.

“Our hope is to create a good thing out of this [place],” Manfred said.

The board opposed the plan because the building is located in a flood zone and is without plumbing and electricity. Additionally, the area was previously used as a business location, and as such, the construction is not adequate for a residential building, said board members.

“I think [the building]’s best use would be as a single family home,” said Clerk James Eacobacci.

Additionally, each unit would require two parking spaces, but the location already lacks adequate parking space, said board member Wilma Engerman.

Community members also expressed concerns over the proposal, citing space and privacy problems.

“From my kitchen, I can see into four houses,” said David Ricci of the potential apartment units.

Ricci also provided letters by other concerned neighbors who could not be present, expressing their dissent.

“The area is not conducive to that kind of dwelling,” Lillian McGowan wrote in her letter.

The board unanimously denied Manfred’s petition.

The board also heard and passed a petition for Tamer Gas Corp. to be able to sell commercial vehicles at 2880 Cranberry Hwy.