The Portland Planning Board has scheduled a public hearing this evening on a controversial proposal to build a condominium complex in the city’s Munjoy Hill neighborhood.

The proposal to build a four-story, 12-unit building at 19 Willis St. has been a bone of contention for neighbors since the board first heard of the proposal in 2019.

The board has approved the application twice, but both times critics responded by taking the board to court.

Legal documents indicate critics are pressing the board to properly explain its reasoning behind granting approval despite the project seeming to conflict with existing rules. The chief complaints focus on the proposed building’s height, how close it is to the property line, and whether its appearance matches the surrounding area. 

The latest court case ended with a Maine Superior Court judge finding against the board in a Sept. 30 decision. While the court cannot reverse or overturn the board’s decision, it can send the case back to the board with instructions to properly explain its decision.

On Nov. 12, the board scheduled a public hearing for tonight to give everyone involved with the project, including critics, a chance to be heard.

The board will begin its regular meeting at 6 p.m.