Frank Norton Jr. promised to be “a good neighbor” after Gainesville City Council unanimously approved plans for office space at 418 Boulevard NE despite opposition from a homeowner next to the almost half-acre property.

“I believe that what’s being done is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan,” said Will Crumley.

Crumley said the parking lot proposed by Nortin would be 30 feet away from his back door.

Norton told the council that the house on the property was the original Candler Street School that was moved to the present site in 1905, and turned into a duplex.

“Our firm restores and remodels with care and detail, and has a legacy of first-class properties,” Norton said.

According to Norton, public interaction would be kept to a minimum, and clients would be directed to the firm’s main facility on Green Street.

Norton agreed to a dozen conditions that would buffer his business from the Crumley home.