The following article was written for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review by Alex Felser on January 27, 2015.

Heidelberg leaders dropped a lawsuit on Monday aimed at blocking construction of a $10.5 million housing complex on Washington Street for low-income and autistic individuals.

Council withdrew an appeal it filed on Jan. 13 in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas of the borough's own zoning board's decision to allow the construction of the complex. The next step before construction can begin this spring will be applying for a building permit.

“I'm glad it went this way but it shouldn't have taken this long,” said Raymond Baum, attorney for Heidelberg Apartment Associates, the developer.

Council appealed against the zoning hearing board and Heidelberg Apartment Associates LP. In response, the developer petitioned the court on Jan. 20 requesting that the borough post a $1.9 million bond — the estimated losses should the project be delayed and unable to be completed — as a condition to proceeding with the appeal.

That same day, council voted 4-1 to drop the lawsuit.

Baum said he was informed the borough will drop the appeal, adding that the bond petition disappears the day they do so.

“ACTION Housing isn't out to make enemies, they are out to do good work in the community,” said Baum, referring to the nonprofit group involved in the project.

The appeal was withdrawn on Jan. 26, according to online court records.

The 42-unit apartment complex, which would be located at the former Wright's Seafood Inn, 1837 Washington St., will be split between individuals on the autism spectrum and low-income housing as part of a project between the Autism Housing Development of Pittsburgh and ACTION Housing.

Council President Rick Pattinato said he is not against the project.

“When a new development in town wants to do a $10 million to $12 million project I think it's positive, especially when working with individuals with disabilities,” he said.

The town's zoning code prevents housing on the first floor of the commercial district.

The borough's code officer originally thought the proposed apartments – to be located on Railroad Street – might have violated the code because the building could be entered at street level, Mayor Kenneth LaSota said.

The first floor of a building in a commercially-zoned area is required to have a storefront rather than housing. As a result, the Washington Street entrance is planned to sell amenities for the apartment building including housing NHS Human Services, a group that will provide social services to tenants and the community.