Appeals court hears abuse-of-process and zoning dispute over Pease Cottage relocation

The Massachusetts Appeals Court heard argument Wednesday in 2024P267, Lynn Allegart v. members of the Edgartown Zoning Board of Appeals and Harborview Owner LLC, over an appeal from denial of an anti‑SLAPP (abuse‑of‑process) motion and related counterclaims tied to a dispute about screening and the relocation of a structure called the Pease Cottage.

The case arises from Allegart’s zoning appeal and other challenges she has filed over several years against the Harborview’s development steps. At oral argument, Dan Larkosh, counsel for Allegart, told the panel that “this is an appeal from the denial of a slap suit motion to dismiss,” and said the record shows his client’s petitioning activity is protected and that prior rulings supported the viability of her earlier claims.

The appeal centers on whether the Harborview carried its burden to show Allegart’s petitioning…