At Tuesday night's hearing, Roblyer said, "It was with reluctance" that he decided to file the appeal.
"The question before the board is not whether the homeless need to be helped. ... The question before the board is whether the particular permitted use ... was the proper decision, and is it reasonable under the totality of the circumstances in this case."
But several business owners on Willow Street, including Roblyer, fear the shelter will decrease their properties' value.
FOR THE RECORD - An article in the April 12 edition on the proposed new Light House shelter in Annapolis incorrectly stated the proposed number of beds for the building. The new facility is scheduled to have a maximum of 65 beds.
The Baltimore Sun regrets the error.
The shelter would be built partially in the city (Hudson Street) and partially in the county (Willow Street).
"It's just our opinion that property values will go down surrounding the homeless shelter," Roblyer said.
Bonnie Davis, who lives on Willow Street, next to where the shelter is to be built, testified against the project at the hearing.
"They talk about being good neighbors, but I've never met any of them," Davis said.
"I know it's morally right to take care of our homeless, but is it right to shove the rules aside to do good?"
Elizabeth Kinney, chairwoman of the capital campaign for the new shelter, said the building will raise property value in the community.
"We intend to be extraordinary neighbors," Kinney told the board.
Harry Cole, executive director of Light House, said the building will not attract lines of people outside, nor will it draw unscrupulous crowds.
"We're going to have the most beautiful building on the block," Cole said.
"The people that we serve go to work, then they come home. ... They're not there hanging out."
The appeal was one of several hurdles the project has had to overcome. Earlier this year, some city council members opposed giving tax breaks for the project, pointing to a poor economy and much-needed revenue. The council ultimately decided to grant a portion of the breaks requested.
Cole said the poor economy has been by far the biggest obstacle facing the project.
"We're doing OK when you compare us to most nonprofits," he said. "But it definitely has had an effect on our ability to raise the income that we need."
As for the appeals decision, the board will issue a written opinion in 60 days.
"I feel very happy and gratified that we got a favorable decision and that we can keep moving forward with offering more services with our clients," Cole said.
