Mayor Tom Murphy vetoed the zoning approval for a three-story apartment building in Mount Washington yesterday, saying the developer owes back taxes to the city and residents oppose the project.

Murphy said he would reconsider if the delinquent taxes and community opposition are addressed.

Developer Richard Pirain worked for 18 months to get approval for the Virginia Avenue project, on land that has been vacant for 40 years. On Jan. 25, council approved the project in a 5-4 vote, over the complaints of many residents.