Across the city and the suburbs, developers are making plans to build this spring. But whether they are proposing structures that can go up as-of-right, or will need special zoning approval for a higher, denser, or different use, many projects will face opposition from abutters or community organizations that make it their job to say no — adding time and more expense to a development.

Here are some tips for real estate professionals regarding community or government relations:

Don’t hide. Especially when a developer is building as-of-right, he or she may think he does not need to “ask permission” to build. While this is technically true, it is always important to be a good neighbor, explain the facts about the development and listen to community concerns. Often, misinformation, lack of information or a sense that they are being ignored are the drivers for opposition.

Think like them. When formulating “the story” of your project, go beyond explaining the height, the cladding and the use. If you lived or worked next door, why would you welcome this construction? How does this benefit them? Is it enlivening the streetscape? Bringing a much-needed service to the community? Generating sorely-needed tax dollars for the local school system? Merely asking these questions yourself could improve the chances for a smooth process and an even more successful project.

Develop your messages. Anticipate what elected officials or the community might ask. By putting words to paper, it helps you to prepare how to answer some of the more difficult questions such as: How will traffic be affected? Is there enough parking? Will these apartments drain resources at the local school?

Establish a timetable for going public. If there is a public meeting, expect media to be there and speak as if you will surely be quoted. While traditional media have fewer reporters and less time to cover the nuts-and-bolts meetings at city or town halls, anyone with a cell phone or a laptop can be a reporter today. So make sure the community, an abutter, or even the mayor won’t be surprised to read news of your project in the paper or on a blog or the local Patch. Give them a heads up in order of importance. Meet with people one on one when possible to diffuse the mob mentality that can often take over a community meeting.

Anticipate the most negative reaction possible and prepare for it. Know your project’s weaknesses. Learn who the agitators are. And decide what, if anything you might consider changing if you have to negotiate with critics. Exploring the landscape in advance will leave you better positioned by knowing what’s worth fighting for.

Tina Cassidy is a former Boston Globe reporter and editor and a vice president at Solomon McCown & Co., a Boston-based strategic communications firm, where she leads the real estate practice, www.solomonmccown.com