Two developers hope their latest proposal for an east Saint John property will get approval from council.
But many residents who live nearby remain opposed to the development, despite a number of changes.
Michael Goldenberg and Paul Mangion are seeking to rezone a portion of land at 1429 Loch Lomond Road, near the Bon Accord subdivision.
Their latest proposal involves a total of seven buildings ranging in size from four to 30 units, for a total of 82 dwelling units.
“The eastern half of the site would be rezoned to low-rise residential, and the western part of the site would be rezoned mid-rise residential,” said senior city planner Mark Reade during a planning advisory committee (PAC) meeting Tuesday night.
The original design for the site was for a 136-unit development with a total of eight, 17-unit buildings.
Based on input they received at an open house in September, the developers prepared a revised proposal consisting of 10 buildings and a total of 105 units.
The application came before PAC members in November but they recommended that it be denied.
Goldenberg said they went back to the drawing board once again before presenting their latest proposal.
“That takes into consideration the concerns of the neighbours and also a feasible plan that we can make work,” he said.
But a number of residents who live near the proposed development are still not happy with it.
Several outlined their concerns during Tuesday’s meeting while others wrote letters to the city.
“We’ve received quite a few letters … I believe it’s 27 letters from members of the public who are in opposition of this application,” said PAC chair Alex Weaver Crawford.
“As well, there is also a petition signed by area residents with around 100 signatures in opposition of this application.”
A number of residents said they feel this type of development does not belong in an area that is made up of predominantly single-family dwellings.
Residents also raised concerns about increased traffic and noise, decreased property values, and quality of life.
City staff said they recommend approval as the proposed density and building forms “integrate with the surrounding neighbourhood and conform to the policies established in the Municipal Plan.”
Planning advisory committee members voted to recommend that the project be approved.
The rezoning application will now head to Common Council for a public hearing on Feb. 7.
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