A proposal to construct over 260 apartments in Saint John’s north end received initial approval from city councillors on Monday night, with the aim of revitalizing the area. The project entails the construction of three buildings ranging from five to six storeys, to be located near Lansdowne Plaza along Sears Street, between Lansdowne Avenue and Harrington Street.
Urban planner Rob LeBlanc from Nova Scotia and founder of Fathom Studio, a Dartmouth architecture and design company, submitted a rezoning application on behalf of Plaza Corp. Property Holdings, the site’s owner. The application seeks to rezone the 3.79-acre area from a general commercial zone to a mid-rise residential zone.
Once completed, the apartment complex will be in close proximity to essential amenities such as a Sobeys grocery store, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pet Value, and various transit routes. The development project, which aims to address housing affordability, emphasizes the convenience of access to nearby services, reducing transportation costs for residents.
The site, previously occupied by a department store and office building until their demolition in 2013, has since remained vacant. The proposed project includes outdoor communal spaces, landscaped green areas, underground and exterior parking facilities, and pedestrian connections to the surrounding neighborhood.
In response to the growth plan approved by the previous council in May, Councilor Brian Wyatt expressed support for the project as a significant step towards fulfilling the plan’s objectives. Highlighting the importance of the Lansdowne Plaza as a focal point for the north end, Wyatt emphasized the positive impact of introducing green spaces to the neighborhood.
Mayor Donna Reardon also commended the proposed development, recognizing its potential to stimulate growth in the area. The project aligns with provincial regulations by providing accessible units within the residential complex.
While no opposing voices were heard during the hearing, the project received one letter of support and one in opposition. Concerns raised in the opposition letter included potential privacy issues, increased property taxes, and environmental impacts on the neighborhood.
The project is pending a third reading for final approval, with the timeline for construction contingent on market conditions. However, the redevelopment of the vacant site remains a top priority for the company.