A proposed 24-unit apartment complex on Saint John’s west side is closer to its final approval.

On Monday, Common Council held a public hearing for the proposed development on Wild Fox Drive, off Manawagonish Road.

Those living nearby had the chance to share their concerns before council voted on the first and second readings for the project.

“Residents of this subdivision chose to live here, each of us for our reasons, and we love where we live,” said Katherine Olive. “Develop? Yes. An apartment building? No.”

Olive compared building the three-storey complex to putting up a Costco warehouse next to the Saint John City Market.

“It fills the need because people need to buy groceries at an affordable price, and it generates large tax revenue for the city, but it would be grossly out of place and out of character with other buildings in uptown,” added Olive.

Following the hearing, several councillors raised concerns about the lack of rendered drawings for the building and surrounding landscape, as well as a set timeline for construction.

“If it is the will of the council that third reading not occur until those renderings are produced, that can be dealt with as a secondary motion,” said City Manager John Collin.

“As well, it can be again the will of the council that we work with the developer to attempt to come to an agreement on an appropriate length of time on this development.”

After the discussion, council and city staff decided to add two motions to the vote.

The developer will have to provide council renderings of the site and work with staff on a timeline for the project.

Common Council voted 8-1 in favour of the first and second readings, as well as the other two motions. Greg Stewart was the lone councillor to oppose the motions.