Construction is expected to begin in the near future on an 18-storey building in downtown Moncton.

The mixed-use structure on Botsford at Victoria and Wesley streets will have 181 residential units, businesses, and 136 underground and interior parking spots.

Moncton city council unanimously approved the second and third reading this week of a land rezoning from the secondary business district to the central business district.

This will be one of the tallest buildings in downtown Moncton.

One of the concerns heard was regarding potential shadows from the building, blocking sunlight to homes.

“Depending on the time of year, how far up Wesley Street will the shadow of this tall building be?” asked resident Pierre Landry, who has lived in the neighbourhood for around 30 years. “Does that mean if I want to put a solar panel on my roof that it is not a good investment because a lot of that sunlight will be blocked?”

Bill Budd, director of planning and development for the city, said there would be minimal impact from the shadow because of the way the structure is being built.

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Deputy Mayor Shawn Crossman also commented with concern about a corridor between the building and St. Bernard’s Church.

“I want to know what the developer is going to do to cut down foot traffic going from Botsford down to Wesley or from possibly having street people/homeless gather in that area,” said Crossman.

He was reassured that the issue was discussed by the developer, with plans for a well-lit footpath for that area.

The application for the rezoning was received from Amico Construction on behalf of Trevor Ritchie.