The developer of what could become Moncton’s tallest building wants to replace planned row houses at the back of the site with a parking garage.

The change would reduce the number of apartments from 288 to 273, while increasing parking stalls from 258 to 411, according to Planning Director Sarah Anderson.

Moncton city council approved the first reading of the amendment on Monday night.

The project is planned for vacant land at Main Street, Bateau Street and Harper Lane on the east side of downtown.

Icon Developments Inc. received approval in 2023 for a 30‑storey tower with commercial space on Main Street.

The rear portion of the site was originally set to include row houses, residential units and underground parking.

Anderson told council the mix of uses did not work once the detailed design was complete.

“After two years of detailed design, it was determined that the originally proposed mix of uses in that rear portion would not be feasible,” Anderson said.

“In order to move forward with the development at all, the rear portion would have to be revised to a single use.”

She said the garage design will include windows and step‑backs to reduce its impact on Harper Lane.

“The application does meet many policies of the municipal plan,” she said.

“It helps to increase residential population in the downtown, and it helps to reduce surface parking needs by providing underground and structured parking.”

Council voted unanimously in favour of the amendment. The Planning Advisory Committee will review the plan on October 22, with a public hearing scheduled for November 3.

Anderson said the developer hopes to begin construction as soon as approvals are in place.