A proposal to construct over 260 apartments in the northern part of Saint John gained initial approval from city council members on Monday evening, with expectations that the initiative will breathe new life into the neighborhood. The envisioned project entails erecting three buildings ranging from five to six stories high near Lansdowne Plaza along Sears Street, positioned between Lansdowne Avenue and Harrington Street.
The rezoning application for the 3.79-acre site, presented to the city by Nova Scotia urban planner Rob LeBlanc of Fathom Studio on behalf of Plaza Corp. Property Holdings, seeks to convert the area from a general commercial zone to a mid-rise residential district. The proposed apartment complex, once realized, will be conveniently located near various amenities including a Sobeys supermarket, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pet Value, and several transit options.
Plans for the development include outdoor recreational spaces, landscaped green areas, underground and surface parking facilities, as well as pedestrian connections to the surrounding locality. Jacob Ritchie, speaking on behalf of Fathom Studio, emphasized the project’s focus on housing affordability and improved access to essential services, aiming to lessen the transportation costs for residents.
The area under consideration, previously home to a department store and office building before their demolition in 2013, has remained vacant. The proposed construction, comprising three buildings each with five to six stories and a total of approximately 267 units, aligns with the city’s long-term vision for growth in the north end, as endorsed by Mayor Donna Reardon and various council members.
Councilor Brian Wyatt, representing the north end, highlighted the significance of such developments in realizing the growth strategy for the area, envisioning Lansdowne Plaza as a central hub. The project also addresses accessibility requirements, ensuring compliance with provincial regulations mandating a certain number of barrier-free units within the residential complex.
While the project elicited one letter of support and one in opposition, concerns raised included potential impacts on privacy, property taxes, and neighborhood cleanliness. Further deliberations are needed before final approval, with the project timeline contingent on market conditions. Nonetheless, the endeavor to transform the vacant site into a vibrant residential community remains a top priority for the developers.
