As reported in The Telegram, St. John’s city council unanimously approved a six-storey mixed-use building on the site of the old Dominion grocery store in Churchill Square.

The decision was made at the regular Monday council meeting. All councillors present for the meeting voted in favour; Coun. Debbie Hanlon was absent.

The proponents are KMK Properties Inc., an agent for Loblaw Properties Ltd.

The property is zoned commercial mixed use and required a text amendment to accommodate the proposed building height and floor area ratio, which is what council voted on.

The architectural renderings have the structure at 21.5 metres, but the current zoning allows for 15 metres. The floor area ratio would increase from the permitted 1.5 to 4.7, and residential density would increase from the permitted one dwelling unit per 50 metres square to one dwelling unit per 29 metres square.

The text amendement changes apply to buildings within the Churchill Square retail area.

Parking requirements will also be amended to allow residential parking in the designated retail parking area.

About 100 people attended a public meeting about the building on July 3.

Some people raised concerns about the impact a loss of parking spaces would have on parking availability for businesses and the potential for parking to overflow on neighbouring streets, as well as issues with snow storage during wintertime.

Ward councillor Ian Froude said stakeholders worked together to mitigate concerns.

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