Saint John council has advanced a 267-unit residential development beside Lansdowne Plaza that could become the first housing project under the city’s North End Plan.

Council gave first and second readings to a rezoning and development agreement for a 3.79-acre site at 145 Lansdowne Ave., Saint John, N.B., encompassing lots along Sears and Harrington streets. Plaza Property Holdings wants to rezone the land from general commercial to mid-rise residential.

The Fathom Studio-designed proposal calls for three buildings. A five-storey building would contain 45 apartments, while two six-storey buildings would have 121 and 101 units. The pair would include commercial space along the exposed edge of an underground parking garage.

Plans also show landscaped amenity areas, pedestrian connections, 147 surface parking spaces and 170 underground stalls.

Mayor Donna Reardon told the public hearing the development could spur further investment in the neighbourhood.

“I feel like if we can get this on the road, that this will be a real catalyst over there for growth,” Reardon said.

Coun. Brian Wyatt tied the proposal to the city’s redevelopment goals.

“I think it’s the first step in really building out the North End, an area that is looking for redevelopment and revitalization,” Wyatt said.

The planning advisory committee recommended the rezoning in July and approved four variances, including a 29% density increase allowing 267 units instead of 207.

Third reading is expected at council’s Sept. 8 meeting. Development cost, unit mix, tenure, affordability, construction timing and Plaza’s ownership plans have not been disclosed.