The City of St. John’s has taken another step toward approving the controversial development of the former Cathedral Parish Hall property between Queen’s Road and Harvey Road.
And council is pushing back against criticism that public input isn’t being heard or heeded.
Council voted unanimously on Monday to approve key amendments in principle to allow the development, but they must still be approved at the provincial level, which is expected by early February.
Critics say the view from The Rooms is at risk, as well as possible UNESCO designation for the larger St. John’s Ecclesiastical District, which has already been deemed a National Historic Site.
Councillor Ian Froude says that, and other issues, have been addressed.
He’s says while the effort for UNESCO designation is a “laudable goal,” information from Parks Canada suggests the development would not jeopardize such future designation.
Mayor Danny Breen, meanwhile, takes offence to “commentary” that he wouldn’t meet with the key players, or that consultations were insufficient.
He says he can’t recall another development with as much public engagement and input as this one, noting the flexibility by the developer to continually make required changes.