A big development proposed for a notorious shortcut in St. John’s east end must undergo an in-depth traffic study after all.

Council approved the revised requirements for the project on Mount Cashel Road during yesterday’s regular council meeting — the last one before next week’s municipal election.

Developer KMK Capital is proposing two, three-storey apartment buildings with 72 units on vacant land at #18 Mount Cashel.

It didn’t require a transportation impact assessment or traffic study when it was rezoned late last year.

But that all changed following public outcry during consultations over the summer, resulting in a resolution of council to revise the rules.

KMK is now required to gauge impact on not just Mount Cashel Road, but also surrounding streets in concert with major businesses in the area.

Councillor Sandy Hickman felt that was over the top.

“It seems like a lot for me, for an apartment building,” he said. “It digs into a lot over and above the impact that the buildings will have on the neighbourhood, so I think it’s a bit much to ask the proponent to do that much.”

Hickman was swayed, however, by Councillor Ron Ellsworth who said KMK is okay with it.

“There’s an anomaly there with the amount of traffic that’s already in the area, which is what the ward councilor brought forward on behalf of the residents, and the proponent had no issue with moving ahead with the request.”

KMK must submit a land use report that includes a comprehensive transportation impact assessment.

Once that’s accepted, there will be further public consultation, including a public meeting chaired by an independent facilitator.