People in the Mount Scio area of St. John’s are hoping that city council postpones a vote involving rezoning to make way for higher-density housing.

The issue in question is on Groves Road, which sits in ward four. That area is represented by Councillor Tom Davis, but he is on a one-month’s suspension and not able to participate in council business.

A company is asking council to rezone an area of Groves Road, which is populated by large homes on large lots, to allow for semi-detached housing. The recommendation to council is for approval but people are concerned about loss of rural character, traffic volume and safety, the potential for flooding, and the loss of green space.

A petition with over 170 signatures calls on City Hall to at least defer the vote until Councillor Davis is back in his chair and can speak for constituents.

The matter is on tomorrow’s agenda at the regular council meeting, but it’s unclear whether a vote will take place or be delayed until after Councillor Davis returns.