A big new build in the east end of St. John’s is a step closer to approval.
Developer KMK Capital wants to erect a 10-storey apartment building on the former YMCA site on New Cove Road.
The structure would actually back onto the steep Kenna’s Hill, and include a separate two-storey parking garage.
Yesterday St. John’s council voted to redesignate and rezone the area to make way for the landscape changer.
The project has generated some buzz among councillors, given its height and potential to increase much-needed housing stock in the city.
Mayor Danny Breen says the timing of such bigger builds is no coincidence, either.
“I think changes to the HST by the federal and provincial governments has helped some of these projects, helped some of their economics,” he said. “I don’t know if it helps the affordability issue that much, but any increase in the supply helps with the trickle-down effect through the whole system.”
The site is still home to Max Athletics, fitness and childcare. But in a message to members last month, they said they’ll be closing for good on December 15 after failing to find an alternate site.
The new project will go to a public hearing after the city receives a land use report from the developer.