Artists rendering of proposed townhouse proposal.

There is some opposition to a proposed multi-family housing development along First Street in Steinbach. Developer Luke Wiebe has purchased six lots on the north side of the street near Giesbrecht Street and wants to build a 72-unit townhouse project. City council held a public hearing Tuesday on the required rezoning request.

Theresa Burgess, who lives nearby on Donald Street, presented a long list of concerns, noting she doesn't want her neighbourhood to change.

The project is planned in the striped lots on the north side of First Street."When we purchased our home on Donald 22 years ago, we purchased it with a view to enjoy quiet community living at its best. We intentionally purchased in a neighbourhood of single-family homes with generous lots where kids could safely play on the street, families could safely walk and you could enjoy a quiet evening in your yard. What we see here is a complete disregard for the longstanding quiet, calm of an established neighbourhood."

But city councillor Susan Penner says the benefits of the housing project outweigh the concerns and she moved approval of Second Reading.

"I think the plan is very good overall for that neighbourhood. In general, we want high-density housing in our downtown area and this project would certainly would go in line with what would be good for our city."

Councillor Michael Zwaagstra seconded the motion. He says the plan will take some dilapidated properties and replace them with something new.

"The developer seemed to make an effort to present something that would fit with the neighbourhood. For example, it would be only two stories rather than three stories, there would be some extra space at the side yards in order to accommodate neighbours in that regard and the developer had also taken time to speak to a number of neighbours and deal with any questions at that time. So, on the whole, it seemed reasonable to allow Second Reading to proceed."

But because of the opposition from Burgess and one other neighbour, Mayor Chris Goertzen says the matter will now be referred to the Manitoba Municipal Board for further review.

"Those two objectors will be getting notices to ask them if they'd like to further object. If they would, this will then go through the Municipal Board process where they would have an additional time to make their case."