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Janette Niwa, who lives on Meath Street, said she would support road closures at Meath and Archibald streets to mitigate the increased car traffic caused by the development.

“The road closures make the most sense for the community given the density that’s coming in,” Niwa said.

Jesse Ajayi delivered a measured presentation to the committee, saying he trusts the traffic issues will be addressed by the city and local councillor during the site plan process.

“With an act of faith and an open mind many residents do look forward to this development,” Ajayi said.

A Holloway representative said the company has no objection to the road closures, making Carling Avenue the only entry and exit point for the development.

It will be up to the city to act on those closures.

The planning committee voted 7-2 in favour of the zoning change to allow the development. Councillors Riley Brockington and Jeff Leiper opposed the application.

Brockington, the councillor for the community, decried the “chasm” between the planning and transportation departments, in reference to the likely traffic impact to Thames Street.

He doesn’t like the massing of the proposed development along Carling Avenue, but Brockington tried to highlight some of the positive aspects of the plan, including a new 1,400-square-metre public park.

“Yes, there are positives, but still, the more significant concerns with respect to height and number of residents are what’s causing me concern at this time,” he said.

Council will consider the application on Wednesday.

jwilling@postmedia.com

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