Plans to convert a former auto repair shop on Canal Street into a four-story, 30-unit apartment building would make it one of the biggest new developments in West Medford Square.

Lexington-based Debco Properties filed plans with the city last year to construct a new residential complex at 7 Canal St., currently a one-story commercial garage occupied until recently by Bill Stephens Automotive.

The address is less than 100 feet from the intersection of Canal and High streets, near the center of West Medford Square.

The project would include renovating the building’s first floor and constructing three additional floors, according to Debco’s proposal with the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

Renderings included in the company’s marketing packet show plans for a modern building with floor-to-ceiling corner windows, balconies and open rooftop areas. Plans also show enclosed parking space on the first floor and a brick wall separating the complex from adjacent businesses on Canal Street.

Architectural plans indicate the apartment building would be about 50 feet tall.

“This is probably one of the biggest things to come to West Medford Square,” said Stephen Pompeo, of Pompeo & Sons Insurance Agency at 464 High St.

Medford’s Community Development Board approved the proposal earlier this month by a vote of 3-1, with Kelly Hurstak the only member to vote against the proposal.

Hurstak declined comment because she said the board had not yet submitted its written recommendations to the developer.

Debco’s plans are now before the ZBA, which will hold a public hearing Feb. 23 on the developer’s application for a variance to construct a residential building with more than three stories, the maximum allowed at the site under the city’s Zoning Ordinance.

Because of the development’s size, several residents expressed concerns online about parking and the potential impact on area schools.

But resident Roberta Cameron, who works as a community planner, said the project would be well suited for the area.

“This is the right building for the right place,” Cameron said. “You’re a block away from the commuter rail. Several bus lines are served nearby. It’s an area that has the infrastructure to support this type of development.”

Cameron said the development would not likely attract many families with kids, which she hoped would quiet fears from some residents about the project adding to the school district’s student population.

“What I’ve heard people complain about is parking, impact on the schools,” Cameron said. “But what the unspoken concern people have is there’s just an adversity to change. The issues that people bring up I think are really secondary. The real thing is being adverse to change, not wanting to see something new, not wanting to trust somebody coming into the community.”

The current single-story brick building at the site was built in 1920 and originally used as a community garage, according to ZBA case documents.

The building was expanded in 1935 by then-owner H.P. Hood Company, which stored its fleet of delivery and maintenance vehicles at the location.

Following Hood’s ownership, the building was used as a warehouse/distribution center and later for auto storage and repair.

Pompeo said he supported Debco’s proposal to improve the building, but wished the city had solicited more input from nearby residents before moving the project through City Hall.

“I applaud the developer for getting involved with this project as that building has been in need of rehab for a long time,” Pompeo said. “A great use for that location is an apartment building but, of course, one with a design that fits and improves the neighborhood and doesn’t contribute to the parking problem. This design may or may not be it, but with so many variances requested there is a red flag that the neighbors and public should be involved and have a say.”

Traffic assessment

As part of its proposal, Debco hired transportation planning firm Vanaase & Associates, Inc. to conduct a traffic assessment at the location. According to the study, the new apartment building would create only a “slight effect” on existing traffic patterns.

The study states Debco would limit parking space to one space per apartment unit. The developer would also install bike racks and encourage the use of public transit, given the proximity of the MBTA’s West Medford Rail Station and nearby bus stops, according to the study.

“Provision of limited parking is expected to encourage prospective tenants with one or no vehicle,” the study states. “In summary, while project impacts are measurable, the project is not expected to create substantial delays at any location.”

Cameron said while the proposed building might look different than other structures in or near West Medford Square, the area already has a number of three- and four-story residential buildings.

“The buildings that define West Medford are just like that,” she said. “It’s fitting into the fabric of the Square.”

IF YOU GO…

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on the Canal Street project on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in Room 201 of Medford City Hall, 85 George P. Hassett Drive. The ZBA will be hearing public input at that time.