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Mayor Jim Watson and a majority of city councillors shocked developers, lobbyists and residents last March when an application to build a nine-storey private student residence in Sandy Hill was defeated at council, after being endorsed by both the planning department and planning committee.

The developer, Viner Assets, appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board, which held a three-day hearing in October.

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Well, a decisive decision — a clear win for the developer and bum-slap for the city — came down this week.

“This is an appropriate development close to the University of Ottawa in what is considered to be a downtown neighbourhood with access to a wide range of amenities and services and proximity to employment,” wrote R.G.M. Makuch in the 14-page decision.

Hours later, Action Sandy Hill — which was granted party status at the hearing — issued the statement below in response to what it calls a disappointing decision.