Members of a pro-density civic coalition on Wednesday won six of the eight open seats on the Highland District Council.

Sustain Ward 3 formed more than a year ago to advocate for higher-density, pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly development at the vacant Ford Motor Co. campus overlooking the Mississippi River.

Lasting three hours, the annual meeting and board election for all even-grid and two at-large seats took place at Summit Brewery on Montreal Circle, with seven of the openings on the council drawing at least two candidates apiece. Neighbors for a Livable St. Paul, which had opposed medium-to-high density development at the Ford site, introduced a slate of endorsed candidates but won only a single at-large seat by three votes.

The event drew some 200 participants, with remarks from Mayor Melvin Carter, St. Paul Council Member Chris Tolbert and three St. Paul Police commanders. Several longstanding members had reached their term limits, having served three consecutive terms, or were otherwise unable to run for re-election.

Despite their strong showing, the Sustain Ward 3 group took some criticism in the form of parody literature that was circulated before the vote. A print-out called them “eco-chic” proponents of the “quonset hut lifestyle.”

Subtle dig at @SustainWard3 at the @HDC_Saint_Paul annual meeting. Glad my neighbors make me feel so welcome. pic.twitter.com/4YKqyyQK4A — Brandon🌻🌹Long (@BLongStPaul) April 19, 2018