An affordable housing development is moving forward with divided approval in Columbia Heights, leaving behind a series of fiery public comments and a debate that continues to churn beyond City Hall.
City Council members split 3-2 on the project's site plan, with Council Members Nick Novitsky and John Murzyn casting "no" votes earlier this week.
Aside from senior housing developments, the 148-unit apartment project marks the first of its kind in Columbia Heights in more than three decades, city officials say.
"The renters in this city deserve decent places to live," Council Member Connie Buesgens said before voting Monday.
Plymouth-based Dominium plans to build the two apartment buildings at 1069 Grandview Way and 4729 Grand Avenue NE., on an old Kmart site.
More than 20 people spoke at a tense public hearing ahead of Monday's vote. The hearing yielded barbed exchanges and prompted Mayor Donna Schmitt to rap her gavel and call for order.
Much of the concern centered on the project's density and parking, with some questioning if 222 spaces would be enough for 148 units.
The development includes 88 surface spots and 134 underground spots, the latter available to tenants for an additional cost, according to Dominium.