Temperance Street condo plan irks nearby residents

There is growing opposition to a condo development on the St. John's waterfront, that would include a six-storey tower on the edge of the Signal Hill and Battery neighbourhoods. 

Jackie Evans, who lives on Signal Hill Road, is one of many in stiff opposition to the development in front of a million dollar view of the harbour. 

"I'm opposed to how it looks," Evans said. "I think it's very ugly. It's very contemporary."

There's a double standard here. We have our siding, our windows, everything has to be permitted, and it has to look a certain way- Jackie Evans 

"We're going to have our ducks in a row," said Evans, who is attending a public meeting on the proposal at St. John's city hall next week, along with other neighbours.

The condo, if approved, will sit just below the quaint Battery neighbourhood, across from houses known locally as the Four Sisters on Temperance Street.

"There's a double standard here. We have our siding, our windows, everything has to be permitted, and it has to look a certain way," Evans said.

The building would tower 15-metres over the street and according to residents, block many existing views.

"It doesn't take into consideration O'Brien's Park right there, which is a memorial. Part of that memorial includes the view," she said.

The proposed development is part of a condo creep which has already taken over several prime spots in the area.

Evans said she was OK with a previous proposal which called for lower building with a more traditional look.

"I'm willing to work with everybody if it fits the heritage area, but this is just ugly," Evans said.

Nolan Hall, which is known for building developments in downtown St. John's, is behind the project.

"The full exterior is a stone facade," said Kevin Hall.

Hall said their proposal will guarantee the views for people who live directly above the road.

The original plan was higher than the one proposed currently, Hall said. 

Hall said the regulations allow his development to be larger but the company choose not to. 

He hopes the company's record shows that they adhere to city and heritage standards. 

The public meeting will be held at city hall on Wednesday.