Steinbach city council has approved Second Reading of a bylaw to rezone a property at 126 Maplewood Street despite objections by some neighbours. Developer Harv Barkman wants to replace an older home on the large lot there with a nine-suite apartment block. The building would be at the rear of the lot with a parking lot along Maplewood.

A Maplewood resident, who requested her name be withheld from this story, presented a petition with 56 names of neighbours objecting to the plan. She told council she canvassed the area last Saturday and heard numerous objections.

"One gentleman suggested he's worried about the water coming in the ditches there, that increasing. Another concern was increased traffic on our street. It's already a huge busy street and we don't need it any busier than it is."

She adds people also expressed uncertainty about the people who would rent these apartments. She says people on Maplewood are working hard to keep it a family community and don't want the type of change that would come with an apartment block.

But Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra moved approval of Second Reading. He believes the proposed development would improve the neighbourhood.

"It is not a huge increase in density. Obviously, taking an old building and replacing it with a new building with the nine units, on the whole, we thought would be an improvement to the area. We've got to remember as well that there are apartment buildings nearby already, so this is not a major change in the character of the neighbourhood."

He adds city bylaws will ensure that drainage is not a problem and that there is sufficient on-site parking.

Councillor Jac Siemens seconded the motion.

"Maplewood Street from Loewen Boulevard through to Stonebridge Crossing is a neighbourhood that's in transition. And that's what happens in our community, it gets refurbished. I think this is a good place for a multi-family home and it would make sense to me simply because it would start that rebuilding process in that whole neighbourhood."

Council was unanimous in approving Second Reading. The plan now awaits Third Reading and a Variance application before any work can be done.