A new 320-unit housing development is set to rise in the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood after the Denver City Council this week approved a re-zoning plan for the project.

The council voted 10-1 in favor of the project following a lengthy hearing on Monday night. Councilman Wayne New cast the lone dissenting vote.

The decision required 10 votes because more than 27% of the residents living within 200 feet of the perimeter of the project had signed a petition protesting the project. A 10-member majority is required if at least 20% sign a protest petition.

The site is located southeast of Sloan’s Lake Park on a block bounded by 16th and 17th Avenues and Lowell Boulevard and Newton Street.

As proposed by Zocalo Community Development, the project would about a equal mix of affordable rentals and market rate condominiums.

“This creates a real pathway for home-ownership, especially for families,” said City Councilman Paul Lopez, one of 43 people who testified during the four-hour hearing.

Lopez submitted the application for the re-zoning in order to have it heard by the council. He then recused himself from the meeting.

Several residents objected to the size, scale and density of the proposed housing.

Karen Sear, a 19-year-resident of the West Colfax neighborhood, said the project lacks the kind of common open space that helps build a community.

“So where does this development have non-threatening, relaxed outdoor spaces for people to meet? For community to be built?” Sear asked. “Renderings to date show solid buildings all the way around the block. No courtyard. No sideyard. No outdoor sitting space.”

“The developer is saying that the park is where that should happen,” she added. “I’d like to agree that the park is a wonderful resource we all love.”

“But it cannot and should not be an excuse to neglect, including common space for the residents of this development to enjoy,” Sear said.

“This development is not building anywhere for the community to be,” she added. “Denver residents deserve more than a big-box people warehouse.”

Several affordable housing advocates spoke in favor of the project. In the end, their argument prevailed with the majority of the council members.

“I am very pleased with what I’ve heard tonight about what this project is going to provide for affordable housing and for just general neighborhood interests and amenities for the neighborhood,” said City Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman.