A proposed massive south end development received little opposition at a public hearing Thursday night.

The 296-hectare Sandstone development, a joint project between Snuneymuxw First Nation and Northwest Properties, coasted through the session with praise and acceptance from residents as Nanaimo city council listened.

The hearing was the last step before the project’s master plan goes before council for a third and final reading to include it in the Chase River Neighbourhood Plan section of the Official Community Plan.

Council will likely approve the plan on Nov. 23.

Gary Pooni, president of Brooks and Associates representing Northwest Properties, said the community will feature low, medium and high density housing with 2,400 family units, a lifestyle centre with retail and restaurants, and a light industrial sector. Fifty per cent of the community will continue to be green space.

“Over the course of 15-20 years of this development, we project the addition of 4,000 to 5,000 new jobs,” said Pooni. “We believe Sandstone will provide a counterbalance for the south-end residents from the developed north end and put downtown back in the centre of the city where it belongs.”

Coun. Fred Pattje voiced similar concerns with Sandstone as he has with the nearby Oceanview Resort and Spa project at Cable Bay.

Pattje said his concerns include increased traffic on already busy south-end roads, urban sprawl and competition for downtown.

“We’re still looking for downtown density,” he said. “To revitalize downtown we’re looking for another 8,000 people to live there. I don’t want this project to compete with downtown efforts.”

Mike Parker, president of the Chase River Community Association, said the project will bring welcome opportunities for south-end residents to work, live and shop.

“Northwest and Snuneymuxw First Nation addressed all of our concerns with ease,” said Parker. “We fully support this project.”

Parker’s only caveat was a concern of safety on Extension Road with increased traffic patterns.

If approved, the master plan will be incorporated into the OCP.

reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com