Developer John Wise speaks about his plans for an apartment complex at 110 Tremont St.Developer John Wise's plans to build an apartment building at 110 Tremont St. have been approved by the North Shore Design Review Committee.
Brooke Bradley King was the sole member of the four-person committee to vote against the project, giving its height as the reason.
"I still have some concerns moving into a residential neighborhood with a building that is nearly 45 feet high," she said. "It begins to swallow up the houses."
Wise's initial plans for a four-story building were denied, but he found a middle ground with a three-story building plus an 11-foot fourth-story penthouse, putting the building's total height at 42 feet above ground level.
In addition to one- and two-bedroom apartments, the building will also include two 980-square-foot office spaces on the main level.
Some neighborhood residents and business owners expressed concerns about the project.
Lisa Strait, who lives nearby at 417 Frazier Ave., said she was concerned about parking, congestion and garbage issues.
"There's a lot of traffic," she said. "People don't stop when you're trying to cross the street."
Gil Cartwright of neighboring business Flowers by Gil & Curt said he is also concerned about parking and congestion.
"The traffic is unbelievable now," he said. "To walk across the street you have to take your life in your own hands."
Wise said he made a 30-year deal with CARTA for the building's residents to park in the garage across the street. Parking will be included in his tenants' leases, so they would likely choose to park there, he added.
Others spoke in favor of the project.
"I think this is a beautiful project," said Adam Thomas. "I think this would be a great addition to the North Shore area."
North Shore resident Amanda Leming also approves of the project, which includes one-bedroom apartments with rent starting at $700.
"Finding affordable housing is getting more and more difficult for someone just starting out in the business world," she said.