Significant overhaul of Howard Johnson Hotel site clears key hurdle
NANAIMO — Despite opposition from Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN), plans for a transformative downtown Nanaimo development are destined to be approved.
City councillors voted 7-1 in favour of overhauling the dilapidated Howard Johnson Hotel site at the corner of Terminal Ave. and Comox Rd., following a Thursday, May 18 public hearing to approve the framework for a mixed residential and commercial development, including a pair of 16-storey buildings.
Coun. Paul Manly was the lone dissenting vote, while coun. Hilary Eastmure recused herself from the discussion.
One final blessing is required from councillors to establish the required zoning for specific aspects of the project encompassing six buildings on six lots to be developed over time.