After several days of contentious public hearings, Vancouver city council gave its blessing, Tuesday, to a new high-rise development in Mount Pleasant.

More than 200 residents made appeals to council during public hearings, to turn down the $150-million development.

The Rize will be built at the corner of Broadway and Kingsway, and includes plans for 241 condominium units, and two floors of commercial space. Plans to have a large space for local artists were dropped.

But council agreed with city staff who said The Rize fits into the area’s redevelopment plan, and is consistent with city goals to increase density.

They did, however, recommend the project include measures to allow more sunlight to shine onto Broadway, and make the podium more acceptable to community concerns.