Rothesay council is expected to decide Monday night whether to approve a development agreement for a nearly 1,300-unit development.

The plan would add 1,277 residential units, along with retail space, on land near Millennium Drive, Campbell Drive and Wedgewood Drive.

It includes townhouses, single-family homes and four-storey buildings with shops and services. The development would be built in five phases over 20 years.

During a public hearing in July, some residents raised concerns about flooding, infrastructure and how the town’s character could change.

Nick Landry, a professional engineer residing on Wedgewood Drive, said the land behind his home, where phase five is planned, is already very wet and poorly drained.

He told council he deals with basement flooding every spring and believes the development could make it worse.

“When my wife and I first walked the land behind our home, it was extremely wet,” Landry said.

“The designated wetland doesn’t show the full picture. The ground is flat, the soil doesn’t drain well, and my backyard is unusable until mid-summer.”

He warned that building up the land with fill could push water onto neighbouring properties, which is not allowed under development rules.

Instead of approving the entire project at once, Landry recommended council review each phase separately. He said this approach would protect existing homeowners and allow for adjustments as the project unfolds.

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Residents also raised questions about whether Rothesay’s roads, sewer systems and emergency services can handle the growth.

Some cited unaffordable costs for municipal water extensions, while others asked about clear-cutting and long-term construction disruption.

Millennium Drive was described as narrow and lacking sidewalks or bike lanes. Several residents said the town’s infrastructure may not be equipped to support the added population.

Some attendees liked the ideas of the project, saying Rothesay needs more housing and walkable communities. Others worried it could change the town’s small-community feel.

Urban planner Greg Zwicker, who represents the developer, said the project is designed to support Rothesay’s future.

“If we stay stagnant, that puts a lot of weight on the remaining residents to pay for everything,” Zwicker said. “This brings housing choice to the community.”

He said the design includes walkable features and will be updated based on feedback from town staff and engineers.

Officials said the land is zoned Millennium Park Zone, which allows for commercial and residential uses, but council would need to approve a development agreement with the developer.

With files from Alex Allan