A zoning change needed to make the construction of a new apartment building and townhomes possible was approved by the Fort Dodge City Council Monday.

The council voted to switch 10.3 acres of land on the southeast side of Dodger Drive and North 29th Street from agricultural zoning to residential multi-family. In doing so, the council set aside its uusal procedure and made the change final on one vote rather than the usual three.

Eagle Construction, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has proposed for that site a four-story apartment building with 93 units, five townhome buildings of five units each and two garages with 12 stalls in each.

Mayor Matt Bemrich described Monday’s vote as the “first step in a really neat project.”

He said that business leaders have told city officials that more market-rate rental property is needed in the city.

“I’m really excited to see this move forward,” Bemrich said.

No one spoke to the council about the project Monday. However. in a report to the council, Brooke Flattery, the senior city planner, wrote that an email was received from Bill Gibbs, on behalf of Kolacia Construction, expressing opposition to the plan.

Considering the first reading of the zoning change was the matter before the council Monday. The council approved that unanimously. The council then voted to waive the second and third readings of the rezoning. Councilman Jeff Halter cast the lone vote against doing that.

Before work can be begin, Eagle Construction must still get site plan approval and building permits.