A former mayor of St. Joseph has spoken out against a proposed mixed-use commercial and residential development downtown.

We’ve reported the Rienks Group has expressed an interest in purchasing a city-owned lot at the corner of Lake Boulevard and Broad Street and combining it with the former YWCA property at 508 Pleasant Street for a development that would consist of high-end condos, apartments, commercial space, an event venue, and underground parking.

City commissioners were enthusiastic about the plans at their June 23 meeting, but addressing them Monday, former Mayor Mary Goff said this development would not fit the character of downtown St. Joseph. She said when she served, proposals for high rises and hotels were frequently pitched downtown, but city leaders passed on them.

“It was never a problem having plans presented,” Goff said. “It was a matter of what fit the character of our city. Great care was used when developing the local bluff.”

Goff said there’s already plenty of luxury housing in the area, and what it needs is affordable housing. To her, this isn’t a good fit for the location.

“Please don’t destroy our charming downtown to fund projects that don’t fit. Please don’t sell us out.”

Goff also questioned whether the 157 parking spaces this development would have would be enough. She was applauded by those in attendance at the meeting.

Commissioners last month approved a “resolution of conditional support” for the property’s sale. There will still be several hurdles to clear before the Rienks Group can proceed with the development.