Candidate in opposition to controversial University Heights development elected to council

University Heights City Council is likely one vote further away from finalizing plans to build an 80 unit condominium on Melrose Ave.

The candidate in opposition to a controversial development plan narrowly won the election for a University Heights City Council seat Tuesday night.

According to unofficial results, Rosanne Hopson was elected in Tuesday's special election and will replace councilor Jim Lane.

The final unofficial results of the election were 262 to 233.

The two candidates represented opposite views on developer Jeff Maxwell's proposed 80-unit high-end condominium building at 1300 Melrose Ave., the current site of St. Andrew church.

Lane, who was appointed by the council in July, had been in favor of the Maxwell proposal.

Hopson is opposed to the current Maxwell proposal, but has indicated she would be willing to compromise on a smaller complex, that doesn't include the commercial space.

With only one other member of the council continuously voting against the current project proposal, Hopson's vote doesn't ensure major changes to the plan.

The election set a city record with 495 people casting ballots Tuesday night-approximately 56 percent of registered voters.

Hopson will serve the remainder of the term that expires Dec. 31, 2011.