The Mountain View City Council voted Tuesday to approve a new mixed-use housing project that will add hundreds of apartments at one of Mountain View’s most prominent intersections, preserving elements of the existing historic bank building on the site.

While councilmembers sang the praises of the developer’s efforts to win over the community, build housing and go above and beyond in terms of public amenities, the approval at the Nov. 18 meeting was anything but cheerful. The developer, Greystar, sought last-minute compromises and made requests of the city that led to contentious debate, culminating in threats of legal action and visible frustration at the public hearing.

The project passed on a 6-1 vote, with Councilmember Alison Hicks voting in opposition.

Greystar is seeking to demoli

See Full Page