The future of the former Hunter’s Garage property next to the bridge in Pawtuxet is a step closer to coming into focus with Planning Board approval last Wednesday night of a plan to build two adjoined buildings with six housing units and 1,510 square feet of commercial space.

“I’m very pleased with the outcome,” said Anthony Albanese Jr., who with his father acquired the property four years ago. This is their third proposal for the site. The first two plans, a restaurant with six dwelling units and a second with 12 residential units, met heavy community resistance for being too big for the historical community and lacking adequate parking. Neither of those plans gained Planning Board approval, nor were they pursued.

The latest proposal, as Albanese described for a story prior to the Planning Board hearing, is “self contained,” meaning apart from variance of side-lot restrictions and a rezoning allowing the mixed use of the property, it does not require exceptions to parking and density requirements. Plans show parking for 22 vehicles, two more than required for the six units and commercial uses.

The development, however, met objections from neighbors who see it as encroaching on the residential character of the village. An argument made before the hearing by Ginny Leslie, a board member of the Pawtuxet Village Association who lives two houses west of the former garage on Post Road, is that rather than looking to build to the maximum by gaining zoning variances and exceptions, developers look to build with what they have.

Albanese called Planning Board approval “one small step in the right direction.” He noted that the plan needs to get a variety of approvals before he can proceed with demolition of the garage and commencement of construction. He expects his next step will be to come before the Historic District Commission. He also listed the required approvals by the Warwick City Council and the state Department of Environmental Management and Department of Transportation.

“I have no idea how long it’s going to take. I wish it was tomorrow,” Albanese said.

Asked what commercial uses he is considering for the property, Albanese said there won’t be a restaurant. He said neighbors made it clear they don’t want a restaurant, “and we’re OK with that.”

City Planner Tom Kravitz said Monday that assuming approvals by the Historic District Commission and the City Council, the Albaneses would need to come before the Planning Board for final approval.