Image courtesy of Svigals + Partners

A New Haven developer is hoping to add even more apartments to a proposed building near Yale’s Science Park.

RJ Development has proposed 176 apartments in a building at 291-309 Ashmun St., up from 150 proposed in a deal with the city for the land last year. RJ Development had won the right to build on the vacant property after a competitive RFP process.

In total, RJ Development’s new proposal, heard by the City Plan Commission last week, would rise 5 stories into the air. Eighty-eight parking spots would be provided above-ground on the building’s first floor. Retail uses would front onto the street.

Significant numbers of affordable units will also be included, with at least 25 set aside for renters making 80 percent of area median income, 15 units set aside for those making 60 percent of area median income and 10 units for those with Section 8 housing vouchers.

City planning officials approved RJ Development’s request to modify the site’s Planned Unit Development zoning. That request goes next to the city’s Board of Alders, after which RJ Development will return to the City Plan Commission for a detailed review of the development proposal itself.