After hearing several hours of debate from supporters and opponents of a 12-story condominium complex in Hillcrest, the San Diego City Council voted 7-1 Tuesday night to approve construction of the proposed mixed-use complex at 301 University Ave.

Councilmember Toni Atkins made the motion to approve the project, as well as to grant permits and adopt a tentative map for the project, which would be the tallest structure in that area of Hillcrest.

Councilmember Tony Young seconded the motion. Also voting for it were Councilmembers Jim Madaffer, Kevin Faulconer, Ben Hueso, Scott Peters and Brian Maienschein.

Councilmember Donna Frye cast the lone dissenting vote, saying the project was not compatible with the area. Frye said she thought the 121 parking spaces that would be created won’t be used by the public.

Atkins said the 121-space parking garage would be “a huge community benefit” and it helped her to decide to be in favor of it. “I think a project like this should go through a lot of hoops,” she said.

“I think Ms. Atkins does a lot of work. I really trust she’s doing the best for the community,” Peters said just before the vote.

The project will include 96 residential units, and four units would be dedicated to low-income tenants, said Lynne Heidel, an attorney for the project’s applicant, La Jolla Pacific Development. Heidel told the council there would be “multiple heights,” which would be layered.

Heidel said the project has evolved. The original proposal called for a 14-story building which was scaled back after residents expressed concern about its height.

Bruce Leidenberg, president of La Jolla Pacific Development, showed the council six buildings in other areas of Hillcrest that he said were taller than this proposal. One of the other buildings he showed is a housing structure on Park Boulevard that primarily houses senior citizens.

Bill Beck, who lives four blocks away from the site, said he liked the “interesting architecture within sight of the famous Hillcrest sign.”

Allison Rynne told the council she had to close her Hillcrest business two months ago because her customers couldn’t find spaces to park near her firm. She said six businesses on her block have closed, and “parking was a factor” in all of them. She said the project was “a step in the right direction.”

“Look at the big picture. Hillcrest needs this to survive,” said Cindy Leeman, who has worked for 22 years at a Hillcrest firm. “What we don’t have is ample parking to support these businesses.”

Opponents cited the building’s height, saying it would dwarf every business in the area. Cora Cooper, who collected signatures on a petition opposing the project, said “we don’t need a darkened city.”

The project was originally scheduled to be heard by the City Council on July 18, but City Attorney Michael Aguirre delayed the vote after saying an environmental report submitted by the developer was not released prior to the vote. Aguirre later released the report, but wasn’t present at the hearing Tuesday.

The environmental document was not mentioned by a deputy city attorney in his place or by others.