FORT ERIE, Ont.—Plans for twin high-rise condominiums at Crystal Beach moved ahead Monday as a Town Council committee voted to seek zoning approvals and hire a professional planner to review the proposal.

The committee approved, 5-2, a staff report recommending that the town partner with Molinaro Group of Hamilton on the project.

Officials heard beforehand from residents on both sides of the controversy over the 12-story towers, which would be built on an upland parcel overlooking the village’s popular public beach.

A June 27 rally sponsored by Friends of Crystal Beach, which is fighting the proposal, drew about 200 people. The group claims 4,000 people have signed petitions opposing it.

But Fort Erie Mayor Douglas L. Martin and his development chief, Rino Mostacci, claim a majority of the town’s 30,000 residents support the plan, which in addition to the condo towers calls for new beach amenities and a shop-lined plaza.