Neighbors and city commissioners Tuesday night wrestled with how many more apartments are needed along Clinton Parkway in southwest Lawrence.

Commissioners at their weekly meeting didn’t get that issue resolved, but a majority said they were leaning toward approving a proposal that would add 161 new apartment units at the southeast corner of Inverness Drive and Clinton Parkway.

“This may not be everything the neighbors want, but I do believe it is a lot better than what could go out there,” said Commissioner Lance Johnson.

Several neighbors spoke in opposition to the project.

“There already is a massive amount of property that is multi-family,” said Jamie Hulse, who lives near the proposed site. “We believe there is a better project out there that would provide for a more mixed use.”

The project — proposed by a development group led by Lawrence businessman Mike Stultz — would have 161 one-bedroom apartments. Developers said the project would be uniquely designed to fit in well with single-family homes in the area.

None of the buildings would be more than one-story tall, and developers said they would agree to provisions that would not allow more than two unrelated adults to live in the units.

Commissioners on Tuesday deferred taking any action on a rezoning request that would allow the project to move forward. But three commissioners — Johnson, Mike Dever and Mayor Rob Chestnut — said they were leaning toward approving the rezoning once they see a finalized site plan for the project.

Commissioners Mike Amyx and Aron Cromwell said that they had concerns about the project.

“I look at a corner like this and realize we only have one chance to get this right,” Amyx said. “I question whether it should be multi-family or whether it should be a mix of commercial and residential.”

In other business, commissioners:

• Approved a $116,304 contract with BG Consultants to design a sewer line and pump station for the Lawrence Municipal Airport.

• Agreed to submit four projects for funding consideration in the 2011 federal budget. The projects are a North Lawrence stormwater pump station, improvements to 23rd and Ousdahl, an extension of 31st Street and public transit equipment.