A controversial proposed three-story, 42-unit condominium in east Whittier, which was rejected by a divided Whittier Planning Commission, has been approved by the City Council.

The council voted 4-0 — Councilwoman Jessica Martinez was absent — to approve the project that will be built by Mission Pacific Land Co. of Newport Beach at 9829 La Serna Drive on the vacant site of a former Marie Callender’s Restaurant.

“My job is to follow the science and law,” Councilman Fernando Dutra said. “I think we’ve done that. We’ve listened to the professionals and staff. We’ve come up with a project that is the highest and best use for the site.”

But many residents who live in nearby Friendly Hills single-family homes disagreed because of concerns of compatibility with adjacent neighborhoods, parking and traffic.

“Friendly Hills is the crown jewel of Whittier,” Anthony Velasquez said. “We don’t want multifamily. Let’s keep Friendly Hills Friendly Hills.”

Raul Lizarraga objected to the proposed tandem parking where cars park end to end and was concerned residents wouldn’t use their garages and end up parking on the street in front of homes on nearby Janine Drive.

Mark Rael, director of acquisitions for Mission Pacific, said the project met city parking standards and the homeowners association could enforce rules requiring that homeowners use their garages for parking, not storage.

Rael also said a traffic study found the condos would produce a half a percentage-point increase in traffic.

Mayor Joe Vinatieri raised concerns about a tower at the southwest corner of the project that is near some homes.

“It strikes me as being intrusive,” Vinatieri said.

However, the developer agreed to add more landscaping to make the project less intrusive.

The Planning Commission in June voted 2-2 against the project because of concerns that residents wouldn’t use their garages and end up parking on the street in adjacent streets. The developer appealed the decision to the council.