Few answers given at subdivision meeting
Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A public meeting on rezoning Monday evening appeared to be a little short on answers as the developer's agent kept stressing that a proposed subdivision is a concept only.
The meeting was held to discuss Mason Homes' request for a rezoning of lands stretching from Centre Road to Main Street, north of Mason Homes Park on Apple Tree Crescent. The subject property is designated “Evolving Neighbourhood Area” in the Township of Uxbridge Official Plan,
A slide from the presentation made at the public meeting by Innovative Planning Solutions, the potential developer, which shows how the housing proposed would be distributed in terms of single houses and townhouses.
A spokesperson for agent Innovative Planning Solutions said the proposed development would see a total of 236 housing units built on 13.6 hectares. As presented, the units would be a mix of single detached homes and townhouses. The land sits within the urban boundary and is located in what is known as Uxbridge's Phase 2 area. The agent said the development will not move ahead until water and sewage servicing is available. Mayor Dave Barton said Uxbridge has some water and sewage capacity available but that it is dedicated to the urban area's Phase 1 land.
Councillor Willie Popp asked the agent about accessible housing and the possibility of different styles of homes, but the agent reiterated that "it's hard to commit since the start of the project isn't known." Councillor Pam Beach opined there is a need for more bungalows in town, noting that such units fit into the idea of accessibility and was told once again that the development is in the concept stage.
Other members of council had some concerns. Regional councillor Bruce Garrod, noting that the layout of the subdivision showed one street running almost the full length of the subdivision, encouraged the developer to look at ways to slow traffic down on the street. Councillor Zed Pickering worried about parking in the subdivision, and planning chair Todd Snooks was concerned about a couple of laneways running between the blocks of townhouses. He said he would like to see the laneways dropped from the plan.
Under other questioning, the agent said there are no plans to include anything like a convenience store in the subdivision and that, although about 2.5 hectares of the land is set aside for open space and a stormwater pond, there are, at the moment no plans for park space.