The plans for the proposed 4 storey affordable housing apartment redevelopment at 59 Metcalfe Street are continuing. St. Thomas City Council voted in favour to receive staff’s report on the proposed zoning by-law amendment needed for the redevelopment for information on Monday night (July 15).
The Ontario numbered Inc application is proposing to demolish the two existing buildings at 59 Metcalfe Street and build a new 4 storey apartment building with 15 total units. The report is a summary by staff of the June 10th public meeting on the proposal where 8 neighbours expressed their concerns with the proposal.
Staff summarized the comments as traffic, compatibility with the character of the neighbourhood, loss of heritage buildings, loss of privacy, proximity to other buildings, impact on property values and on site snow removal.
Manager of Planning Services Jim McCoomb says in the report that staff believe that many of the comments reflect anxiousness to the potential change in the neighbourhood. The report says that the proposal will not have an impact on traffic in the area and that the parking issues in the area because of the courthouse. The 15 affordable units proposed are needed for the City.
McCoomb says that there are no unacceptable impacts anticipated from the proposed development and in his opinion the proposal meets Provincial Policy Statements and represents sound land planning.
Council only received the report for information and will be voting on the necessary bylaw amendment at the August 12th meeting.
Councillor Peters, Baldwin-Sands, and Kohler voted against receiving the report.
