Proposal seeks 146 new townhouses in BarrhavenPosted Jul 3, 2009 By Kimberly LochheadEMC News A new application to construct 146 townhouses in Barrhaven is requesting an amendment to the official plan by changing the zoning from commercial to residential. The subject properties include 155 Perm Cr., 199 and 200 Kennevale Dr., 300, 309 and 350 Moffat Pond Crt., and 755 Cobble Hill Dr. "Right now, the zoning requires a minimum frontage of six metres per lot and a minimum lot area of 150 square-metres per lot," explained Martin Barakengera, a planner with the city. "The proposed zoning would provide for a minimum lot area of 109 square-metres and then a minimum of lot frontage down from six metres to five metres. That's the extent of changes in the zoning bylaw." The application is proposed by DCR/Phoenix Development Corp. in Nepean. Historically, Mr. Barakengera said the properties were originally zoned as residential at the time of subdivision planning in 2004. The applicant, through their own reasons, then proposed the site be changed to commercial. "At that time, the applicant did supply a report to the city that the lands could be in demand for commercial use," explained Mr. Barakengera. "The city did not like it, but the developer repealed to the Ontario Municipal Board and it was changed to commercial. Now that market conditions have changed, we are averting the official plan and designation and the zoning to residential." He added that the proposed development should not have a great deal of impact on the existing community. "I understand from all indications that it's a welcomed proposal because there has never been a need for this particular piece of land being developed for commercial purposes," Mr. Barakengera said. "I don't see any impact because the original intended plan function for these lands was for the type of residential development which is now being proposed." Basic services, including access to parks and proper infrastructure such as sewers, have been identified as adequate for the residential development since the site emanated from the subdivision approval process. Transportation should also not be an issue because the properties are at the intersection of Kennevale Dr., a collector road, and Strandherd Dr., a major arterial road. "We expect the impact to be very minimal and the development would be consistent with the existing development," said Mr. Barakengera. "On the other side of Cobble Hill Dr., there are town homes and on the north side of Kennevale Dr., there are town homes and some singles and this development would mirror any other development surrounding it on the east side of Strandherd Dr." He added the housing in general, and specifically town homes, is appropriate for the area considering the current state of the economy, which calls for affordable housing. "It is meeting the market demand and the official plan's objectives for intensification because town homes are developed at a higher density than single family homes," said Mr. Barakengera. He said the application was originally scheduled to go to the planning and environment committee on July 14, but there is a chance the meeting will be pushed to a later date. Council is expected to see the application on Aug. 26. The application is currently in the early stages of the planning process as the city is accepting public commentary. A site plan has not been submitted by the developer as of yet, which is the next step. "The community should know that at this time, this is only a proposal, we don't know whether for sure what is proposed will be approved because the final decision will be made by council," noted Mr. Barakengera. For more information on the application or to comment, please contact Martin Barakengera at 613-580-2424 ext. 27500.
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