Planning consultant John Gallagher was before Huntsville’s planning committee on behalf of his client Prasher Holdings Inc. at its March 16 meeting.
Gallagher was seeking a site plan approval for the redevelopment of a two-storey house at 65 Main Street West into a ten-unit, multi-residential dwelling.
He told committee his client has been busy developing rental apartments in Huntsville and sent his regrets.
“Ravi couldn’t make it today and sends his regrets. He’s busy working away trying to get all these apartments finished up in Huntsville,” Gallagher told committee. “As you’re aware, my client has a number of projects on the go right now in Huntsville. We’re nearing completion on Hwy. 60 rental units there.”
Gallagher also told committee work has begun on the old movie theatre, and “not sure if you are aware but the land to the west of this property, formerly the community health building, is also owned by my client and was renovated to provide apartments for the residents of Huntsville on that one as well,” he added.
The front of the building in the west end would remain the same when viewed from the road. “The design of the building I think will really complement the area. We are seeing a lot of revitalization of the Main Street West area and the property next door shows a good example of the workmanship that has been done on a conversion of an existing building to multiple residential use,” said Gallagher.
The property is already zoned for the use, but planning staff was asking for an additional three-metre buffer on the property’s front yard. The sides and back of the property already have a buffer.
Gallagher told committee that the lot is pre-existing and a front-yard buffer would interfere with the 14 parking spaces the applicant is proposing, compared to the 15 required by the municipality’s bylaw. He also indicated the applicant has agreed to pay the $3,000 in lieu of parking for the one additional parking space required.
Huntsville Councillor Jonathan Wiebe said he was open to the idea of eliminating the front-yard buffer. “You know if parking is an issue or is critical there then we might be doing more harm than good.”
The applicant is being asked to ensure the stormwater management plan is appropriate and that no runoff winds up on Main Street, which has been an ongoing issue in the area, committee heard.
In the end, committee approved the site plan application, provided that all drawings and plans are to the satisfaction of the municipality.
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How do you get on the list, in order to become a potential renter? I am in desperate need of a rental unit! (I realize that this won’t be happening any time soon, but I would very much like to add my name to the waiting list, if at all possible??) Thank you, Jennifer Wadden.
What is this council doing. We have an official plan and zoning is identified within the plan. If a developer wants a zoning change then they should apply for that change in the next official plan development. But instead the developer buys the property with the possibility of requesting a zoning change. And yes our council agrees with it outside of the official plan. This takes away citizens ability to help set and maintain the vision and image for Huntsville. There are many examples of our council operating in this vacuum with the most stunning example being the zoning change made to the old movie house on main street. As we head into the municipal election we really need to elect those councilors that hat have Huntsville’s best interest as their primary goal, not the developers. This lack of vision will dramatically impact the future of Huntsville and will we be looked as a beautiful city by the lake or the armpit of the north.
My Father in Law owned that at one time. Had a room with a hot tub – speakers – summer kitchen. Cool old house with alot of history.