A company is hoping to build 50 condominium townhouses and six "affordable" units on vacant land in Barrie's south end near Little Avenue and Hurst Drive.
The landowner, 428 Little Inc., is seeking zoning-bylaw amendments for properties at 428 Little Ave. and 237 Foster Dr., a five-acre parcel of land that extends from Foster Drive down to Little Avenue and includes the GO rail line in behind. There would also be a road extension from Foster Drive out to Hurst.
A presentation was made during Tuesday evening's public meeting by Celeste Phillips on behalf of 428 Little Inc. The infill project also included a draft plan of subdivision, which places the affordable units closest to Little Avenue.
The application, if approved, would see the properties rezoned from single-detached designations to residential multiple dwelling second density (RM-2).
Phillips noted the density in the proposed development would be around half of what the city's RM-2 zoning bylaw would allow. It also has more open space than required.
The plan includes private roadway from Foster Drive into the development, Phillips said, extending through the middle of the property down to Little Avenue. She said the plan also includes more on-site parking than the zoning calls for; at 56 units, it would require 84, but the plan includes 135 spaces, including 30 for visitors.
"That is to avoid spillover into the residential neighbourhood," Phillips said.
Metrolinx, which operates the GO Transit rail line, requires a 30-metre setback, a chain-link fence, and a retaining wall.
The city's Official Plan calls for affordable housing, as well as development of vacant land that is near transit and businesses, both of which Phillips said the proposal satisfies.
In a letter to the city, Tamara Gortmaker, whose property at 21 MacLaren Ave. backs onto the proposed development, listed several concerns about the project and its long-term effects.
"It is disappointing to know that there is consideration of intensification on a very small corridor of land between existing residences and the Metrolinx rail line," said Gortmaker, whose concerns include increased traffic, noise during construction, drainage, tree removal, and potential for decreased property values.
"I understand the city’s plan for intensification. However, there are several projects planned for the area currently," she said. "The existing infrastructure on Little, Hurst and surrounding neighbourhoods is insufficient for increased traffic in this area.
"Building a new subdivision on a narrow strip of land directly along an active rail line ... seems to have more negative impacts than benefits," Gortmaker added. "There are several parcels of land in the area more suited for intensification."
Taylor Schubert and Catherine Feldcamp, who live at 246 Foster Dr., also expressed concerns over increased traffic in the area, as well as parking overflow, density, and protection of greenspace.
With the area being "sparsely" populated, Schubert said he doesn't believe the plan fits with the existing neighbourhood.
Mayor Jeff Lehman asked Phillips about the appropriateness of the medium-density plan for that area of the city.
"The scale of the development (and) the height are all well below what is required by the bylaw," Phillips said.
The application is undergoing a technical review by city staff and external agencies.
A staff recommendation to planning committee is expected in the fall.
