The next move on a proposed townhouse development along Edgehill Drive backing onto Highway 400 has been put on hold until after the winter.
A numbered Ontario company, represented locally by Innovative Planning Solutions, is looking to build 78 back-to-back townhouse units, in five separate buildings, on almost two acres of land at 105-111 Edgehill Dr.
For the plan to move ahead, the properties need to be rezoned to residential multiple dwelling second density.
Planning legislation recently passed by the province requires a decision within 150 days. If a decision is not made within that time period, the applicant can appeal to the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal.
According to a memo to council from city planner Bailey Chabot, the application for a zoning bylaw amendment will surpass the 150-day timeframe for a decision on Dec. 17.
However, the developer has agreed to extend the timeline for another 100 days, until March 27, 2019.
In a letter to the city from Darren Vella of Innovative Planning Solutions, he says the developer has said it will not file an appeal.
Following the neighbourhood and public meetings, as well as input from other agencies, “there are a number of revisions to the proposal that have been recommended,” Chabot wrote.
“Given the complexity of the application, the applicant has not had sufficient time to address the technical comments provided as part of the review," she added.
City staff is unable to provide a complete recommendation to general committee within the 150 days, Chabot said.
Fifteen people attended a neighbourhood meeting on Sept. 5 and two people also spoke at a public meeting later that month, where issues such as traffic, road and school capacity as well as the health and relocation of a nearby stream were raised.
Concerns that require further analysis include site design, parking, fire service, as well as sidewalks and pedestrian safety.
The Ministry of Transportation is also working toward widening of Highway 400 near the site, which would require the developer to provide land for the project. This was not addressed in their original submission to the city.
The MTO requires a 14-metre setback from its right-of-way, which will require the developer to move or redesign two of the buildings in their plan.
