FERGUS – Another multi-residential unit has been approved on St. David Street North in Fergus.
Council approved the proposal for 750 St. David Street North at the Jan. 27 meeting.
The property sits at the corner of St. David Street and Parkside Drive, a residential neighbourhood with a school and church immediately to the north and shopping across the road.
The proposal is to replace the bungalow and garage currently on the site with a three-story building that will house 12 stacked townhouses. They are to be rental units and not condos.
The property will also have 18 parking spots with a driveway on Parkside Drive.
Objections raised at the public meeting in September mainly focused on traffic that would be added to this busy part of town and the safety of locating the driveway access on Parkside Drive.
The staff report suggested the proponent had made changes or will make changes during the site plan phase to address other issues like snow removal and landscaping.
Brett Salmon, managing director of planning and development, reminded council of the intensification targets council had approved.
“Twenty per cent of all future housing is to come from within the built-up area. This (proposal) meets the test,” he said, adding that major roads are ideal for multi-unit housing, as is spelled out in Wellington County’s official plan.
Colin Baker, managing director of infrastructure services, said staff are keeping an eye on traffic movement through the area and will advise of changes when they arise.
Council voted in favour of the proposal with councillor Lisa MacDonald voting against and councillor Bronwynne Wilton declaring a conflict as her husband is the planner for the proponent.
