Minto council will consider on March 15 a zoning amendment to allow the conversion of a single-family dwelling on Robertson Street here to a duplex.
The proposal, which originally included the possibility a fourplex could be built on the property at 46 Robertson in the future, met with stiff opposition from neighbouring residents at a public meeting on Jan. 19.
Through letters and delegations, several neighbours expressed concern about additional traffic, parking and noise resulting from the increased density, particularly the proposed fourplex.
The applicant, Nathan Harper, has purchased the building from Christian Grotenhuis. The building lost legal-non-conforming status as a duplex when it was not used for that purpose for a period of time and Harper is applying to legalize the two-unit use.
Building assistant Stacy Pennington explained at the Feb. 16 council meeting that the legal-non-conforming use was lost when a doorway was installed between the two units, violating the conditions for a legal duplex.
Harper offered council and his neighbours “my deepest apologies,” for not attending the public meeting on the proposal.
“I just want you all to know I am taking this seriously,” said Harper, who owns three rental properties in Listowel, where he lives.
“I take pride in my property. I add value to my property,” he stated.
Harper said his primary intention is to legalize the duplex use of the property. He said the concept of building a four-unit residence was introduced as a forward planning measure and isn’t essential to his plans.
“If I get a fourplex, if I don’t get a fourplex, I don’t care. It is a duplex which I was always trying to do,” he said.
Harper also noted the property in question has two driveways and he said he would ensure the number of tenant vehicles would be restricted to match the available space.
“I’ve never seen a car parked in front of 46 Robertson,” he pointed out.
Council instructed staff to prepare a rezoning amendment allowing a duplex to be considered at the March 15 meeting. CAO Bill White said the citizens who attended the Jan. 19 meeting will be notified.
