A proposed infill development in Fergus is being scaled back considerably due to GRCA regulations.
The land in question is 367 Garafraxa Street E., Fergus, where Jennark Homes originally proposed a 16-unit stacked townhouse development.
Now, the purpose of a revised zoning bylaw amendment is to change the zoning of the subject property from “R2” Residential to “R2” Residential Exception.
The amendment accommodates the development of a plan that includes lots for seven single detached dwellings. Managing director of planning and development Brett Salmon said there was a public meeting back in July 2015 for a different proposal.
Salmon explained there were public comments, but the most significant was from the GRCA (Grand River Conservation Authority), which noted a watercourse on the east side of the property … and a fairly steep slope down to the water.
Because of that, the GRCA requested a slope stability study. Based on that study, Salmon said there is a fairly significant portion of the property where development is not allowed.
As a result, the stacked townhouse development no longer fits in the plan. Instead, Jennark made substantial revisions.
Now there are only seven single detached dwellings on the site. The amendment allows some setback leeway for this development to work.
One of the other differences to last year’s proposal is that one half of the existing semi-detached dwelling would have remained. Now, it too will come down, to be replaced with a freehold single detached dwelling.
Taylor McDaniel of Jennark Homes said the application has changed significantly. He explained each of the homes will have double car garages, plus room for two cars on the driveway.
For properties adjacent to the GRCA’s six-metre easement, there are stipulations restricting swimming pools or other structures which would impede access to the slope.
At the 2015 meeting Jennark was requested to undertake a traffic study. McDaniel said the study recommended single inbound and outbound lanes with a stop sign.
Because of the change to the development resulting in less than half the number of homes, the traffic study was not revised, McDaniel said.
Councillor Mary Lloyd asked if there will be a fence to delineate the easement area.
McDaniel was uncertain the GRCA would allow a fence, which might impede access. He said, “What this has done is provide about 5,000 square feet of open green space, which is a great amenity for the people who live there.”
Councillor Stephen Kitras said he understands things have changed considerably since last year, “But I think this will be a better development.”
