Council here is considering selling some land in Glen Allan that would be used for a house lot and provide some in-filling.
Public works director Larry Lynch told council in a report on June 12 that for some time staff has been dealing with requests for the purchase and development of a lot on Centre Street in the hamlet that runs beyond the short section of road that already exists there.
There are already two homes on that street.
Lynch said while the township has dealt with a number of requests over the years, Linwood developer and home builder Steve Sebben has not only pursued the issue, but is also willing to work with the township to ensure a deal.
Lynch said Sebben, the manager of BC Recreational Landscape Construction, has “considerable experience in road building, landscape development and drainage issues.
“He has met with staff on numerous occasions and has gone to considerable expense to have engineered drawings prepared based on my site visits and engineering directions to him,” Lynch said in his report.
He added Sebben has “followed up on issues of design as it would affect road drainage, impact on adjacent properties and potential for future works.”
That included hiring an engineer to develop a road cross section, profile and drainage plan that would extend the undeveloped portion of Centre Street, as well as provide for an approved turn around for snow clearing and emergency vehicles.
Lynch noted Glen Allan is growing.
“As council knows, there has been considerable construction activity in Glen Allan in recent years. The community has seen a new bridge constructed over the river; a new access and upgrade to the adjacent community park; Wellington County Road 45 was reconstructed in 2011 and municipal sidewalks reconstructed and extended throughout the village.
“There are currently two new houses being constructed in close proximity to the proposed development, one directly off Centre Street and one around the corner on Wellington County Road 45.”
Lynch concluded, “Should Mr. Sebben be given the go ahead on the proposal, he would be responsible for the full cost to reconstruct the Centre Street extension, including clearing, grubbing, road construction, storm piping, catch basins, retaining walls and landscaping, all as per municipal standards. There are significant tree removals but he will work with the township staff to facilitate these at no cost to the township.”
Lynch also noted Sebben has been in regular communication with adjacent property owners about possible issues with his design.
Lynch said at council the lot is an “awkward landlocked piece of property,” but an entrance is available. He noted Sebben has worked with the City of Kitchener and “knows road building. He’s really proposing to clean up a lot of drainage problems to get this lot developed.”
Lynch said Sebben plans to put in all proper piping, including double catch basins.
“I think he’s doing a very good job with what he’s proposing,” Lynch said, but Sebben is unwilling to proceed much further until council gives its approval.
Sebben told council he has an option “to back out of the deal if council doesn’t like what I’m doing.”
He said he has talked to the neighbours and showed them the drainage plans for the area and they are pleased some problems will be solved, and they will end up with less water on their lands than they currently receive.
He predicted, “They’ll see a fraction of what they have now.”
Councillor Jim Curry asked if county officials have seen the proposal.
Lynch said Sebben preferred to bring the issue to Mapleton council first to see if it would meet with approval.
Councillor Neil Driscoll asked if the township would have to maintain the road.
Sebben said that would be the township’s job, and that is why he is providing engineering drawings.
Mayor Bruce Whale said that is normal practice.
Chief administrative officer Patty Sinnamon agreed and said it is no different than opening a public street.
Lynch said currently there is only an unopened road allowance to the proposed lot. He added there is the potential for other lots behind the property Sebben is interested in buying.
Curry said the road would have to be built to township standards and Lynch said that is what Sebben is proposing to do.
Whale agreed, and noted when the township signs off that the road is to standard, the township would take it over.
Council then endorsed the proposal in principle, subject to Sebben entering into a municipal engineering agreement, and directed staff to prepare an appropriate development agreement for council’s consideration.
