Despite concerns about parking from one councillor, Guelph-Eramosa has approved the site plan application for the Noble Ridge subdivision in Rockwood.
The Charleston Homes subdivision plan includes 49 single detached homes and 85 townhouses off of Harris Street in the village’s south end.
On Oct. 21 township planning consultant Bernie Hermsen recommended approval of the site plan, noting the number therein of parking spaces per unit (3.4) exceeds the requirement of 2.5.
But councillor Corey Woods didn’t agree with that portion of the plan regardless.
“I don’t like the on-street parking,” Woods said of the eight marked visitors spots in the plan (in addition to 40 visitor spots in small lots).
He later added the developer may be allowed to include on-street parking, but “I just don’t like that.”
Hermsen said the spots were actually included as a result of the township’s desire to have more parking in the subdivision.
Hermsen added that unlike other condominium roads in Rockwood – notably Isaac Lane, which has caused several issues for the municipality due to how narrow it is – in the Noble Ridge plan, the road width where the parking spots are is the same as other roads in the village.
Mayor Chris White said the streets in the condominium portion of the subdivision are private laneways and residents with complaints can contact the condo corporation. The on-street parking spots could be removed down the road if there are problems, White said.
Woods replied that he still doesn’t like the idea, adding, “In three years we’ll have neighbours hating neighbours.”
Councillor Doug Breen said he understands Woods’ concerns, and noted if the condo parking spills out onto nearby Jolliffe Avenue that would be a problem.
However, council unanimously approved the site plan (councillor David Wolk was absent).
