The Regent Park United Church property is one step closer to hosting affordable housing units after council approved a zoning bylaw amendment Monday afternoon.
The proposed 48-unit housing development, spearheaded by Kindred Works, will include one-third affordable housing units and an additional one-third built with accessibility features.
The project required a zoning bylaw amendment to allow residential developments to take place on the United Church property, which council approved Monday during their last meeting of the term.
“I think we definitely need a lot more opportunities for affordable housing within the city, and I think this is a very, very viable entity that's taking on this project and really think it's going to be a positive one and bring a lot of life to that property,” said Coun. Jay Fallis.
“It's a good balance of both affordable housing and regular, market rate.”
Over the course of their application process, several residents raised concerns about feared impacts on traffic, parking, and hydro infrastructure the proposed Kindred Works project may have on the neighbourhood.
“Perhaps in the future, council might look at a traffic stoplight at the corner of James and Gill,” said Coun. Pat Hehn. “I have friends that live right at that corner, and I do know how difficult it is to leave their driveway, get onto the street and I would suggest that a traffic count probably could warrant a stoplight at that corner – it is a very busy corner."
Coun. Ralph Cipolla also inquired about traffic concerns that were raised.
“The letter that a gentleman wrote on concerns (with) traffic, I took a drive there this morning and there are four-way stops along here, as well, and just wondering if staff has any concerns about the traffic there,” asked Cipolla.
City staff said the development should have minimal impact on the neighbourhood.
“The traffic brief that was required, it didn't indicate that there will be any need for any road improvements around the area as a result of this development. It was merely a small amount of number of trips that would increase from … the redevelopment of 48 townhouse units,” said senior planner Jill Lewis.
Coun. Ted Emond said he believes the project is going to “integrate well” into the community.
“This is an example of a development that is going to, through time, I believe, integrate well into the community,” he said. “Notwithstanding the short-term (concerns) that our neighbours feel, I do believe it will work in the longer term and be seen as an illustration of Orillia being a little ahead of the curve and doing what is necessary to accommodate housing.”
