A large crowd filled City Council chambers Monday evening for a public hearing on the development of property in Lake Estates, where Developer Curtis Lemieux also spoke about plans for rental units.  (Charlene Tebbutt/paNOW Staff)

By Charlene Tebbutt

Lake Estates

Little debate at public hearing over Lake Estates rental housing plans

Mar 19, 2019 | 8:44 AM

Local city councillors expressed support once again for the sale of a parcel of land in an upscale gated community in the city’s West Hill area, but stopped short of endorsing a rezoning request for the land without another public hearing on the issue.

Plans for development of the .66 acre parcel of land have generated concern amongst residents in Lake Estates on South Hill, who say they’re afraid of losing park space to make way for 40 new rental units. City council voted last month to sell the patch of land back to the developers for $1, but plan to hold another public hearing before agreeing to rezone the property.

The land was earmarked for the West Hill Storm Pond, but city administration later decided it wasn’t needed. It is currently zoned as park land. The parcel still has more than three acres of room for park space to be developed, and developers say they have more green spaces planned across the entire development.

Despite numerous letters from residents in Lake Estates opposing the development of rental fourplexes, no one stood up to speak against it at a public hearing at City Hall Monday night. A number of residents wrote the development would devalue their properties and cut out valuable park space.

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Developer Curtis Lemieux told council his group is hoping to entice more retirees and older adults to the community. While developers had originally planned to construct three four-storey condominiums equalling 72 units, they have now settled on a plan to build single-storey fourplexes totalling 40 units, which would mean less traffic in the area and lower sight lines, he said.

“We would never intentionally devalue the development, which would include our own homes, residential lots and spec homes which we have for sale,” Lemieux said at the meeting. “This development has been designed beautifully and is a quiet, sought-after place to live.”

Lemieux said development of the rental units will employ 60 to 80 people over a two-year period. Lemieux said developers have put more than $32 million into the project, including the property purchase, services installation, lot development, roadways, landscaping, fencing and construction of the lake.

“It injects money into the community, while also satisfying the community need for quality housing for citizens who are no longer interested in home ownership,” he said.

The units will be rented for $1,700 to $1,800 per month, Lemieux added. The proposed development is expected to generate $60,000 to $70,000 in taxes each year as well.

Ward 7 Coun. Dennis Nowoselsky questioned Lemieux about the opposition from residents to the proposed plans for rental properties. Lemieux said developers have been reaching out to all residents to educate them about the plans.

“To date, the people that we met with, that were unsatisfied or weren’t happy with what we were doing, left satisfied,” Lemieux said Monday. “So, if we could have the opportunity to meet with these people, we’re sure they’ll become satisfied.”

Ward 8 Coun. Ted Zurakowski, who represents the area, said developers already paid for the land the first time they bought it, and urged them to be proactive in meeting with residents and talking about their plans.

“So, the city has already collected its pound of flesh,” Zurakowski said. “This is a development that has evolved over the years to the needs of the community.”

Ward 5 Coun. Dennis Ogrodnick encouraged the developers to take a look at opportunities that might be available in Crescent Acres as well.

“There’s nothing wrong with building property or houses for people that want to spend their money the way they want,” Ogrodnick added.

Ward 1 Coun. Charlene Miller said she’s happy to see another meeting will be held over the idea of developing park space. She said park space is important to the city and local neighbourhoods.

“I just wonder, what else are we willing to sell?” she said.

After the meeting, the developers behind the project said they wanted to get approvals from city council for the land sale and the development before bringing their idea to residents in Lake Estates. They said they are still trying to meet with residents to explain their plans but acknowledged they may have been able to share more information with residents earlier on.

The developers said they didn’t anticipate much opposition to the idea.

“This project, the only way it can happen is if we’re able to get this land,” said Glen Wozniak, another one of the developers. “You can’t put the cart before the horse, we need to know if the land is available.”

Following the meeting, Mayor Greg Dionne said the city will generate revenue and see job creation with the sale.

“They gave us more than what was required and they wanted some of it back for a $1 to do some more of their development.”

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charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt