40 Angus Townhouse Proposal Faces Public Scrutiny Once More
Residents Express Concerns Over Parking, Amenities, and Privacy
Development Plan Under Review Again
After more than five years and four public meetings, a proposed townhouse development in Angus is once again under review, continuing to draw attention and concern from nearby residents. The application, brought forward by Claudio Brutto of Brutto Consulting, was presented to Essa Township council for consideration, with the intent of addressing long-standing objections and moving the project closer to approval.
The proposal relates to the property at 68 Gold Park Gate, an area that has seen ongoing discussion around land use, density, and neighbourhood compatibility. Despite multiple revisions over the years, the project remains a point of contention for residents who question whether the site is appropriate for increased residential density.
Evolving Plans and Zoning Changes
Since its original submission in 2019, the development plan has undergone several revisions in response to feedback from township staff, council, and the public. The most recent iteration proposes five townhouse blocks comprising 27 residential units, all accessed by a private condominium road, along with a separate parking area intended to meet zoning requirements.
To proceed, the developer is seeking a zoning change from community commercial (C1) to residential medium-density townhome (R3-X). The requested zoning includes special provisions allowing for reduced setbacks and increased building height, measures the developer argues are necessary to make the project viable on the site.
Commercial Development Deemed Unviable
A commercial demand study conducted by UrbanMetrics in 2020 concluded that the property was not well suited for retail or commercial use due to its location, limited visibility, and accessibility challenges. Based on those findings, the developer maintains that residential use is the most realistic option for the site.
However, not all residents agree. Some community members continue to express frustration with the lack of nearby amenities and believe commercial development would better serve the area. During the meeting, resident Stephanie Trudeau noted that the surrounding neighbourhood already lacks walkable services and questioned whether additional housing without supporting infrastructure would benefit the community.
Resident Concerns Highlighted
Concerns raised at the council meeting extended beyond land use. Mike Orr, a resident of Gold Park Gate, spoke about ongoing parking challenges in the area, suggesting that enforcement of existing bylaws has already been difficult. He cautioned that increased density could exacerbate congestion and parking overflow if not carefully managed.
Privacy was also a recurring theme. Maria Corey, who lives on nearby Greenwood Drive, requested the installation of a six-foot privacy fence around the proposed development, citing concerns about sightlines, noise, and the impact on her property’s enjoyment. Other residents echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of buffering and thoughtful site design.
As council continues to review the application, the proposal highlights the broader challenges municipalities face in balancing housing demand with neighbourhood character, infrastructure capacity, and resident expectations.
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Understanding local planning decisions is an important part of making informed real estate and investment choices. Whether you are a homeowner, investor, or future buyer, developments like this shape neighbourhoods and long-term value.
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