Residents Express Concerns Over Parking, Amenities, and Privacy
Development Plan Under Review Again
After five years and four public meetings, a proposed townhouse development in Angus continues to face scrutiny from local residents. Claudio Brutto of Brutto Consulting presented the latest version of the proposal for 68 Gold Park Gate to Essa Township council, aiming to address community concerns and gain approval for the project.
Evolving Plans and Zoning Changes
The development, located west of Line 5 and south of County Road 90, has undergone several revisions since its initial proposal in 2019. The latest plan includes five blocks with 27 residential units on a private condo road and an additional parking area. The developer seeks to change the zoning from community commercial (C1) to residential, medium-density townhome (R3-X) with special provisions for reduced setbacks and increased building height.
Commercial Development Deemed Unviable
A commercial demand study by UrbanMetrics in 2020 found the site unsuitable for retail use due to its poor location and limited accessibility. Despite this, some residents, like Stephanie Trudeau, argue that the area lacks nearby amenities and prefer commercial development over more housing.
Resident Concerns Highlighted
Local residents voiced various concerns during the meeting. Mike Orr, a resident of Gold Park Gate, highlighted existing parking issues and the township’s difficulty in enforcing bylaws, fearing these problems will worsen with increased housing density. Maria Corey, living on Greenwood Drive, requested a six-foot privacy fence around the development to maintain her privacy.
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