Bay Roberts council welcomes application for mini apartment buildings

By Craig Westcott

A proposal to build four sets of affordable houses in Bay Roberts had councillors feeling pretty pleased Tuesday night.
“This is so good to see within our agenda,” said Mayor Walter Yetman, who asked chief administrative officer Nigel Black to present the details of what is being proposed.
The CAO noted there are actually two separate applications involved because there are two separate pieces of property proposed for development, which includes the site of a former school and playground.
The developer has been approved by the provincial government for financial backing to help build 29 units and for now is looking to construct four buildings with five homes in each one for a total of 20 units.
Black recommended that council take two steps. The first was that it order the applicant to advertise the applications to see if there is any public comment. Black explained the buildings are proposed for a zone that only allows single family homes and “double dwellings,” that is single houses with an apartment, and it will require the discretionary power of council to approve this project. Secondly, Black recommended the proposal be sent to council’s committee-of the whole for further discussion.
Councillor Dean Franey moved that council do as the CAO recommended. Councillor Ross Petten seconded the motion.
“It looks nice,” Franey said of the concept plan submitted to council. “It looks similar to what I call that private subdivision, or cul-de-sac, located off Sawdust Road. It looks like the same type of idea, which is a nice little area that’s built there. So, it’s nice to see some affordable housing especially with our seniors aging and the cost of living, so I’m happy to see this.”
Councillor Frank Deering felt likewise. “It’s good to see,” he said. “It looks like a nice area.”
Deputy Mayor Geoff Seymour said it’s great news for Bay Roberts especially given the demand for housing.
“With the housing shortage and the shortage of affordable housing, this is very welcome,” agreed Mayor Yetman. “We’re some glad to see it, and the incentive is spot on by the government to help along developers to support affordable housing. It’s so good to see. It’s in the middle of town and we look forward to this for sure.”
In other development news, council approved an application to relocate a massage clinic that was operating in Dawson’s Subdivision to 28A Shearstown Road.
Franey pointed out the application came about after a member of Town staff noticed the establishment had moved and informed the operator that a new permit was needed to continue operations.
“So that’s good,” he said.
The permit was approved unanimously.