Bay Roberts okays two affordable housing developments
By Mark Squibb
Bay Roberts council last week gave the ‘okay-go’ for two new affordable housing developments.
Council first gave the greenlight to a 20-unit development off Sod Lane, but the developer will have to send in some more paperwork before putting shovels in the ground.
The Town published a discretionary use notice regarding the application and as a result two residents came forward with concerns.
Town staff then met with them.
“They have given council some valid things to consider in terms of potential road upgrades that may be necessary in the future to deal with the traffic, and even road maintenance while the project is ongoing,” said chief administrative officer Nigel Black. “That all being said, I think, at least at the committee of the whole level, that all of the concerns being raised were things that could be managed and should not interfere with the application at the end of the day.”
He recommended council approve the project, in principle, subject to the submission of a final site plan.
The approval is also conditional upon an eight-metre setback from both Sod Lane and neighbouring George Mercer Lane. Black noted that on the preliminary plan, the setback was only six metres in some places.
The CAO added the application will have to meet all other municipal and provincial government regulations.
Councillor Ross Petten moved to approve the application, and councillor Silas Badcock seconded it.
“I think this will be a good development for the town,” said councillor Dean Franey. “I think this is the kind of development you’re going to see more and more.”
Franey noted many developers have availed of government funding aimed at encouraging the construction of more affordable homes.
Deputy Mayor Geoff Seymour spoke in favour of the motion as well.
“These types of projects are definitely something the town should be availing of,” said Seymour. “This proposal is sound, the developer has an excellent reputation, he’s worked with the town before to resolve issues, and so there’s certainly no reason why we can’t deal with those issues… So, I’m looking forward to seeing this go ahead.”
Mayor Yetman reassured residents that all developers have to abide by Town regulations. He added there are already similar developments in Bay Roberts.
Councillor Frank Deering, meanwhile, noted that council will have to address traffic control in the future, as the development will likely cause an increase of traffic in the area.
Council approved the motion unanimously.
Council next voted on a 10-unit development.
“This application is very much similar to the last one, except that it’s 10 units instead of 20,” said Black. “This development is in conjunction with an already existing development on Ted French Place.”
Black said a discretionary use notice was published and the Town received no feedback.
He recommended council issue an approval in principle, subject to the building meeting municipal development regulations and further approval by the provincial government.
Council approved the motion unanimously.