Calvary Church applies to build seniors units in Paradise
By Mark Squibb
Paradise council is open to rezoning a plot of land near the Karwood Drive and Kenmount Road roundabout to allow for the construction of a seniors complex or, should that not pass muster, a church.
Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street, during last week’s public council meeting, explained Calvary Baptist Church has applied to change the zoning of 81-85 Karwood Drive from commercial to residential to enable the building of an affordable seniors rental complex under a Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation program. The 1.08-hectare development would include 40 units comprising four, two-storey, stacked townhouses under single ownership. The first floor, consisting of 20 units, is designed for seniors with mobility challenges.
The development includes amenity space, snow storage space, and a garbage collection point, with onsite maintenance being the responsibility of the property owner.
Access to the site would use the fourth leg of the Karwood roundabout, which currently leads nowhere.
Street noted that should NLHC funding not be approved for housing units, the developer hopes to build a church, and is seeking discretionary approval for that as a contingency plan.
Some 60 parking spaces are required, however, the development only accounts for 53 spaces, and the applicant is seeking parking relief arguing many residents will be less likely to drive and a bus stop is within walking distance.
Council rejected a similar amendment request earlier this summer for a cluster of 16 one-storey seniors units at Spracklin Boulevard due in part to a large number of complaints from nearby residents.
Councillor Patrick Martin said he was looking forward to the feedback in this case.
Councillor Glen Carew added council rejected the previous development because of neighbourhood concerns over increased traffic, lack of proper entry and exit points, and lack of parking, and the Town’s inability to ensure only seniors would be able to live in the units.
He noted in this instance, the roundabout feeds directly into and out of the site.
“I want to see what residents have to say about this, and I hope we can make this work, based on the regulations and how council feels about it,” said Carew.
Street said NLHC’s involvement bodes well for the developer’s plan to keep the units exclusively for seniors. Street said there were a number of other such units throughout Paradise that have been successful in doing so.
Street also touched on the request for a reduction in parking space.
“I think what’s important to note is that this is a seniors complex or a church,” said Street. “Churches are used periodically, and low-income seniors typically don’t have two vehicles. There’s also a bus route right there for them to utilize.”
Councillor Tommy Maher noted the planning committee had a very lengthy meeting regarding the matter.
“I’ll be interested in seeing how the residents feel,” said Maher. “I feel it’s a good asset for the town, and it’s a good location. The only concern is changing the lots down to 53. But in saying that, there are only 40 units, and they are seniors, and so not every unit is going to be occupied by someone with a vehicle. In the case that that they are, there are still 13 vacant spots for visitors and family and what not. I’m interested to see what’s going to come back from the public.”
Council unanimously approved two separate motions. The first was that the town advertise public notice of amendment application. The second was that council allow fewer parking spaces should the seniors units be approved.