The property, once owned by Norfolk County, was earmarked for a multi-use recreation complex but, after provincial and federal funding fell through, it was sold for $4.3 million to firm Calibrex Developments, which is working with Big Sky Simcoe to create a complex that includes a variety of housing.
“The hub lands are a very hot topic,” said Coun. Ian Rabbitts during the county’s public hearings committee Tuesday.
“I’m sad we Couldn’t Build A Multi-Use Recreation Complex There The Silver Lining is Getting Affordable Housing and Creating More Housing for the Community. ”
But several neighbors expressed their concerns about adding an estimated 300 housing units to the area.
Some disliked the idea of having dozens of apartment windows over-looking the front and back yards of the existing neighbors and others were worried about how the project could impact their wells or the locations of their mailboxes.
One Woman Dubbed the Plan A “Monstrosity” and Urged Councils to look after ExCuees Rather Than Having Developers Come in and “Destroy Everything and Upset Nature.”
Mark Pavkovic, The Vice President of Calibrex, Said His Firm is excited about the Project and Emphasized Caliberx Bough the Site with the “Best Intersts of the County” in mind.
“Housing needs are desperate and prices are out of control,” said Pavkovic.
“We’re trying to provide a complete community for Simcoe with townhouses, dual frontage townhouses, single-family dwellings and affordable housing.”
The developers are requesting a zoning change from general industrial to urban residential in order to proceed with the 23.4-acre project.
They propose 82 single-detached homes, 189 townhouse units and a six-storey mixed use building that would contain 48 rental units – all of which would contribute toward the county’s target for more multi-residential and townhouse developments.
Councillors Received Both the Comments by the Developers and the concerns of the Neighbours and Sent the Information Back to Staff for A Recommendation Report.
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