Area residents will have a chance to have their say about a proposed apartment development at 2690 Queensway, following a decision of city council on Monday night.
Atpar Developments Ltd. had previously sought to develop an “apartment hotel” with up to 43 units on the site. City council rescinded a rezoning request to facilitate that development on Monday night, and voted to hold a public hearing on a new proposed rezoning to facilitate a conventional apartment building with up to 55 units.
“The proposed zoning does not permit an apartment hotel use, as previously applied for…” city director of planning and development Deanna Wasnik said. “(But) there is an increase in units being proposed with this new bylaw this evening.”
A traffic impact study conducted by the applicant indicated that right-turn-only access off of Queensway should be included in the development, but primary access should be from Inlander Street, Wasnik added. City council received five letters and emails from area residents opposed to the rezoning, primarily raising concerns about the increased traffic on Inlander Street.
"We are not opposed to growth and recognize the need for housing in our community," area resident Mark Goudreau wrote. "Our objection is with the proposed entrance of the development which would transform our quiet street into a busy thoroughfare. This would deeply impact the character of the neighborhood and create a safety issue."
City council voted in favour of the first two readings of the rezoning bylaw on Monday. The city’s normal processes would not require a public hearing be held for the rezoning, but council supported a motion brought forward by Coun. Tim Bennett to hold a public hearing on the issue, prior to council's final consideration.
“I think at this point, the public is expecting a public hearing,” Bennett said.
