A developer wants to build new single-family homes in University Heights on land which was originally set aside for a future elementary school.
During a public hearing at city council on Monday night, L&M Engineering Ltd. and Infinity Properties explained why a school planned for the neighbourhood is not required and provided details of neighbourhood consultation that took place in January.
L&M community planner Claire Negrin told council that due to lower enrollment in the region and school closures in recent years, the school board doesn't intend on building a new school in the area, contrary to original plans.
A letter from the school board in the developer's application confirmed a new school isn't in the short- or long-term plans, however if that changes Infinity Properties development manager Quentin Boulton said land will be found.
"If they require another school site in the University Heights area, we will provide it," he said.
At a community meeting on Jan. 29, the developer presented a plan to build some single-family homes and townhouses on the site, but that met with some resistance with neighbours who felt the multi-family units didn't fit in with the character of the neigbourhood. As a result, the developer refined its plans to include only single-family homes, including some bungalow-style houses.
Negrin said although the zoning level they're seeking from council would permit duplexes, the developers are committed to only building detached homes.
One member of the public replied to the application, telling council he's concerned the developer is using the term "substantially the same" when describing the type of housing to be built on the land. He was concerned that language could give the developer the opportunity to build houses which are different from those currently in the neighbourhood.
