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Despite a petition from the neighbours, opposing a six-unit
townhouse on Queen Street, Kincardine council has given the
development the green light.
In planning advisory committee Oct. 14, Bruce County planner Bruce
Sitckney presented the rezoning application by Pat MacMasters to
facilitate the construction of the single-storey townhouse/row-house
on property at 401 Queen St., just north of the old Westario Power
building.
He said the purpose of the project is to replace the single-family
dwelling on the lot with accessible and affordable units. The units
will run side-by-side from the front to the back of the property,
with their driveways facing the side yard, not the street, said
Stickney. The project would be placed under site plan control
through an agreement with the municipality, he said.
Nat Swaan, representing a group of concerned neighbours, presented a
petition with names of the those opposed to this development. He
said it will mean the removal of an attractive house and will
destroy an equally-attractive property, causing further encroachment
into this long-established single family residential area.
"Queen Street is already a very busy street and replacing a
single-family dwelling with perhaps two cars, with a six to 10-car
development would only add more congestion and make it even more
difficult for our seniors in this area to access and exit their
properties," said Swaan. "We are unable to see the additional need
for multiple dwellings in this area and an increased burden on our
neighbourhood infrastructure, traffic, sewer, water, electricity,
etc. Surely there are enough multiple-housing developments in this
already overdeveloped section of Kincardine."
He suggested the vacant lot at the corner of Kincardine Avenue and
Queen Street would be a better location for this project. "We
believe we have to take a stand or other neighbouring properties
could be turned into high-density projects," he said.
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Jesse MacMasters, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said
there is a need for affordable housing for seniors and those
with physical disabilities. "It's already a busy road so
this project will not increase traffic by any means," he
said.
Councillor Kenneth Craig said he agrees with the concept
that there is a lack of housing in Kincardine, not just
affordable housing. "What kind of development are we talking
about here?"
MacMasters said it would be housing for those with incomes
under $30,000/year, and rents would be 85 per cent of market
rate.
"I applaud my neighbours for coming here," said councillor
Mike Leggett, "but I do not agree with them. I understand
where they're coming from, but Pat (MacMasters) is going to
move the house from that property, not tear it down. It's
beside the old Westario Power building, a gas station and a
couple of motels. It's going to be in my own backyard."
He said the economic development committee is trying to find
people to build affordable units in town. "I think this is a
good fit."
Deputy mayor Laura Haight asked about visitor parking on the
site.
"We requested one additional parking spot for each four
units," said Stickney. "The plan called for two parking
spots at the rear of the lot but we had concerns about
vehicles getting in and out of one of those spots, so the
applicant is going to move it. I feel the parking can be
accommodated."
Haight asked about any buffers at the rear yard on the east
side of the property.
"I'm not aware of any requests because the project meets the
rear-yard setback," said Stickney. "There has been no
concern, but because of the set-up of the lot, a buffer
would be a good additional feature. It can be added at the
site plan stage."
Council later approved the zoning amendment.
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