A subdivision plan that will increase Penetang's residential inventory by dozens of units near the waterfront has been approved.
The Bay Moorings property between 176 and 200 Fox Street will feature 84 units, including 28 single-detached houses, 20 townhouses and an apartment building with 36 units.
Groundbreaking for the project could take place either this fall or spring next year, said Travis Colin, of Travis & Associates, planning consultant for the land owners. He said the entire project should take about three years to complete, subject to market fluctuations.
The subdivision proposal also includes a scaled-back marina to be developed on one block of land, which will be accompanied by two sections dedicated as waterlots. Another parcel of property is being marked off for recreational uses.
Earlier this year, Andrea Betty, director of planning and community development, presented a report to council, explaining the town had received two applications from the developers last year.
The first one, received in February, requested a zoning bylaw amendment. The subdivision draft plan arrived in August 2019.
After reviewing all supporting work and documents submitted by the developer, staff declared the application complete under the Planning Act and proceeded with a statutory public meeting in October.
“For the most part, people were fairly supportive of it," said Betty, adding there are similar properties across the street from the proposed development.
However, she said, residents expressed some concerns with respect to whether the new development would fit in with that area of town.
Construction timing and duration were another big concern, but staff noted the developer's representative at the meeting had said that construction should begin in mid-2020 and the duration of the project would be subject to market conditions.
Residents were also worried about the height of the condominiums.
Betty said the maximum height permitted by the zoning bylaw is for four storeys, but the developer noted the proposal features three-storey buildings with a loft built into the roof line.
Others were concerned about the proposed recreational facility and its availability to the general public. The developer representative said that since the 5,300-square-foot-recreational facility was being contracted out to Parkbridge, the limit of use would depend on them.
This decision can be appealed with the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal no later than 20 days from the date of the town's notice on Aug. 19.
