Draft approval extension is reluctantly given to Livingeasy Homes development
Posted Jul 22, 2010 By Theresa Fritz
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EMC News - For the second time in two years, a local developer has requested more time from the town before beginning his project.
Tiffany Williams-Lepack, Arnprior EMC
The parcel of land located at Madawaska Boulevard and Jack Crescent will one day be home to the Livingeasy Homes development. Developer Bruce Yateman received a one-year extension to his draft plan approval.
It was July 13, 2009 that Arnprior town council supported a one-year extension to the draft approval for Bruce Yateman's proposed Livingeasy Homes subdivision. And, he received another, although barely, last Monday evening.
According to Yateman's request to the municipality, the extension was requested because he was "waiting for the appropriate market conditions to develop the land." However, town planner Robin Smith's report to council recommended that another one-year extension not be given.
"This development is not considered large scale and could be accommodated through a condominium application and site plan control approval. In the planner's opinion, the intent of the extension provision for clearing draft plan conditions is that the design has been substantially complete and there may be some outstanding issues to resolve that are taking additional time," Smith wrote in her report. "Staff has supported extensions in the past on the assurance of the developers that work would progress in a timely manner, or because a substantial amount of work has been undertaken."
Yateman's proposed development would call for a 10-block development fronting Jack Crescent, off Madawaska Boulevard, on property just in front of Island View Suites. Entry to the development, which would include row house units and an apartment, would be on a private road off Jack Crescent.
"I don't really understand," Yateman told council of the planner's negative recommendation. "It's a great site."
He said he is proposing to build high-end condominiums but right now the market is weak. He added he felt he was being told one thing by one person and something else by another.
"I am very disappointed with the lack of communication between the city, city council and the planner," Yateman said July 12.
"Do you believe you can fulfill all the requirements (of draft approval of subdivision) within a single year?" asked councillor Eric Burton, who was chairing the council meeting as acting mayor.
"I don't think the subdivision can be built in a year but the condos can be built in a year," he responded. "We want the project done right. We could get it up and running in one year."
Councillor Tom Peckett said new plans that have been drawn up for the site have not been forwarded to council. As well, he cited the town gave him a one-year extension a year ago.
"We have changed our architectural design," Yateman admitted, adding getting required approvals from agencies like the Ministry of the Environment "is a pre-cursor to serving."
Peckett also challenged Yateman's views on the economic situation noting there are many developments in town that are "moving ahead as fast as they can."
Yateman explained his subdivision would be very different than what is being built at present.
"My starting price will be $300,000," he explained, adding retirees will find his subdivision to their liking. "My concept is shop where you live. Walk downtown. Don't drive into Ottawa...there is a difference between what I am proposing and urban sprawl."
Peckett suggested maybe the matter should be deferred until mayor Terry Gibeau returns from holidays, since Yateman said he has been told one thing by the mayor and yet another seemed to be happening.
"No one individual or developer has control over the economic conditions," reeve Walter Stack noted. "I see no risk to us as a community to extend this (draft approval). We should grant this extension."
Councillor Mark Willmer said he was concerned by Yateman's comments regarding a so-called lack of communication between the town and council. He also chastised Yateman for not getting more done in the previously allotted extension.
"You indicated this was not a minor project for you. It is a major project. If it is a $15 million project...you knew when the deadline was."
He added, however, that Yateman's development on existing land is the "type of infill residential we want. I will support that."
The planner reiterated to council that the development could easily proceed through a condominium application. She noted the County of Renfrew had no comments on the matter and the county is awaiting a decision by council.
Councillor Jack Lammert said he supported the planner's recommendation not to approve the extension, noting the application has been on the books since June 2004.
"This is a very desirable development. I do have concerns that these requirements can be met in one year," said Burton. "The onus is on the developer."
In the end, the decision to provide a one-year extension of draft approval to Livingeasy Homes narrowly passed by a vote of 3-2. Both the mayor and councillor Nancy Black were absent.
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