SUNDRE – A zoning change for a parcel in the northeast that has long since sat vacant was given a green light by council thereby enabling a developer to take the next steps towards a proposed residential project.
A public hearing was held on May 26 prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting, and there was nobody present either in person or by telephone to express opposition.
The lot, located at civic address 1107, 1st Ave. NE on the town’s eastern edge just north of Highway 27, was previously zoned estate residential district and is now general residential.
During a presentation to council, Benazir Thaha Valencia, director of community development, said the application had been submitted by Randy Hein, who is representing Jean Jones, a local realtor, as well as Nick Thomas, a developer and the lot’s owner, to accommodate a proposed four-plex development.
“The application is to redesignate estate residential, which is intended to provide for low-density residential development in the form of single detached dwellings and compatible uses, to general residential in order to provide a variety of dwelling types which are compatible with the residential area, all of which are connected to municipal sewer and water systems,” she elaborated.
The vacant lot is situated next to other residential estate properties to the south and west while an industrial lot lies immediately adjacent to the east. If the redesignation were approved, the applicant would still have to proceed with the next regulatory steps, including applications for subdivision and development, she said.
The proposal also aligns with the municipal development plan’s stated objective of promoting a mix of housing types to meet a variety of lifestyles and market preferences, she said.
“Although the future land use concept identifies the area for commercial development, it is important to understand that this map is intended to be a concept rather than a more definitive land use map,” she said.
The MDP is a general guiding document that provides a long-term vision for land use over time, “but does not dictate exact boundaries or prescribe specific uses for individual parcels.”
Her presentation also included artist renderings of the four-plex.
“Each unit will feature a private single-car garage accompanied by a driveway that provides space for additional onsite parking,” she said.
“The development review process will consider parking, landscaping and setbacks,” she later added.
As well, she said the proposed development is designed to integrate with the town’s existing water supply and sanitary infrastructure.
“However, it will be necessary to establish additional service connections to support the increased density of the proposed development,” she said.
Coun. Jaime Marr noted the property is already being advertised, even though the zoning redesignation had not yet been officially approved.
“I see that it’s for sale,” said Marr.
Valencia said the realtor had stated they are bound by a regulatory body and that it is allowed as well as a common practice to advertise a project with the acknowledgement there are conditions pending approval.
Hein also addressed council, and said the empty lot has not been occupied or used for decades.
“Our vision is to provide attainable housing to the town of Sundre,” he said.
The two units on the outside of the four-plex would be three-bedroom dwellings while the two interior units would feature two bedrooms and a den, he said, adding preliminary surveys have been conducted to demonstrate the building will fit within the lot.
“I think the development is a beautiful thing to have on that east side of the town,” said Coun. Chris Vardas. “That side of town, I think, is our next future gold mine because it is such a beautiful area.”
Mayor Richard Warnock noted there seemed to be a road running through the middle of the lot.
Valencia said there is a trail used as an access to a back alley and that there would be further discussions once the application for subdivision is submitted.
She told the Albertan during a follow-up that the rendering was subject to change as the development process unfolds.
After the public hearing, council proceeded to unanimously approve second and third readings.
Coun. Owen Petersen said the project will contribute to much-needed housing in Sundre.
Vardas agreed, adding that a lot of work has gone into beautifying the community by improving the downtown area and this proposed project is another piece of the equation.
“It’s a great addition to our community on that east side area,” he said.
