By Rosalind Russell – A new housing project got the go-ahead at a recent Espanola council meeting.
XP Development Limited, a developer that just completed building six new homes in Espanola, applied to the town for the creation of a new lot on Elizabeth Street.
The proposed development would sever one lot into two and allow for two four-plexes and two granny suites to be built, (six one-bedroom units and four two/three-bedroom units) all geared to low-income as well as a request for an easement for a shared driveway.
However, Ian Karvonen who lives in the area, speaking on behalf of his neighbours, pointed out they have environmental concerns with the property being beside a creek and on a flood plain, and that he didn’t think it was zoned properly.
Town CAO Joseph Burke explained that the lots are already zoned correctly, a preliminary environmental assessment was done that met all regulations and pumping systems will be installed to address water and sewer requirements.
In the end, Mayor Doug Gervais pointed out that the town’s Strategic Plan focuses on the dire need for housing in Espanola, which has almost a zero-vacancy rate at this time.
It was also pointed out that if the application was turned down, the developers could appeal, stressing that the proposal meets all the requirements of law, including the Planning Act.
The council approved the severance application, and the project will now move forward.
Photo: XL Developments Limited proposal to build ten more housing units in Espanola was met with some resistance from area residents in the Elizabeth Street area. However, the application to turn one lot into two to build the new units meets all legal guidelines. Resident Ian Karvonen addressed the council stating many of his neighbours are against the development. In the end, the council followed the municipal Strategic Plan and approved the severance application. Screenshot by Rosalind Rosalind M Russell
Submit News Tip
