A condo development proposed for Lakeshore Road is moving forward despite concerns from three city councillors over density and traffic congestion.
Council deferred a decision on the project, at 3593 Lakeshore Rd., from its Nov. 20 meeting so staff could provide more information about potential impacts to the neighbourhood.
The four-storey, 20-unit development is in the middle of several single-family lots between Swordy and Bechard roads, just south of Boyce-Gyro Beach.
Coun. Ron Cannan said while he doesn鈥檛 believe the project would add significantly to density in the area, he was concerned about increased traffic.
鈥淲e have other lots along this area that are undeveloped and there鈥檚 potential for hundreds if not a thousand more cars that could be added with additional units in this particular corridor.鈥�
He also felt the building was too high.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to see a wall of condos. To me, it will be this tight corridor because it鈥檚 not that wide of a road to begin with.鈥�
Staff told council that the area has already hit its 2040 growth projections.
鈥淧andosy Urban Center is experiencing much more rapid growth than anticipated,鈥� said Nelson Chapman, development engineering manager.
However, he added that there is currently no need for a moratorium on development from a transportation perspective.
鈥淚 do want to stress that the concerns around congestion are fair concerns. We all know the experience driving there in the afternoons, in the mornings, it can get quite congested.鈥�
Coun. Mohini Singh said the project may be too much for the neighbourhood, but noted council is continually hearing that 麻豆精选 is facing a housing crisis.
鈥淲e have to be brave, bold and take strong measures,鈥� she said.
Coun. Loyal Wooldridge pointed out that to improve transit service in the city, there is a need to build density along transit-supportive corridors.
鈥淚f we鈥檙e to change behaviours and get folks not necessarily using roads, we have to bring them closer to urban centres, and that鈥檚 what this development is doing.鈥�
Council voted to give three readings to rezone the property with councillors Cannan, Rick Webber and Charlie Hodge opposed.
READ MORE: New construction revenue to help with City of 麻豆精选 budget
READ MORE: West 麻豆精选 trainers donate $10K to Mount Boucherie Secondary
