GUELPH — Dotty Lakes Retreats Inc. has proposed developing 24 stacked townhouses at 140 Hadati Road, between Leacock Avenue and Upton Crescent.
The proposed development has sparked discussions surrounding zoning challenges and community concerns.
The conceptual site plan initially presented by Dotty Lakes Retreats Inc. included 26 parking spaces for the 24 units, with one parking space designated for each unit and two visitor parking spaces.
However, a site-specific amendment was required to permit a reduction in visitor parking due to concerns regarding on-street parking.
The public consultation process revealed that the proposed development might exacerbate existing on-street parking issues, particularly in the mornings when school-related traffic is at its peak.
Density and compatibility have also been points of contention. Planning staff expressed reservations regarding the proposed density, suggesting a unit reduction to address concerns such as parking ratios and compatibility with the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
The proposed building exceeds the allowable height by 0.5 storeys. However, it has been situated on the site to ensure significant physical separation from neighbouring properties, at least 20 metres from residential structures.
Despite these efforts, concerns persist over the compatibility of the development with the surrounding area.
In response to feedback, Dotty Lakes Retreats Inc. revised the conceptual site plan, including increasing the setback from Leacock Avenue from 3 meteres to 4.5 metres.
The adjustment aims to address concerns raised by urban design and planning staff regarding the placement of the building in relation to Leacock Avenue.
However, the proposed development faces additional hurdles. Dotty Lakes Retreats Inc. appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) regarding its proposal, seeking permission to demolish the existing plaza to make way for the stacked townhouses.
Furthermore, a revised submission to the city includes adding five visitor parking spaces, bringing the total parking supply to 31 spots.
For the proposal to proceed as planned, official plan amendments are required. These amendments would permit a height of four storeys, exceeding the current limit of three, and increase the maximum density from 35 to 95 units per hectare.
Additionally, the site must be rezoned from convenience commercial to specialized cluster townhouse.
Despite these challenges, Dotty Lakes Retreats Inc. remains committed to its vision for the development at 140 Hadati Road.
The company aims to address concerns while navigating the regulatory processes necessary to move the project forward.
As discussions continue and the appeal process unfolds, the fate of the proposed stacked townhouse development hangs in the balance, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting the outcome of deliberations regarding zoning amendments and community compatibility.
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