CAMBRIDGE — A proposal for the development of residential properties at 247 Lowther Street North in Cambridge has been submitted to the city, prompting considerations for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments.
The application, led by MHBC Planning on behalf of Frankor Capital Corporation, the owner, seeks to repurpose industrial lands for residential use, heralding a transformation in the city’s landscape.
The envisioned development entails the construction of three stacked townhouse dwellings spanning 3 to 3.5 storeys, positioned along Lowther Street North and Laurel Street.
The project targets accommodating 54 stacked townhouse units with surface parking for 60 vehicles accessible from Lowther Street.
The proposed Floor Space Index (FSI) stands at 0.74, attesting to a judicious utilization of space, with a density of 90 units per hectare.
Situated in the Preston area of Cambridge, the subject lands span approximately 6,005.6 square metres, with frontages of approximately 132 metres on Lowther Street and 79 metres on Laurel Street.
The irregular shape of the lands necessitates varying depths. The proximity to Preston Towne Centre underscores the strategic location of the development.
The development entails a mix of one-, two, and three-bedroom units to cater to diverse housing needs.
Specifically, it includes 12 one-bedroom units, 24 two-bedroom units, and 18 three-bedroom units.
The proposal emphasizes the creation of outdoor amenity spaces totalling 879 square meters, fostering community interaction and enhancing resident experience.
Significantly, the proposed development lies within walking distance of the planned Preston ION station, aligning with broader transit-oriented development goals.
It seeks to bolster the neighbourhood’s residential density, contributing to a vibrant urban fabric while accommodating transit service demands.
Notably, the lands lie within the Regeneration Area of the City’s Official Plan, indicating alignment with broader redevelopment initiatives.
The proposed Official Plan Amendment aims to redefine the subject lands from “Business Industrial” to “Low/Medium Density Residential” for the subject lands, accompanied by a new Site Specific Policy permitting a maximum density of 90 units per hectare.
The corresponding Zoning By-law Amendment intends to rezone the lands from “Industrial – M5” to “Multiple Residential – RM2,” accommodating the proposed development while adhering to specified exemptions and regulations.
The change entails site-specific regulations enabling reduced setbacks, such as reduced interior and exterior side yard setbacks from 5.5 and 4.5 metres to 3.0 metres for both, reduced GFA for one-bedroom units from the required 50 square metres to 42 square metres, and a reduction in common amenity areas from 30 square metres to 16.3 square metres.
Additionally, a parking ratio of 1.1 spaces per unit is proposed, whereas 1.25 spaces per unit are required.
The residential parking is not proposed to change, but a reduction in visitor parking is requested with a proposal of 0.1 visitor spaces, whereas 0.25 spaces per unit are required.
In essence, the proposed development at Lowther Street North presents a comprehensive approach to urban revitalization, leveraging strategic amendments and innovative design to meet evolving housing demands while fostering a vibrant, transit-oriented community.
A public meeting is planned to discuss the proposed development for June 18, 2024.
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