CAMBRIDGE — Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications have been submitted for the redevelopment of a vacant brownfield site located at 180 Groh Avenue, Cambridge.
The owner, 180 Groh Cambridge Limited, intends to transform the former industrial property into a high-density residential area featuring stacked townhouses.
The proposal outlines the construction of 12 townhouse blocks, accommodating a total of 288 residential units.
The development will include 518 surface parking spaces, resulting in a parking ratio of 1.2 spaces per unit, which includes visitor parking.
The parking space ratio is a reduction from the typical requirement of 1.25 spaces per unit. The buildings will have a maximum height of 3.5 storeys.
The site spans approximately 4.51 hectares and is currently designated as a Business Industrial/Employment Corridor.
To facilitate the proposed residential development, an Official Plan Amendment is sought to redesignate the land as High-Density Residential.
Concurrently, a Zoning By-law Amendment is requested to rezone the property from its current M3 General Industrial (north) and M2 General Industrial (south) designations to RM3 (Multiple Residential).
Several site-specific provisions have been requested to accommodate the new development:
● The proposal includes an increase in density from the existing 40 units per hectare to 75 units per hectare.
● The required setback from a habitable room window to an access driveway, aisle, parking lot, or stall will be reduced from 6 metres to 4.5 metres.
● The parking rate will be reduced from 1.25 spaces per dwelling unit to 1.2 spaces per unit, inclusive of visitor parking.
Additionally, a Holding (H) provision is proposed, which will be removed upon the approval of a Record of Site Condition and receipt of a letter of acknowledgement from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The holding provision is necessary given the site’s current status as a contaminated industrial property, classified as a brownfield under the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020.
The design emphasizes a strong street presence along Bechtel Street and integrates internal surface parking areas enhanced by landscaping features.
The townhouse buildings are arranged to create a courtyard effect, enhancing community interaction and aesthetic appeal.
The overall development aims to balance low and high-density housing types, achieving a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 0.54.
The proposed amendments are necessary to align the project with the City of Cambridge’s planning policies and regulations, particularly those concerning regeneration areas, employment land conversion, and urban design.
The amendments will support good site planning and provide flexibility for future development.
The redevelopment of 180 Groh Avenue marks a significant transformation from its industrial past to a vibrant residential community.
With the required amendments and provisions, the project aims to contribute to the urban renewal and regeneration efforts in Cambridge, providing much-needed housing while adhering to modern planning and environmental standards.
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