The following article appeared in the July 31 edition of the Guelph Mercury:
Residents of a south-end community appeared before city council last night to voice concerns over a proposed condo development they say amounts to fragmented planning that could leave their properties landlocked.
The city is reviewing an application filed by developer Fred Marrese and Jack Nadalin of Franklin Homes to build 21 detached condominiums at the east end of Valley Road, north of the of Gordon Street and Arkell Road intersection.
The 1.24-hectare development would include a private road to access the condos, which some current Landsdown Drive residents worry would prohibit future development opportunities on their property.
“The people who live in this area want to see a comprehensive plan,” said Mario Venditti, a planning consultant retained by Landsdown Drive resident Tim Gaw.
Venditti told city council the proposal doesn’t allow for integration of the lands to the north and south of the subdivision, and future development may be hindered by a private road and private sewage pumping station that is only available for use by condo owners.
Ward 2 Councillor Ian Findlay raised similar concerns at the meeting.
He suggested trying to connect a future public road to the proposed private road may be difficult, especially when considering services such as snow removal.
“Does the snowplow lift the blade?” he asked.
Scott Hannah, manager of development planning, said that’s one point city staff will consider when reviewing the application. Resident concerns will also be taken into consideration.
Ward 4 Coun. Mike Salisbury said one primary consideration is the environmental impact of the proposed condo development on the nearby wetland.
“Snow removal is going to become a major issue of this provincially significant wetland,” he said, explaining that the runoff of salt poses a potential threat.
“To me that raises a real red flag.”
But Astrid Clos, a planning consultant who spoke on behalf of the applicants, said the buffer zone between the wetland and the proposed development is sufficient and satisfies the guidelines of the Grand River Conservation Authority.
Council directed staff to consider the environmental impact, traffic issues, the flow of trails and bike lanes and connectivity of the roads and surrounding areas when drafting a recommendation.
Hannah said it will take several months for staff to report back to council.
Wes Henry, who built his home on Landsdown Drive nearly 50 years ago, said he wants to see a resolution. The problem, he says, is not the impending development; it’s the risks that come with it.
“These lands have been sitting a long time. I want something to be done, just done right,” he said.