It looks like a draft zoning amendment for commercial and residential property is getting council’s nod of approval.
On May 17, councillors here reviewed additional comments on A proposed rezoning for the Gil, Sinclair, Richards, and Bell properties at the eastern edge of Palmerston.
In a report, planner Mark Van Patter stated that since Wellington County council adopted the official plan amendment on April 26, Minto can now approve the zoning bylaw.
Van Patter said a special provision in the amendment to prohibit retail stores was done in order to conform to the official plan.
Further, the potential residential properties are placed within a holding zone in light of potential municipal sewage limitations. The lands were redesignated from industrial to residential, residential transition, highway commercial, and core greenlands.
He explained the bulk of the land is the Gil property, where much of the development is a planned.
Van Patter said there is a draft plan of subdivision already presented to the county.
“It’s in a holding pattern until we can get through this stuff.”
He said the bulk of the rear portion of the property is now in a residential zone, but in a holding zone. He said that given the town’s sewage capacity, it is the prudent thing to do.
But the change establishes the new use of the property.
“For all intents, the land will be designated for residential use; it is just a matter of time.”
He added that quite a bit of time was spent considering various frontages of properties on Palmerston’s main street. The elimination of retail stores, he said, will work to protect the downtown.
Van Patter remained convinced the move still allows considerable flexibility.
Last year, when the proposal came to council there was some resistance, not so much for the possibility of new homes, but for the commercial development of the main street at the east end of town.
In November 2010, a public meeting was held regarding the zoning amendment to allow a multi-use subdivision that could include detached residences, townhouses, apartment units, and highway commercial – with a total of 93 residential units.
Van Patter said work has been ongoing for the past five or six months. “It’s not like we’re rushing this through.”
Council then passed the bylaw.
Mayor George Bridge said council appreciated Gil’s hard work on the project.
“I know we’ve been working on many different subdivisions. We appreciate your commitment.”
Gil said it seemed like a long time, “but I appreciate your help.”
