A plan to build a combination of townhouses and low-rise apartment housing near the southwest corner of Exhibition Park won city council's approval on Monday night after members learned it will prompt installation of traffic lights at the corner of Ospika Boulevard and 22nd Avenue.
During a public hearing, planning and development general manager Ian Wells said turning at the intersection has been an ongoing issue for nearby residents and if the proposal wins council's support, the lights will be erected prior to the project's completion.
"I think this is another example of how a development will actually speed up a solution to an already existing identified issue," Coun. Terri McConachie said prior to council voting unanimously in favour.
Hayer R. Construction Firm Inc. plans to construct up to 150 units of multiple residential housing over two hectares at 4278-22nd Avenue. The site was previously zoned residential cluster, which allowed for 50 single-family and two-unit homes over the site and a maximum height of 10 metres.
The new zoning allows for up to 250 units, but the developers have agreed to a restrictive covenant that will cut the number down to 150 units. As well, building heights will be limited to four storeys, down from the six storeys developers had been eyeing prior to a public meeting on the proposal.
Project proponent Robin Hayer told council his firm had just finished a 67-unit project at Fifth and Tabor and from that project found there is a demand for housing aimed at the city's aging population. He said the idea is to provide a combination of two-bedroom townhouses and single-level homes.
"We want to provide another esthetically-pleasing project and to provide a need for what the housing market requires right now," Hayer said.
The proposal drew four letters of opposition or concern, largely over the impact the project could have on traffic, but no members of the public spoke at the hearing.
There is a sidewalk along the south side of 22nd from Ospika to Weber Crescent but not on the north side where the site is located.
The project remains subject to fourth and final reading at council's next regular meeting.
