The City of Yorkton will proceed with Public Notification for Discretionary Use application following a decision by Yorkton Council at its regular meeting Monday.
"The intent of the (C-1) zoning district is to establish and preserve a central community district that is convenient and aesthetically attractive for a wide range of retail, financial, community, professional and residential uses," explained City Planner Michael Eger.
In the case of the property at 32 Maple Ave, Eger said the 7,800 square foot building would fit the established mix.
"The property is surrounded by a mix of land uses, including residential, institutional and commercial and is on the western limit of the City Centre Commercial zoning district. The noise from the neighbouring CP Rail Line, poor visibility from Broadway Street and persistent drainage have impeded redevelopment of the site. The property is also on the fringe of the downtown and does not receive the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic volumes as other downtown properties," he said.
Egar did suggest there are some concerns regarding the proposed development.
"There are currently no sidewalks on the frontage of maple Avenue. Administration is of the opinion that 1.5 metre wide sidewalks should be installed as part of this application and should be the financial responsibility of the applicant/owner," he said.
Drainage is also an issue, noted Eger.
"Poor storm water drainage is a significant concern within this neighbourhood, as evidenced by even relatively minor rainfall events which have created localized flooding. Adding a 7,800 sq ft building, paved parking area and compacted gravel parking area will rapidly increase the rate at which storm water is directed to the City's pipe and ditch network, which is already being pushed beyond capacity. In this regard, Administration has requested a storm water analysis to demonstrate pre and post-development storm water flows. These levels should be kept the same or perhaps improved as part of a new development to reduce flood risk within the neighbourhood," he detailed.
Councillor Ross Fisher, the lone vote against sending the matter to public notice, said water drainage is certainly a concern.
"That area floods every time there is rain," he said, adding concrete and asphalt development will potentially increase flooding.
There were also concerns the site was once home to a service station.
Administration said the environmental stature of the site would be determined in a final report to Council.
Coun. Chris Wyatt said he was sure a study was done a decade, or so ago and the site was clean. He added, "I'd like to see a building on that property.
Eger did note that his concerns are dealt with the development is a good fit for the area.
"Administration is of the opinion that the proposed use will not be detrimental to the function and amenity of the surrounding residential, institutional and commercial land uses," he said.
