Housing project gets green light

Adriatic Gardens Phase I received approval from Yorkton Council at its regular meeting Monday.

"The Municipal Development Plan and Zoning Bylaw were recently amended to provide R-4 High Density Residential zoning at 309 Morrison Drive. As a result of that process, the Developer of the "Adriatic Gardens" multi-unit residential housing project has refined plans for submission of the Development Permit application," explained Michael Eger, City Planner.

"The project is being applied for in three phases. Phase one is to consist of seven, two-storey townhouse units connected by a covered parking area and rooftop terrace to a four-storey apartment condominium with eight one-bedroom units, 18 two-bedroom units and three three-bedroom units. The total build, once complete, would provide for 17 townhouse and approximately 62 apartment condominium units."

Eger said the plans for the development have changed to help offset concerns about its impact on the area.

"Original plans called for the four-storey apartment to front Morrison Drive and the townhouses to front the adjacent park/school yard. The revised plans have been reversed to so that the shorter, less imposing townhouses face Morrison Drive. This revision was important in securing the necessary bylaw amendments and will help to reduce the visual impact of the development from surrounding properties," he said.

Eger said the public has had concerns, but he added they have been dealt with in the new plan.

"Through the public consultation process, several neighbouring property owners expressed concern over existing and future traffic volumes and speeds, and for safe routes for children to get to the neighbouring schools. As such, the City conducted a traffic analysis but the volumes of traffic do not warrant additional traffic controls. Ongoing concerns about child/pedestrian safety, which relate to speeding and snow clearing, will have to be monitored, but these items should be separated out of the development review process," he said.

Council was unanimous in their support of the development permit application.