By Kim Moar - The Weekly News
Residents finally got a first-hand look at what's planned for the already clearcut former radio transmitter lands on Tremont Drive.
For months, homeowners living near the property have been left wondering what's moving into their quiet neighbourhood, and now they know.
W.M. Fares Group held a public information meeting last week to tell residents they plan to build a total of 922 residential units consisting of single-family homes, townhouses and low to high rise apartment buildings on the 60-plus acre site.
"There has been a lot of uncertainty," said company spokesman Cesar Saleh.
While the company has not yet made a formal application to HRM, it decided to hold a public information meeting to let people in on their plans.
As it stands now, the project consists of 115 single-family homes, 77 townhouses and 580 other residential units in six buildings ranging in size from three storeys to 11, fronting Dunbrack Street. The apartment buildings would contain some commercial uses at ground level.
If constructed as planned, the subdivision would be home to about 2,200 people.
Saleh said the neighbourhood would include lots of green space, including walking trails, as well as protecting two wetland areas.
"It's a beautiful site, and it's in a very, very good location, and we think we have a great plan for it," Saleh said.
Of the 150 people that attended last Wednesday's meeting at Saint Benedict Church, concerns were raised about how the population increase would affect traffic in the area, and impact pedestrian safety. Others raised concerns about whether the local schools could accommodate the number of kids that would come with a subdivision of that size.
Some homeowners complained about water runoff from where the property has been clearcut, and of flooded basements, and others worried the highrise apartment building would be incompatible with the neighbourhood.
Saleh said the plan unveiled last week is just that, a plan, and nothing has been finalized.
He said the company wanted to hear from the public before going any further to see if some of the concerns raised can be addressed in the design.
The company hopes to submit a formal application for stage one of the agreement to HRM before the end of the year.
One of the first things the company will be seeking is a change in zoning. The former radio transmitter lands are zoned industrial and will need to be changed to residential.
As the plan will be subject to a development agreements for each phase, formal public hearings will be held on the proposal.
kmoar@hfxnews.ca
