Petrolia council will decide later this month whether or not to approve a zoning bylaw amendment to build new townhouses on Eureka Street.
A public meeting was held on February 5 prior to the town's regular council meeting.
The proposed development at 322 Eureka St. seeks two exemptions to the current bylaw, to increase the number of townhouse dwelling units by eight for a total of 24 and to reduce the lot frontage by approximately 10 metres.
Senior Planner Maria Cossa-Rossi specified during Monday's meeting each dwelling would include a garage and driveway for on-site parking. No street parking is proposed.
"There is also a dumpster with enclosure proposed, along with the private road with private servicing, private waste disposal collection and overall, private site maintenance," said Cossa-Rossi. "There is also a greenspace play area in the centre of the development being proposed."
Cossa-Rossi said each residence is intended as market-priced units and is not purpose-built as a retirement facility.
A couple of the concerns raised were in regards to drainage as some area residential properties have already experienced issues with flooding.
"We're aware of the water problems - no doubt about it. But I think they'll (the developer) have to, with their engineers, convince council and the planning department that they're dealing with the water without affecting the neighbours," said Mayor Brad Loosley. "That'll be dealt with, I believe, the site plan agreement."
Timelines for the proposed project could not be specified.
Loosley said if the zoning bylaw amendment is approved, the planning process would likely take at least a few months to allow for site plan approval and an objection period. A proposed concept and site plan drawing was submitted as part of a public report, however, it is not final.
Council will consider the bylaw amendment at its next regular meeting on February 20.
If zoning amendments are approved, county staff said other items such as fencing, landscaping, increased traffic, and noise concerns would be addressed during the site plan control process.
