CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The developer behind an apartment project that was rejected three year ago in Charlottetown is hoping to change people’s minds with a new proposal.
Pine Cone Developments, of which Bevan Enterprises is a partner, is proposing to build a 41-unit complex at 9, 11-13 Pine Dr. (two buildings), near Sherwood Elementary School.
A public meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel.
Three years ago, Pine Cone Developments wanted to build a 27-unit apartment complex at 11-13 Pine Dr., but the request was turned down by city council, even though the developer had an as-of-right to build on the lot. The parcel of land was zoned R-3 by the city when Sherwood amalgamated with the city in 1995.
The developer asked council for a reconsideration of its decision but was denied. The matter was then appealed to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, which also rejected the proposed development.
Since then, the developer has acquired the neighbouring property at 9 Pine Dr.
Trevor Bevan with Bevan Enterprises said this proposal is much better than the one they submitted three years ago.
“The new building will sit on both of those parcels of land,’’ Bevan said. “That will allow, even though it’s a bigger building, much more green space and it will allow for more landscaping on the property. It also allows us to step the building back further (from the street) so ... it helps with the streetscape and it also allows us to do a stepped roof.’’
By stepped roof, Bevan means there will be two buildings. A three-storey building in front and a four-storey building behind it. The intent is to disguise the scale of the building.
Asked why he thinks this project might go over better than the last one did, Bevan points to the low vacancy rate in Charlottetown.
“We’re adding to the apartment inventory in Charlottetown,’’ he said. “We’re creating housing choices in the area. You don’t see a whole lot of new development in Sherwood.’’
Cain Arsenault with APM, which is co-ordinating the design and development stage, said anytime development can take place in little pockets of the city like this it stimulates growth.
"This will allow people in the community (Sherwood) to stay in the community,'' Arsenault said.
The buildings will feature market units, as well as being senior-friendly, meaning the units will be accessible.
“This building will be geared towards seniors that can stay in Sherwood. There is a lack of accessible-quality seniors housing in that area so we will be adding some accessible seniors apartments in that building.’’
Coun. Greg Rivard, chairman of the city’s planning and heritage committees, said planning staff and council recommend the issue go to a public meeting first.
Rivard said one resident member of the board feels there is no harm in going to a public meeting, despite the opposition to this project three years ago.
“Times change, circumstances change and the plans have changed,’’ Rivard said. “I don’t think we would be doing our job if we didn’t allow the applicant to at least pitch their project to the residents and get meaningful feedback.’’
The councillor said it’s difficult to say whether residents will be more accepting of this proposal.
“I hear from lots of residents and groups that want and need housing and, on the flip side, I hear from other residents that are concerned with certain types of housing projects that they don’t feel fit into existing neighbourhoods.’’
Bevan understands people are protective of their homes.
“Everyone is always worried about property values ... but contributing to the vacancy rate and creating housing in the area (will) increase property values,’’ Bevan said.
Developer proposing to build apartment complex in Charlottetown:
- Pine Cone Developments, of which Bevan Enterprises is a partner, is proposing two buildings and 41 units at 9, 11-13 Pine Dr. in the neighbourhood of Sherwood.
- This developer proposed a 27-unit apartment complex three years ago that was rejected by city council and IRAC.
- A public meeting to hear the new plans will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel.
