Jenna Cocullo, Local Journalism Initiative
Council accepted a proposal to subdivide land south of the intersection of Churchill Park Road and Earl Drive to create 60 new housing units.
A zoning by-law amendment application was also approved. The amendment would permit semi-detached and townhouse dwellings on a portion of the land. Currently, only single-detached homes are permitted.
The plan proposes to build 42 single-detached dwellings and six townhouses of three residences each. A multi-unit residential development site is also planned in the near future.
Four new streets would be constructed as a result from the project, the main one an extension of Churchill Park Road which would then terminate in a cul-de-sac by the CP Rail Line.
Conceptual development plan for Churchill Park Road. (photo from Municipality of Chatham-Kent Community Development Planning Services report)“The development is an efficient use of vacant residentially designated lands that have access to full municipal services, and are in close proximity to transit facilities and other public services. The proposed mix of low- and medium-density housing will provide a range of housing options for residents,” reads the report presented to council.
Ryan Jacques, manager of planning services, said municipal officials did hear concern from residents about cut-through traffic. Data could not be quantified since vehicle behaviour cannot be observed on the non-existent roads, however, traffic is not predicted to be excessive.
Construction traffic is expected to impact neighbours in the area as the only way in and out is through existing residential subdivisions.
“But we will be responding to the public and reaching out to the public should the situation diverge from expectations,” Jacques said.
He added it is very unlikely that some of the mature Lombardy Poplar trees in the area will be able to be kept during the construction. Sixty new trees will be planted, which he said are more than the amount likely to be removed.
The first phase of the subdivision has been sold and the current phase has drummed up interest from builders, Jacques said. With the draft plan approved formal offers of purchase can move forward.
READ MORE: Council paving the way for new high density apartments in southwest Chatham
