[Moncton] Gateway Towers | 2 x 18s | Mixed Residential | Under Construction

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Moncton starts bylaw changes for proposed 17-storey riverfront towers
Public hearing set for early October for Gateway Towers
Shane Magee · CBC News · Posted: Aug 20, 2024 6:00 AM ADT | Last Updated: 2 hours ago
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/moncton-bylaw-gateway-towers-riverfront-1.7298908


First ever revealed rendering of the Assumption Blvd facing side of the Gateway Towers.

"The developer will help create a gateway and create amenities for people that use the park, which probably will make it a safer environment as well," Bill Budd, the city's director of planning and development, told council on Monday.

City staff recommended council approve first reading of bylaws amending the municipal plan, downtown plan and zoning bylaw to allow the proposal to move ahead.

Council voted unanimously in favour.

Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault asked about whether the proposal opens the door to further development in or around Riverfront Park.

Budd said it wouldn't create a precedent. He said most of the Gateway Towers site covers land Lafford already owned it has the right to develop and has the right zoning already.

Earlier this summer, council voted to sell some municipally-owned land to the developer.

"Because of the huge cost that developing there, he's trying to make the most efficient development possible and required some additional land to make it feasible," Budd said of the land sale.

Budd described the land the city is selling as a "ditch area" that has been "problematic" because of homeless encampments in the past.

And while residents have suggested the Gateway Towers proposal would go against city plans by developing green space, Budd appeared to push back on that idea.

Budd pointed to a map in the city's 2017 downtown plan showing the site, part of which occupied by a building and parking lot for years, redeveloped with four buildings.

"Some form of this type of development was always contemplated at this location," Budd said. "It's just slightly becoming a little larger."

2017 plan for the riverfront showing planned development in this location

If there was ever any concern that this project had the 100% support of city council, I think this has been allayed by this first reading. The Gang of 34 doesn't have a chance of stopping this.