Looking more closely at the 859 Sand Cove Road development, it is well done. Below is a quote from the developer to the city outlining their engagement with the local community. There is also letters from neighbours in open support of the development, which is a testament to their efforts.
Quote:
Here is a bullet point summary of the neighbourhood engagement process we undertook:- 2018 to 2022 we advised people who inquired about our future plans that we would prefer to do a multi-family residential development and would be eventually applying for rezoning. Our plans were to keep the daycare operating.
- June 2022 we sent out a notice that we would be having an open house information session.
- July 7, 2022 we had an open house with approximately 30 in attendance. We were looking for comments on a couple of proposals that were conceptual only. Comment cards were provided and several respondents were considering apartments if the project proceeded.
- Continued to informally gather information and had discussions with neighbours to give reasons why we preferred to move away from institutional zoning to a residential zone.
- Sent out notices to residents within 100 metres to advise we would be doing geotechnical investigates to assist us in developing a detailed conceptual development plan which would be presented to the community at a future date.
- Also sent out notices that topographic surveying would be taking place to further develop our plans.
- When opportunities came up we explained to residents the “as of right” zoning and process of developing under the present zoning.
- Contacted the President of the Duck Cove Recreational &Heritage Association (DCR&HA) regarding a meeting or meetings they held and information they gathered. Quality and density of what we might do was a common concern.
- Had discussions with the DCR&HAexecutive regarding the proposed quality and were advised that an upscale project might be acceptable if it could be integrated into the neighbourhood.
- Presented renderings and concepts to the DCR&HA executive for a high quality project including a parking garage supplemented with surface parking, sprinkler systems, elevators, common rooms and security systems in each building with abundant open space for amenities.
- Arranged to enter into an agreement with the DCR&HA that would solidly integrate the project into the neighbourhood if approved by their general membership.
- DCR&HA held a meeting of the association members with approximately 42 members in attendance which I understand was generally well received subject to the developer having a meeting to respond to a number of questions brought up.
- We had notices hand delivered to cover over 150 properties within 100 metres of the site and up to 450 metres in other directions to assure the capture area took in the general area members of the DCR&HA lived in. The notices advised there would be an information meeting held on May 31, 2025 to address questions raised by the community.
- On May 31, 2025 did a Power Point presentation and question and answer session at the Seawood Daycare facility with just under 60 people in attendance. Most in attendance appeared supportive of the proposal once their questions were addressed. Five residents filled out information sheets expressing what they would like to see in the apartments.
- Before and after the information session we spoke to and updated all immediately adjacent property owners. We discussed and addressed buffering options or concerns. All immediately adjacent property owners seem supportive of our proposal and some expressed interest in moving to the complex when developed.
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My only comment is that I wish it included a few more units and considered two or three bedrooms, rather than just the one bedroom and one bed + den, based on the floor plans shown. On the positive side, it shouldn't overly concern or bother neighbours with just four levels. It's infilling and intensifying rather than expanding, and is in a great location, near transport and services, with ample parking. It also retains the daycare and is unlikely to have a significant impact on traffic.
If any councillors vote against this without a good reason, they've completely lost the plot and should be voted out of office.
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