VIRTUAL MEETING SCHEDULED FOR SOUTHCOTE ROAD PROPERTY

Ancaster Coun. Craig Cassar is encouraging residents to consider how the proposed townhouse development project on Southcote Road will impact the natural environment.

"We want to give residents an opportunity to ask questions," said Cassar.

Cassar said he knows the area where the proposed townhouse development is being considered, but at the moment he has "no position" on whether to support or oppose it.

UrbanSolutions, which is representing the developer Southcote Hills Inc., has scheduled a virtual public meeting starting at 6 p.m. March 29 to solicit public input on the 10 three-storey block townhouse application that will contain 57 units, 114 parking spots and 23 visitor parking locations.

On his Ward 12 website, Cassar urges the public to participate in the virtual meeting, as well as send the developer questions that include how the structure will impact the neighbourhood, will "green development standards" be used in the construction, will there be any "familyfriendly" units, along with any affordable units? And how will the development impact the natural environment?

The Ancaster Village Heritage Committee, has "not looked" at the Southcote Road development, said vice-president Jim MacLeod. The group is concentrating on potential development applications within the village core area, unless a group requests some help or advice from the committee, said MacLeod.

The 509 Southcote Rd. property owners are seeking an Official Plan amendment and a zoning amendment to designate the property from agricultural to residential. Currently, there is a single house, a detached garage, a driveway, a garden shed and a greenhouse on the land. The south side of the property

is bounded by commercial buildings fronting Garner Road, while opposite the proposed development on Southcote is another residential development. The Garner Cemetery is to the south of the property. The structures on the property are expected to be demolished.

An archaeological assessment by Parslow Heritage Consulting found no archaeological materials on the property. And a services report by LandSmith Engineering and Consulting found the water servicing connection can be made to the adjacent 300 mm watermain along

Southcote Road, while the available sanitary sewer on Moorland Crescent with a 250 mm pipe can be connected to Southcote Road. There is also an existing 525 mm storm sewer on Moorland Crescent that is available to be linked up.

The landscaping report found that at least 46 trees will be removed, including a tree canopy, but most of the trees are in failing health.

A noise study recommended specific windows for the living room and bedrooms and that a clause be contained in the titles of the properties indicating the noise study results.