Hamilton’s planning committee approved a draft plan for a condominium application on upper Stoney Creek that the owners hope will eventually mean lower costs for buyers.
256 First Road West Inc. is proposing to build 25 condominiums at 250 First Rd. W., on the southeast corner of First Road West and Mud Street West.
The proposal is for 25 townhouses along a private road, with a sidewalk and 12 visitor parking spaces on the 0.56-hectare property.
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Matt Johnston of Urban Solutions, representing the owner, said during the Nov. 14 meeting the original application was for 25 standard condominiums. But after 16 months and with a tightening housing market, Johnston said the owners decided to make the condominium application a common element rather than a standard condominium project, which will ultimately reduce the condominium fees for buyers. He said the change in designation will mean an additional $100,000 to the planning process for the owner.
Johnston said the common element designation for the project will “reduce the cost for buyers.”
Under the province’s Condominium Act, a standard condominium is any condo — not a leasehold or freehold — that has been permitted under previous legislation and is most accepted by consumers. A common element condominium is identified as without units but only common elements. Owners, under the act, bear obligations toward the common elements of the condos, similar to a standard condo. It is typically used in the creation of subdivisions where the streets, street lighting, community entrance features or other such things are shared.
A noise study commissioned by the owners revealed a barrier will be required along the rear yards of the units facing the stormwater management pond to the east. Noise warning clauses will be included in all agreements of purchase and sale or lease of the properties.
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In addition, a landfill impact assessment was prepared to ensure that appropriate “warning clauses” are included into any of the purchase or sale agreements with respect to the nearby landfill site located north of the property.
The city did receive a couple of letters from nearby homeowners who expressed opposition to the development. Terry Spence stated in an April 6 letter that traffic will increase along First Street with drivers trying to turn left onto Mud Street.
Muneera Al-Matar stated in a Feb. 28 letter that his parents live near the proposed development and are concerned about their lack of privacy and safety with the new condominiums.
Councillors will vote on the committee’s recommendation at their Nov. 22 meeting.
is a reporter for Hamilton Community News (Ancaster News, Dundas Star News, Mountain News and Stoney Creek News). He can be reached at kwerner@hamiltonnews.com.
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