A new subdivision in Owen Sound’s downtown is one step closer to breaking ground.
Council has passed a by-law that would change the zoning on the former OSCVI site.
Developer Barry Kruisselbrink says he’s pleased with council’s handling of the proposal.
Kruisselbrink first approached council in February about the possibility of re-developing the land to build 9 single detached dwellings and 51 townhomes.
The site plan is now designed for 11 single detached homes and 49 townhouses.
Kruisselbrink says the next step is to get a subdivision agreement and draft architectural guidelines, which have to meet council’s approval.
Kruisselbrink says the subdivision was originally designed for easy accessibility for the senior population, who would like to live in the downtown area.
But now that the plan includes some two-storey homes, Kruisselbrink says he’d like to see some young families move into the area as well.
He also hopes to keep the prices down, so that the housing is affordable for those who are at the lower end of the salary scale.
There was much debate amongst councillors as to the amount of green space that should be left.
Council decided to take the offer of money in lieu of parkland, which many councillors believe will help with costs related to other larger park spaces in the city.
There will also be two four metre strips of easement land, which council can decide what to do with them, and the suggestion is to put park benches in the spaces.
Kruisselbrink hopes to break ground on the project in fall or early spring.
