Journal Staff
Two new housing projects backing onto Modeland Road cleared hurdles this week.
City council approved a rezoning application to allow construction of 95 single-family homes between Michigan Avenue and Berger Road, after the developer completed all the necessary studies.
And in a separate move Monday, council approved an application from Sifton Properties to build 37 townhouses adjacent to Modeland and north of Michigan.
Progress on the 95-unit subdivision slowed when staff asked the developer for other options to the three cul-de-sacs shown on the road plan. Under Sarnia’s Official Plan, the preference for new neighbourhoods is to have a grid-like pattern with walkable streets, community services manager Stacey Forfar explained to council.
The developers argued cul-de-sacs don’t “offend” the Official Plan, and that neighbourhoods near the proposed development already have nine of them.
Coun. Bill Dennis said homebuyers love cul-de-sacs.
“They are in high, high demand. They usually sell very quickly and those are homes that typically pay the most in taxes,” he said.
David French, a planning technician working for developers Gerry and Tania Lee, said the plan as it stands will reduce the need for infrastructure, including 85 metres less roadway.
Forfar said city staff didn’t rule out the cul-de-sacs but wanted to see other options.
“We certainly are not saying that we would never accept a cul-de-sac here,” added city engineer David Jackson.
Mayor Mike Bradley called for a staff report on cul-de-sacs going forward to avoid confusion with future developments.
The 37 vacant-land condominiums council approved will be accessed off of Michigan Avenue and are part of Sifton’s Magnolia Crossing, part of the overall Magnolia Trails subdivision already under construction.
The first 20 single-family lots at Magnolia Trails have been sold to Henderson Builders, and they plan on breaking ground on that in the coming weeks, said Jamie Sloan, a sales Representative with Exmouth Group - Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty.
When complete, the entire subdivision northwest of Michigan and Modeland will include 74 single-family homes, a neighbourhood park, Magnolia Crossing and a commercial area located at the intersection.