Residents of Bridgewater will get their chance to have a say on a proposed three-phase 450-unit development on Glen Allen Drive at the February 12 town council meeting.
The project includes seven multi-unit buildings with a total of 414 dwellings ranging from 25 to 94 units per building and four to six stories in height. Additionally, there are eight townhouse buildings comprising 36 units.
A 450 unit residential development is being proposed at the former Kirk’s Forest Products land off Glen Allan Drive. Photo: Town of Bridgewater.
The development would be implemented in three phases, with 38 affordable housing units in Phases 1 and 2, and a minimum of 20 per cent of Phase 1 dedicated to two or more-bedroom units. The project also includes a small commercial component at the corner of Glen Allan Dr and the creation of three new public streets.
Mayor David Mitchell says the project fits the needs of the town in many ways, primarily in addressing housing shortages, “We have multiple housing needs, specifically affordable housing which this project will include, along with a variety of housing like townhouses and apartments which are also included,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell says he’s yet to hear opposition to the project from Bridgewater residents, noting that most people in the community understand the urgent need for housing.
Some things that Mitchell feels make the project ideal are its proximity to amenities and transit routes, as well as the town’s wastewater treatment plant, which is approaching its capacity. “It’s above our (wastewater) facility on the hill which means we can use gravity to assist,” said Mitchell.
The proposed multi-unit building design would limit height to 6 stories, with the ground floor at street line grade and primary entrances for each unit.
One parking space per unit will also be required as a minimum for the development, along with 0.5 spaces for bicycles per unit.
A traffic feasibility study has also already been completed and determined that Glen Allen Road would be able to accommodate the increased traffic without any upgrades. The project would require three new public streets, which the developer would build and then turn over to the town for upkeep and maintenance.
During the public hearing later this month residents are invited to share any concerns or support for the project, after which council is expected to vote on the proposed development agreement.
If council votes in favour of the project there will then be a 14-day period where residents and other stakeholders can appeal, conversely, if it’s voted down the developer would also have an opportunity to appeal that decision.
The proposal for the project was produced by Fathom Studios on behalf of the developers from Darmouth-based Somerled Properties, who would own the development if it goes forward.
