The Town of Bracebridge is moving forward with the construction of six semi-detached homes on Maple Street amid public opposition.
Approval for the project was granted at a Feb. 11 council meeting following an initial proposal presented to the planning and development committee on Feb. 4.
Akram Hanna, the property owner, told the committee he plans to start the development project this summer, adding it will introduce more diverse housing types to the community.
According to the report, the development is planned for a 1.3-acre lot with approximately 24 metres of frontage on Maple Street. The project includes building six semi-detached homes next to an existing detached home, for a total of 13 residential units.
Several neighbouring residents voiced concerns about the proposed development.
Sandra Rachky, who lives on Pinewood Drive, questioned the potential impact of having 13 units and approximately 55 residents on a 1.3-acre property. Her main concerns include increased noise, reduced privacy, and the removal of existing trees. She also raised potential environmental and structural issues, such as a loss of sunlight and whether sump pump systems would be able to manage spring runoff without leading to basement flooding.
Deb Garbutt, who lives on Sherwood Drive, said she has concerns about snow removal, environmental impacts and privacy, and feels the proposed development is out of character with the neighbourhood, which is primarily made up of single-detached bungalows.
She further added that the removal of 400 trees, will create heavy flows of water, loss of privacy, increased summer temperatures, and will negatively affect neighboring properties.
Addressing concerns over tree removal, Hanna said that a preliminary assessment found the site to be free of rare or protected species. Additionally, he said the current tree management plan is appropriate for the site’s natural characteristics.
“We’re going to replant in front of each house a new tree. We’re going to replant some cedars in the backyard, especially those lots…where the neighbors are concerned,” he said. “We are going to have a full fence with trees behind so that will give full privacy.”
Hanna also said they would handle snow removal and storage in this area and widen the proposed driveway area to facilitate fire route and garbage collection.
According to Hanna the project meets all Town of Bracebridge recommendations and setback requirements, and includes adequate parking for residents, with additional visitor parking planned along the street.
