Cresco Holdings Limited is seeking approval of a development agreement pertaining to Sub Area 9 of the Bedford West Master Plan Area; a component of the Bedford West Secondary Planning Strategy (SPS). In 2006, Regional Council selected the Bedford West area to be one of the main urban growth areas in the Municipality for the next 25 years. The lands, illustrated on Map 1, encompass 38.4 acres (15.54 hectares) to the west of Highway 102, northeast of Kearney Lake Road and south and southeast of the new Highway 102 interchange at Larry Uteck Boulevard.
The development proposal integrates parks and open space with multi-unit dwellings as well as general commercial land uses. The proposed development agreement (Attachment A) reflects this mix of uses and includes terms pertaining to environmental protection, land development, parks and open space, the provision of municipal services and phasing. Further, the agreement is subject to capital cost contribution charges by the developer to the Municipality for transportation improvements and in the future, to Halifax Water for sewer and water improvements.
The joint public hearing will be held by North West Community Council and Chebucto Community Council on Monday, Jan 9, 2012 at 7pm at Keshen Goodman Library, 330 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. All oral and written submissions will be considered at that time.
A copy of the staff report may be obtained by calling Planning Services at 869-4260. You can also view the report on line athttp://www.halifax.ca/Commcoun/ccc/documents/111205ccc1011.pdf
Proposal
A mixture of multiple unit dwellings, general commercial, parkland and other open space uses are proposed. Plans illustrating key elements of the project such as municipal services, park dedications, trails and development phasing are found in Schedules B to Q of the development agreement (Attachment A).
The development is comprised of two key components: a general commercial area and two medium to high density residential areas:
General Commercial
Approximately 17.8 acres (7.2 ha) of the development is intended for general commercial purposes and will house a mix of highway and general commercial land uses. This is intended to house land uses that are more car oriented than in other commercial areas of Bedford West. Commercial land uses are permitted to a height of 50 ft (15.24m) and a maximum lot coverage of fifty percent.
Residential
The remaining lands which can be developed , which cover approximately 12.48 acres (5.05 ha), are intended to accommodate medium to high density residential development. The concept submitted is proposing approximately 324 dwelling units in three buildings. One building is proposed at six storeys, while the other two are proposed at twelve storeys.
Parkland and Open Space
Approximately 2.67 acres (1.08 ha) of the site is reserved specifically for parkland and another 5.7 acres (2.3 ha) is set aside as a conservation area. In addition to the land dedication, the developer is proposing the construction of a trail of approximately 728 feet (222 metres) in length to form a future connection to Sub Area 10 from the General Commercial area of Sub area.
