The Town of Newmarket is allowing a new residential development on Davis Drive to go ahead despite protests from some neighbouring residents.
Town committee of the whole gave tentative approval for a rezoning of a 28-unit housing project at 1015, 1025, 1029 Davis Dr. and 22 Hamilton Dr. It includes 24 townhouses and four semi-detached units, each with private rear years and balconies.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said though some neighbours have taken issue with the development, it is “gentle density” and the town has to work to add more housing.
“We know the province, and frankly, the Ontario Land Tribunal view ... they’ve been very clear about the need for everyone, and municipalities particularly, to be adding housing options and housing stock," Taylor said.
The proponent, Lulu Holdings, plans to remove four existing homes on the land to make way for the 28 new units. In addition, they are planning a shared amenity space in the northeast corner of the property that would be open to the public, with benches and a picnic table. There are also tree plantings and privacy fences proposed to provide privacy between adjacent properties.
But resident Glen Langford presented to the council and said he did not think the adjustments would be enough. He expressed concern about kids playing in a relatively small space and sports balls going onto his property or even the nearby Davis Drive intersection.
He said the site could lead to “smashed windshields, causing collisions and possible fatalities caused by errant baseballs and footballs.”
“Children aren’t careless. They’re carefree,” Langford added. “Who in this room wants to be responsible for those injuries and possible deaths? Decisions have consequences.”
Weston further said it would take time for privacy trees to reach maturity.
But Taylor said the proponent has made concessions based on town feedback. A lack of parking was a significant concern during a public meeting in May 2021 but the proponent has since increased the number of spaces to 44 resident and six visitor spaces to meet town bylaw requirements.
Taylor said he does not doubt the development would proceed via provincial appeal, even if the town opposed it.
The proponent has made several adjustments in response to council members, in response to resident requests,” Taylor said. “It needs to proceed with the hope that it will become a part of the community over time.”
The approval will still need to be finalized by council later this month.
