New housing is poised to go ahead on Jacarandah Drive after Newmarket councillors approved zoning for a 23-unit project.
The developer plans to build a condominium road in an infield development at 1038 and 1040 Jacarandah Dr. The project has been in the works for several years, but council committee of the whole decided to give tentative zoning approval to it May 8.
Mayor John Taylor said after the developer made a series of modifications, including adding more parking, the project makes sense.
“We need to support housing options,” Taylor said. “This is a good example of gentle intensification in a location that can manage it.”
The project has garnered some public opposition and council concern, but MHBC Planning, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture, representing the proponent, said the design has been modified in response. Parking is up two to three per home after council expressed concern on that front last year. There has also been the removal of rear decks and balconies, plus more stone and wood panelling added, for compatibility with the surrounding neighbourhood.
The changes have resulted in the project being reduced by one unit, from 24 to 23.
“We’ve produced something that council and the community will be proud of and that we believe is compatible,” MHBC vice-president David McKay said to council.
Compatibility was a significant concern at a public meeting on the project last year, with the modern design upsetting some residents. Ward Councillor Jane Twinney previously said some of the neighbouring homes were built in the 1960s.
It is positive when a developer is willing to listen and make modifications, Councillor Victor Woodhouse said.
“We’re looking to get ahead of problems,” Woodhouse said. “It’s good to work with builders who are willing to listen to concerns that are real and then come back with a proposal we can work with.
“We do need housing,” he added. “It needs to work for all of Newmarket.”
The zoning approval will still need to be confirmed by council later this month. After that, a site plan application process will occur before construction can proceed.
