Developers are proposing to build 24 new housing units behind a residential neighbourhood at 1038 and 1040 Jacarandah Dr.
Spotlight Development is preparing to add 22 semi-detached three-storey houses and two single-detached houses with a private lane in a 0.45-hectare area near the intersection of Leslie Street.
The proposal is in the municipal review stages, with no public meeting yet scheduled. The developer said the project fits in with the neighbourhood, with the land zoned as residential.
"The two-site assembly is a perfect location for an infill project in Newmarket adjacent to higher-order transportation corridor, commercial and employment areas,” development coordinator Alex Medow said. “An infill project consisting of primarily semi-detached units will bring a variety of housing to Newmarket, which predominantly has been single-family detached historically.”
The project has been in the works for more than four years The developer previously proposed 30 townhouse units, but said it scaled back the proposal in response to town concerns about neighbourhood compatibility.
“Things are going well with the staff at the town and interested agencies. Staff have been pleasant to work with and have offered suggestions and assistance throughout the process to date,” Medow said.
He said the homes will be priced at a market condominium rate of $1,099,000.
Bev Haynes lives next door to the development. She said she would rather it not happen but does not feel her input would make a difference.
“I don’t think it would be good for the neighbourhood,” she said. “We’re all individual houses.”
Neighbourhood resident Binoth, who asked to withhold his last name, said he is OK with the development but hopes dust and debris are controlled when construction begins. He said he is concerned about traffic impact, but a brief submitted from LEA Consulting suggests there would only be eight to nine more vehicle trips in the morning and Later day peak hours on the street.
Newmarket director of planning and building services Jason Unger said the application is still under review and he expects a public meeting to happen sometime in 2022.
“As with all development applications, notice of public meeting signs will be placed on the property, and the town will provide written notice to the surrounding neighbourhood once a date has been established,” Unger said.
Medow said they hope they can get approval next year and possibly begin construction.
“Spotlight Development is dedicated to providing a variety of housing forms on projects in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area,” he said. “We feel this site is a great location for families and offers a varied product for those wishing to live in the town.”
