Developer eager for Phase 2 of project

Planning to build 213 housing units off Johnson Road

November 25 2008

Posted By MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION, EXPOSITOR STAFF

Motorists on Garden Avenue could soon see a doubling in the number of homes springing up in the Johnson Road area as a builder moves ahead with the next stage of its subdivision in the city's east end.

City councillors had plenty of questions -- and lots of favourable comments -on Monday, when Brookfield Homes Ltd. unveiled the second phase of its housing subdivision of 213 units between Garden Avenue and Johnson Road.

The developer hopes to start work next year.

Councillors endorsed Brookfield's application to rezone about 40 acres of farmland and green space, where it plans to build 144 single-detached homes, 11 townhouse block with another 69 units, plenty of open space with ponds to manage water runoff, a network of trails and a park.

Council will consider final approval of the project in two weeks.

The second phase, which will be built directly across Johnson Road from the first phase of about the same number of homes, was presented two years ago. But it was kept back for more design work and public consultations when it ran into some community resistance over the scope of the project and its impact on the natural area.

"This development has certainly come a long way, considering how you have worked in the environmental considerations," Coun. Marguerite Ceschi-Smith told Brookfield representatives Peter Schut and Ted Cieciura.

Mayor Mike Hancock called the development "a very interesting proposal." But he was the first in a succession of councillors and citizens to enquire about the impact that construction of a major development would have on streams and other area environmental features.

Hancock wanted an assurance that the builder would ensure maximum control of silt from runoff during rains.

Environmental advocate Timothy Sywyk wanted assurances that a small creek on the site would be protected from the effects of construction.

PUBLIC ATTENTION

The issue has captured public attention since environmental advocates raised the alarm that massive amounts of silt were washing from heavy rains into D'Aubigny Creek from the Shellard Lane subdivisions in the southwest last summer.

City staff had to carry out a succession of investigations and to issue corrective orders.

Schut told councillors that construction crews in Brookfield's first phase have learned how to manage their site well.

"Your staff are very diligent in making sure our guys are on our toes," said Schut, referring to numerous site visits and inspections.

"I'm glad to hear that you are committing to protect the creek," said Sywyk. "It's obvious that we have miles to go yet, but we're starting."

City staff and agens for the development will co-operate in establishing a trails network at the outset of the development.

Schut said the second phase would be built in parts according to the ability of the housing market to absorb the supply of new units.

Of 214 units in the first phase, only 45 are left to sell. That 75 per cent of buyers have been local, demonstrates a strong local demand for new homes, he said.

"That was a pleasant surprise."

Article ID# 1313705