CORNWALL – A small subdivision off Baldwin Avenue has been approved by Cornwall’s Planning Advisory Committee (PAC).
J.F. Markell Homes plans to build six homes on just over one acre of land that was the former Whittaker Brothers Flowers property, on the east side of Baldwin, north of Old Orchard Avenue.
The homes will be accessed by a cul-de-sac to be named Whittaker Crescent.
But some neighbours are concerned about the aesthetics, noise and conformity with other homes in the historic neighbourhood.
Resident Ian Bowering, speaking on behalf of some neighbours, told PAC Monday night that nobody is against the development but maybe it could be less dense.
“Why is the neighbourhood being changed so dramatically?” Bowering inquired.
He says having homes four deep off Baldwin Avenue would be “invasive” and that maybe the number could be “reduced slightly.”
Cornwall Planning Division Manager Mary Joyce-Smith noted that other subdivisions in the area are of the same density. Staff also noted that the development fits all the zoning requirements and there have been no variances.
Developer John Markell says the homes will be larger two-bedroom dwellings build on a slab with no basement, marketed to seniors and would be “not attractive to families.”
Bowering’s request appeared to fall on deaf ears as the committee of council passed the subdivision with little discussion.
As a matter of procedure, the plan of subdivision still has to go to city council for final approval.
Anybody who was a party to Monday night’s public meeting still has the option to appeal the decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).
