Apartment buildings planned for Belleville’s Sidney Street

Belleville’s Planning Committee has had its first look at a proposal for four multi-residential buildings on Sidney Street.

Monday night, Andy Geertsma of GCL Development Limited presented the proposal for four properties on the west side of Sidney Street, north of Tracey Park Drive.

It would turn a vacant lot and three houses into two four-storey buildings and two five-storey buildings, for a total of 96 apartments.

Planning Chair Councillor Paul Carr tells Quinte News, developers are coming forward with “infill” plans.

The apartments will be aimed at the 50-plus age group.

Councillor Pat Culhane questioned Geertsma about when he would know the number of rental units versus ownership.

He indicated that had not yet been determined.

Plans call for two-bedroom apartments, a landscaped courtyard and a community building for the shared use of the residents.

Carr added, “I think we see the appetite moving from rental to ownership and so it’s a matter of making sure, obviously, that their costs are covered. There is some concern there but I think the fact they’re looking at something versus nothing is a good sign.”

Staff will bring back a report on the project to the committee next month.