Plans for a major subdivision, proposed for Belleville’s Thurlow Ward, came before Belleville’s Planning Committee Monday night.
The Geertsma Homes project would include 367 residential units on a 21.2 hectare site, located off Farnham Road, near Scott Drive.
Andy Geertsma, President of GCL Developments Ltd, appeared before the committee to introduce the project.
The subdivision, called Riverside Development, would include a 30-metre protection strip around the wetland and a two-acre park in the central area.
Geertsma told the committee one section of “Riverside Development” would have a boulevard without driveways.
What he called “lane housing” would have garages attached at the back.
Andy Geertsma President of GCL Developments Ltd at Belleville’s Planning Committee, December 2, 2019 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Councillor Bill Sandison raised the issue of “affordable housing” asking if any would be included.
Sandison said “It’s easy to talk the talk but we need someone to walk the walk. I’m really looking to see developments include components of affordable housing.”
Agent Lorelei Jones answered, “it’s best to have those types of housing where there’s good transit….we’ve heard the message.”
Sandison, who is chair of the city’s Transit Committee, pointed out the city is working on transit for Ward 2 and has four more buses in mind, while awaiting provincial and federal funding.
He said it all might occur by the time the subdivision is completed.
Following the meeting, Planning Chair Councillor Paul Carr tells Quinte News he’s encouraged by the fact there are apartments included and some of the housing units are small at 1100 square feet, which is more affordable.
A full staff report will come back to the committee at its next meeting, before any recommendation goes to city council.
