Plans for a major housing development in Belleville’s Thurlow Ward came under questioning at the Planning Advisory Committee Monday night.
GCL Developments, owned by Andy Geertsma, has applied for changes to allow a mixed housing development on the southeast corner of Farnham Road and Scott Drive.
This would be a total of 367 residential units.
The location of the parkland within the development, the lack of apartment units and the distance from the Moira River were all raised.
In an interview with Quinte News following the meeting, Committee Chair Councillor Paul Carr commented on the distance to the river.
Member of Belleville’s Planning Advisory committee Paul Jennings, January 6, 2020 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
A member of the committee, Paul Jennings, questioned why a proposed park for the subdivision would not be located near the river side of the project.
Another member, David Joyce, pointed out that the park would be more central for the whole community.
The issue of the need for apartments in the city was also discussed and some committee members questioned why they were not included in the plan.
Carr tells Quinte News there’s flexibility in the zoning application and smaller homes are being discussed.
Councillor Pat Culhane commented, “I recognize we have to grow but…there are no applications for apartments. Homes are lovely but beyond the reach of many (people).”
The committee is recommending that city council approve the application for zoning changes.
That recommendation will go to council’s meeting next week.
