Big plans are in the works for the former Ben Bleecker building property in Belleville’s west end.
On the southern part of the property at Bridge and Sidney streets, two commercial buildings are being proposed with one housing a grocery store and another for commercial tenants such as restaurants and personal services businesses.
The commercial property is owned by Goldmanco, the same company that owns the Loyalist Market shopping plaza where Shoppers Drug Mart is across the street.
It isn’t known at this time what grocery store would set up shop there if plans are approved by the city although Mayor Mitch Panciuk says Farm Boy stores are featured at many other Goldmanco developments.
Panciuk says the plan is a good one for the area.
“It’s another indication of the fact that our economy is doing really well in our region and Goldmanco has determined that that’s the type of business that they want to put in that area.”
On the northern section of the property the local developers who’ve recently opened Arabella Retirement Living in the city are proposing the construction of a total of 246 rental residential units.
The development would consist of 36 two-storey townhouse residences, an eight-storey apartment building, and a 12-storey apartment building.
“We have a number of apartments in that area already that are over 10 storeys tall and I think this will fit into the area and it’s going to be a great housing option for folks that are living in that part of the city now and want to stay there.”
The proposals will come up for public comment at Monday’s Belleville Planning Advisory Committee as both developments will require rezoning approval from council.
No decision on the applications will be made at Monday’s meeting.
