Prince Edward County Planning and Development Committee has deferred a zoning application for a new subdivision along Sandy Hook Road and Loyalist Parkway.
The development, just outside Picton, has faced multiple revisions since their first appearance before the committee. Two previous discussions on the subdivision resulted in the proposal being referred back to municipal staff to address concerns presented by councillors, members of the public, and municipal staff.
The current proposal has had its layout changed, with a total of 495 residential units. The units are split between single detached homes, townhouses, apartments, and a 45-unit seniors village. This is an increase from the previous layout which proposed 396 units.
The new layout addresses a major staff concern with units backing onto Millennium Trail, by eliminating lots backing onto the trail. Parkland was also increased over the previous layout, and between parkland, storm water management space, and environmental protection area, the development is set back from the nearby creek.
A group of concerned residents spoke about the proposal, and were overwhelmingly in opposition to the new plans. Many residents said their previous concerns with water quality, environmental impacts, and damage to the nearby watershed were not being addressed. Another concern brought forward was potential safety hazards with a road crossing Millennium Trail.
Once public comments were completed, committee members briefly debated the proposal before Councillor Sam Branderhorst put forward a motion to defer, in order to have a hydro-geological survey done to ensure the development will pose no threat to local water supplies.
The motion passed, and the decision was deferred until the survey can be completed.
