🚫🏡 Olds, Alberta says NO to new housing proposal! Town council listens to community concerns. 📢🏘️ #Olds #Alberta #CommunityFirst #HousingDebate
In a recent decision that has sparked local debate, Olds town council has opted against a proposal to rezone land in east Olds from country residential to medium density residential. This decision follows a detailed assessment by town staff and a public hearing where community members voiced their concerns.
The Proposal at a Glance
The contentious proposal centered around a plan to rezone a parcel located at 5631 - 49th Avenue, aiming to develop it into medium density residential housing. The proposal had advanced to the stage of a public hearing on June 24, following its initial reading on May 27.
Reasons for Opposition
Town administrative staff, backed by nine letters of opposition from residents, recommended against the rezoning. Their reasons were outlined in a Request for Decision (RFD), citing several key concerns. Firstly, they argued that the proposal did not align with the East Olds Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP), specifically failing to provide sufficient evidence of its compatibility with the plan’s vision and objectives.
Infrastructure and Environmental Concerns
Moreover, the development would require the construction of a new road right-of-way extending east from 49th Avenue. This infrastructure, while initially funded by the developer, would ultimately become a town expense for maintenance and upkeep. The project also faced criticism for potentially disrupting neighboring properties and necessitating the removal of mature trees, contrary to the ARP’s conservation goals.
Council’s Decision
Ultimately, councilors voted against the proposal after considering these factors and hearing objections from concerned citizens during the public hearing. The decision reflects a commitment to uphold the town’s redevelopment plan and to carefully consider the impacts of new developments on the community and its surroundings.
The Applicant’s Position
The applicant had hoped to subdivide part of the property for sale as a development site, but faced with strong opposition and administrative reservations, the proposal did not garner sufficient support to proceed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the denial of this rezoning proposal underscores the challenges and complexities involved in balancing development interests with community planning goals. The decision highlights the importance of public input and adherence to established planning frameworks in shaping the future growth of Olds.