The developer behind a proposal to build a two-storey, six-unit apartment building on a deep lot next to Hilltop Manor could be heading back to the drawing board after council signalled disapproval of the project during a public meeting Tuesday.
The project would require demolition of the vacant home at 36 Elliott St. to accommodate the build, which requires a zone change and official plan amendment. The apartment would contain four two-bedroom units and two one-bedroom units plus a den.
But it was lack of parking on a narrow street next to a retirement home that was the main issue giving councillors pause.
The project aims to accommodate surface parking for eight vehicles, including two visitor spots and a barrier free parking space.
Hearing that, Coun. Mike Devine thought at least one of the units should be barrier free in addition to concerns he shared with other councillors about insufficient parking and density.
He said he won't support it as is, suggesting a reduction of at least two units.
"I know we need housing in Cambridge, but we can't keep putting eight pounds in a five pound can," he said.
Coun. Sheri Roberts wants to see the developer find a way to save a mature walnut tree in the backyard. She also doesn't want barrier free spots included in the parking plan knowing it can lead to abuse that could set a bad precedent. Barrier free spots should be additional to the required number of spaces in place through zoning, she said.
Coun. Adam Cooper called Elliott Street a sensitive area for parking because of the surrounding neighbourhood's narrow streets and frequent visits from emergency vehicles. He wants to see more parking on site.
Coun. Scott Hamilton agreed, knowing the long-term care home next door likely experiences overflow parking from visitors during the holidays.
"On the other hand, this is in walking distance to a downtown core that we know is in need of revitalization," he said.
"I think gentle density concepts like this are exactly what properties this close to the core need, so I'm hoping the developer can come back with a bit of a revamp plan taking into account parking considerations and trees."
Neighbouring property owner and landlord George Guerette called in from Calgary where he says he's building a similar housing project to the one proposed.
He urged council to approve the proposal knowing the city's desperate need for housing.
"Irrefutably we have a housing affordability crisis in Canada. We spend more of our incomes on housing than anyone else in the G7," he said.
"We can certainly do our part and help support the supply that is so dearly needed to ensure equitable opportunities to find housing are enjoyed by all current and future citizens of the great city of Cambridge."
He called the Elliott Street property "a fantastic site, close to the city core" and adjacent land uses that are compatible.
"I plead with you and urge you to expeditiously approve this," he said. "These types of delays and impacts that drag out these developments are what kill projects and are what have caused prices to escalate."
In direct opposition to council's opinion, he said the density on the site is lower than it should be and "it's overparked."
If it was proposed anywhere in Calgary for the same lot size, he said, it would accommodate seven suites and seven parking spots.
"This isn't Calgary. This is Cambridge and we're trying to build a city in an image that we feel is appropriate here," Mayor Jan Liggett replied.
"I won't be able to support this if it comes back just like this because it doesn't have appropriate parking for the neighbourhood," she said.
A staff recommendation and report is expected to return to council in December.
