A proposal to develop two properties in one of the last untouched areas on Limerick Road in Preston Heights will go before council at a public meeting in May.
The applicant is proposing to develop the subject lands identified as 240-276 Limerick Rd. for 105 dwelling units in the form of street-facing, stacked and cluster townhouses.
The two properties, which together comprise 2.68 hectares, are located west of King Street East and south of Highway 401 and are currently zoned R2, R3(H) and R5 which does not permit townhouse and mixed-terrace dwellings.
In order to permit the proposal, the applicant is asking for them to be rezoned to RM4 with site-specific exceptions.
All of the site specific zoning amendments pertain to increasing density, reducing setbacks and parking requirements, and allowing smaller front and rear yards.
The properties are owned by an Ontario numbered company based in Richmond Hill.
None of the units are expected to be affordable housing.
The two properties contain fields and trees and surround a single-detached home on Limerick Road and are surrounded to the north and south with a mix of low and medium density townhouses. Across the street on Limerick Road are four large properties containing single-detached homes and outbuildings, and immediately to the south is another property with a single detached house.
Although the properties are surrounded by ongoing development and built homes, they are near a known bald eagle nesting area along the Grand River.
A draft plan of subdivision has been submitted to the Region of Waterloo for the creation of eight blocks.
Most of the street fronting townhomes would be on Limerick Road, but access to the subdivision would through an extension of Duckworth Road to a temporary cul de sac. Emergency access is proposed from Limerick Road to the cul de sac, which would also serve as a pedestrian route.
A trail would provide access to John Erb Park and Parkway Public School.
The city is hosting a public meeting on the proposal on May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall and virtually.
