A proposal for a seven-storey, 193-unit apartment building just down the road from the Aurora GO station has been given initial approval.
The building is planned for a 1.89-acre lot on Centre Crescent, west of Industrial Parkway North.
Earlier this year, York Region approved Aurora’s amended official plan that allowed for seven-storeys within major transit areas, which have been earmarked for growth and intensification, according to a town staff report.
“It is intended for this area to be transformed into a vibrant pedestrian-oriented area and transit hub,” the report states.
A variety of units are planned, from studio to two-bedroom units. More than a third of the total units are set to be studios, one-bedroom, and one-bedroom with a den.
The building will also include a total of 252 parking spaces at grade and two levels of underground parking.
While the proposed building plan provides more parking than is required, as provincial legislation now bars municipalities from requiring park for such developments, there are proposed cutbacks on setbacks and amenity space.
At the July 2 committee of the whole meeting, Councillor Wendy Gaertner said the smaller setbacks “may make the building look overpowering,” adding she was particularly concerned about the front setback.
The developer, Gervais Development (Centre) Corp., is proposing cutting back the front yard setback from the required 13.5 metres to 3 metres “to allow the future building to be situated closer to the Industrial Parkway North.”
“This is unfair to the future residents who aren’t here to speak to us about it,” Gaertner said during Tuesday’s meeting. “These people will just be basically sitting on Industrial Parkway, I think it’s too close and it should be moved farther back.”
Staff recommended the shortened setbacks.
“A building situated closer to the street can better animate the streetscape and create a pedestrian-friendly design that encourages active transportation and walking,” the staff report reads.
There is also a proposed reduction in side yard setback from 13.5 metres to 4.25 metres and rear yard setback from 13.5 metres to 5.35 metres.
The developer has proposed a retaining wall and a 1.37 metre high ornamental metal fence to mitigate the impact to neighbouring properties.
Staff are currently reviewing the site plan with the developer, according to Marco Ramunno, director of planning and development services, with the plan expected to be finalized in the next four to weeks.
The plan was ultimately approved by the committee of the whole, with Gaertner voting against the project.
The development will come forward at a future council meeting for final approval.
