18 replies to this topic

[rsnxmt]

Abstract developments is proposing a series of townhomes next to Rainbow Park near MacKenzie.

 

Developer page here.

 

Snapshot of the townhome development below.

 

 

[rsnxmt]

Several engagements with the local community have been completed and the Quadra Cedar Hill CA summary letter is here.

 

The main concerns focus on the significant increase in density for these lots and the worry on parking and traffic. There are only two vehicle entrances in the area and it seems it is quite busy with school pick up / drop off from St Andrew's nearby. However, the concern of 25 homes with two (!) vehicles seems like a remote possibility.

 

On the other hand, the proximity the Lochside Trail and transit hub at the McKenzie interchange would afford a lot of transportation alternatives. Families need access to more options and having these townhomes close to Rainbow Park (which has an amazing playground) would be awesome.

[rsnxmt]

I think townhomes are very appropriate given the location advantages. There are a few multi-residential units in the area around Swan Lake on residential streets like Swan and Falmouth in addition to the other developments near Rainbow. See a few examples circled in purple below. This snapshot is from the 2001 Local Area Plan for Quadra, going on twenty years but still shows these other developments in the area. I also circled a newer development on Douglas street near the Rainbow area that was constructed after 2001.

 

It seems townhomes will be possible here but probably the project will get bogged down in what is acceptable for density for that area.

 

Feedback from the community led to a design change but it seems they didn't change the number of units. I think that reflects issues with the massive costs in development involved - not the least is land prices. Costs will still keep going up if there needs to be more and more design revisions. And higher house prices after all that, too

 

[Nparker]

...The main concerns focus on the significant increase in density for these lots and the worry on parking and traffic....

Every. Single. Proposal. 

[lanforod]

Abstract developments is proposing a series of townhomes next to Rainbow Park near MacKenzie.

 

Developer page here.

 

Snapshot of the townhome development below.

 

 

 

Starting from 750k would be my guess. 

[Mike K.]

Add $150k and you're in the ballpark.

[Victoria Watcher]

‘Unviable’: Saanich developer won’t slash project’s density in half like residents want

Saanich council recessed Jan. 24 public hearing to allow for further public input

https://www.vicnews....residents-want/


“At three separate committee meetings, we asked for the density to reduce and they didn’t change it,” said Yerrell. “They are designing developments for maximum return on their investment, without considering the community’s concerns. Does that sound like a company that Saanich wants to use as its development partner?”

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 February 2023 - 10:41 AM.

[Nparker]

... Does that sound like a company that Saanich wants to use as its development partner?”

Once Saanich adopts MMHI, it will be.

[corvus]

I literally laughed out loud at this article - they want it cut BY HALF? and are using the decisions of a council A DECADE AGO to justify that? Come on buddy, do you hear yourself?

[Victoria Watcher]

A townhouse development proposed for the Swan Lake neighbourhood will be back in the spotlight this week as Saanich reconvenes a public hearing to consider rezoning three residential lots for multi-family use.

 

 

 

https://www.timescol...project-6551382

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 14 February 2023 - 05:37 AM.

[Mike K.]

It’s before council today.

[Victoria Watcher]

Fate of controversial Swan Lake townhouse project still up in the air

 

Following a five-hour public hearing Tuesday that ended just after midnight, council voted to defer its discussions and deliberations on the proposed complex to Feb. 28.

 

https://www.timescol...the-air-6564182

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 15 February 2023 - 07:05 PM.

[GaryOak]

Approved

[Mike K.]

Great!

[Victoria Watcher]

The developer of a controversial townhouse project near Swan Lake has finally been able to get the green light from Saanich council.

 

Tuesday’s public hearing saw a split council voting five to four in favour of proceeding with the three-storey, 25-unit townhouse development that’s been met with intense opposition by the neighbourhood’s residents, with some demanding the project be reduced to 12 or 13 units.

 

Couns. Colin Plant, Judy Brownoff, Nathalie Chambers and Mena Westhaver echoed those concerns, voting to reject Abstract Developments’ application.

 

 

 

https://www.vicnews....in-narrow-vote/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 March 2023 - 06:44 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Many residents in the neighbourhood said they support increased density on the site but 25 units is too large.

 

Mike Miller, founder of Abstract Developments, did not rule out tweaks to the project, saying the firm will take time to absorb feedback from residents and council heard over three public hearings.

 

“It gives us no pleasure to see so many people in the neighbourhood come out and speak against a project like this,” said Miller. “I’m not sure we’re going to proceed with this in exactly the same form. We’re looking at perhaps how we could make this project a little better and retool it a little bit.”

 

 

 

https://www.timescol...ke-area-6634904

[Mike K.]

Good call, that’s good on Miller.

[GaryOak]

Corner store/coffee shop

[Nparker]

This is why blank rezoning (such as the MMHI) that doesn't allow for neighbourhood input is dangerous. Local feedback can lead to a better outcome.