By Mark Squibb/February 3, 2023
Mount Pearl council has approved additional units along Avery Place, a subdivision home to well over twenty 55-plus condos.
“The City is in receipt of an application by RJC Services, on behalf of Placentia Bay Holdings, for a residential intensification project at 10 Avery Place,” said councillor Mark Rice during last week’s public meeting. “This proposal is for a three-building housing project with a total of 13 units: two buildings with 11 three-story row houses and basement parking at grade level, and a third building with common/office space on the main level and two units on the second and third floor respectively. The proposal also includes six parking spaces for the third building, private gardens at the rear of the two buildings on the southern and western ends of the parcel, and a 7.32-metre-wide road between the three buildings.”
Rice explained the Planning, Engineering, and Development Committee had reviewed the application and recommended approval.
Councillor Jim Locke applauded the project.
“We have 16 square kilometres of land here and limited land left in the Northlands for further residential development,” said Locke. “And as we know, we’re into our strategic planning sessions here and planning a course of action moving forward. Such intensification is necessary, it’s going to be needed for the city to grow and prosper. Given the limited land we have, we’re looking at alternatives, and this is the type of project I feel the city needs moving forward.”
He noted the proponent has committed to maintaining the unit as a 55-plus complex.
“That was welcome news to the residents in Avery Place,” said Locke. “That was a key concern that they brought forth. And of course, we all know the need for seniors housing in the City of Mount Pearl. We could probably use another 500 units here. So, again, I think it’s a great move that we’re intensifying this area. It’s going to be a great completion to that little neighbourhood down there. The residents love Avery Place and their access to the T’railway, so this will be a nice finish to the whole development down there, so I fully support this.”
Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley added she was thankful for the residents who came out to a public consultation session and for the developer who gave a clear and concise presentation at that session. She added the building is being designed to be universal, that is, inclusive and accessible to all residents.
“That is something that more and more we should hope to see in developments, that concept that no matter what your abilities are or how old you are, the building itself is inclusively designed in a way that, well, speaks for itself — universal,” Kieley said.
Councillors Chelsea Lane and Bill Antle also both voiced their support.
“I think it’s great that we’re seeing intensification like this happening,” said Lane. “I think that we’re moving in the right direction, and I certainly hope to see more projects such as this coming in the future. And the fact that it’s going to be 55-plus is excellent, because I for one know that when I was going door-to-door, the need for seniors housing was something that I heard numerous times.”
Antle applauded the decision of the developer to steer clear of trees bordering on the nearby T’railway.
“I think everything with that development is going to bode well for the residents,” said Antle.
The motion was approved unanimously.
