A proposed residential development on the north side of Innisfil Beach Road has put Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope in an unenviable position.
To avoid any appearance of conflict of interest, Wauchope stepped down from the council table last Wednesday night as Council heard plans for a mixed-use residential project on lands owned by the Alonzi family.
Pratt Development wants to construct 159 units, including single detached homes, townhouses and a multi-story condominium type building on a 48-acre site behind three estate-sized lots, including one owned by Wauchope and his wife, Brenda.
Urban planner Nicola Mitchinson spoke on behalf of Pratt Development, and said the project “represents an appropriate infill development” according to County and provincial development guidelines.
“We know there are residents who have concerns,” Mitchinson said. “We’ll be happy to discuss them.”
If approved, the development would involve a western extension of Benson Street into the subdivision, along with three new roads, one of which would link onto Innisfil Beach Road between Alcona Glen Elementary School and the Wauchope property.
“Our main concern is the privacy we have enjoyed for the last 22 years,” said Brenda Wauchope. “We were hoping to see some landscaping, berms and/or fencing. We’re very concerned about a new road entering Innisfil Beach Road. There’s already a huge flow of traffic on Innisfil Beach Road. We feel the proximity of townhouse units may have a detrimental effect on the value of our estate lots.”
Coun. Rod Boynton expressed concern over the proximity of an access road to the Alcona Glen school as well.
The ease of pedestrian access to a proposed parkette in the subdivision drew the attention of Coun. Dan Davidson.
Town staff have been directed to examine the Pratt project and report back to Council.
In the meantime, Mitchinson said her team “will go back and address the residents’ concerns and work with them, and the Town, to find a solution.”
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