Developer, community group reach compromise over building setback

The CentretownCitizens Community Association (CCCA) hasreached a compromise with a developer over the distance between the sidewalk and a proposed apartment building on Kent Street.

If approved, the four-storey building by RocaDevelopments will replace two homes at 443 and 447 Kent St., between Gladstone Avenue and McLeod Street. The homes are within a heritage conservation district.

Last month Ottawa's built heritage subcommittee orderedRocatotake another crack at its design, which would have placed the building just30 centimetresfrom the property line. Neighbours feared the brick wall of the building would loom over them as they walked past on the sidewalk.

Roca now plans to leave a 1.6-meters setback.

The community would have liked to see the building shiftedeven farther from the sidewalk, the CCCA's Shawn Barber said. But Barber acknowledge there's alsoa dire need for more rental units in the area.

"Our community association is prepared to be flexible also," hesaid.

Limited heritage value

The new design also includes slightly more landscaping between the building and the sidewalk.

The built heritage subcommittee approved the design unanimously Monday, paving the way for the demolition of the existing structures.

The subcommittee was not concerned about the heritage value of the buildings, which were constructed in 1890. There are many examples of similar architecture in the city, and a number of alterations to the houses over the years has limited their importance, according to city staff.

Community members originally hoped to save the buildings, but said they're happy to have reached a compromise.

A thirdbuilding will be saved and incorporated into the development.

The proposal must still be approved by the city's planning committee and city council before it can go ahead.