Charlottetown condos at Passmore and Chestnut now one step closer

The controversial condominium development planned for Passmore and Chestnut streets in Charlottetown is one step closer to approval.

AtMondaynight's council meeting,the rezoning required for the 50unit building passed first and second reading but will still requirea third readingto be finalized.

The project has faced some backlash, particularly around the issue of eighthouses in an established downtown neighbourhood that are slated to bedemolished to make room for the development. Approval to demolish the mostly vacant homes has already been granted by council.

At a public meeting in February, developer Phillip O'Halloranfaced questions and concerns from many Charlottetown residents.

O'Halloran said after that meeting, he went out and knocked on doors to listen towhat people in the neighbourhood wanted.

"We did canvas around the neighbourhood, which reaffirmed what we were given back almost a year ago, was a mandate to develop the area, and we have over 230 sheets signed for the development, in support of the development in the immediate area," he said.

Along with the condominiums, the building will have commercial space on the bottom level. O'Halloran said he wants a grocery store in that space becausethe downtown needs one.

He said he isalso in talks with coffee shops and a daycare.

O'Halloransays he istrying outa different style of unit in the building, with 10suites on the second floor designated aswhat he callshome-occupation units.

"As you come down the hall, you'll be able to step into kind of an alcove where one door will enter into an actual home office, the other door will enter right into their suite. So if you do have business that day, you can have a private meeting without taking somebody through your house," he said.

O'Halloran said there are already people lining up to buy units and hehopes to begin the construction process within the next couple of weeks.

• MORE LOCAL NEWS INew website TopFeed to connect P.E.I. food buyers and sellers
• MORE LOCAL NEWS I 5 hot topics for the P.E.I. government and the 'Tory time machine'