Planning committee shoots down residential development plans

Greater Sudbury's planning committee shot down a developers proposal that would have seen 705 housing units built in the city's Minnow Lake area.

Dalron Construction wanted to build townhouses and apartments in the area, but council said it would create too much traffic and roads would need to be upgraded.

"What I'm hearing from city staff (is) we haven't allocated money for the laning of Howey Drive," said Ward 4 Coun. Evelyn Dutrisac.

During four hours of public presentations, residents argued the added traffic would overburden the neighborhood's main road, which city staff said is already at its limit.

Ward 8 Coun. Fabio Belli said after listening to people in the stands and seeing a petition with 801 signatures, all he could hearwere concerns about increase in traffic.

Developer concerned about future projects

Although the residents who spoke at the meeting were happy with the decision, the developer expressed concern the conclusion could set a dangerous precedent.

"Will (city council) carry that forward and now will there be a freeze on any development in Minnow Lake?," asked Kristi Arnold, head of planning and development at Dalron.

Arnold pointed out there are other developers considering projects in that area and wondered what this decision will mean for them.She said Dalron will appeal the decision with the Municipal Board of Ontario.

Dalron may present a different proposal in the future for development in the Minnow Lake area.