A development proposed in Comox near the border between the town and Courtenay got the green light at the Nov. 25 council meeting.
The development at 2309 McDonald Rd. received third reading for 22 townhouses, four duplex lots (eight two-family dwellings), 13 single-family bare land strata lots and 40 fee simple single-family lots.
A proposed phased development agreement would allow for $68,469 to be contributed to the Town’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund and $12,864 in amenity contributions to the Town’s Sewer DCC (development cost charges) Reserve Fund.
The property is currently a vacant lot, approximately 4.7 ha in size located between McDonald and Aspen Roads.
A public hearing was held on Nov. 4, with a concern about traffic being the only issue brought forth.
Mel McLaughlin, a resident on Dogwood Road, told council he is concerned about the increase in traffic to the area and the impact on the environment. He proposed a roundabout at the intersection of McDonald Road and Lerwick/Guthrie Roads.
In their report to council, director of development services Marvin Kamenz and planner for the town Regina Bozerocka noted the signal-controlled intersection was installed in 2008 and there are no known operational or maintenance concerns.
The report also said a roundabout also comes with a number of disadvantages: high construction costs and additional space requirements, in addition to complex retrofit situations for the construction process. A roundabout at the intersection would require two lanes and would cost approximately $3 million.
Third reading was unanimously approved. However, Coun. Stephanie McGowan was not present due to a conflict of interest.
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