Over 400 new residences with a variety of styles could be added in the Town of Stettler under a concept for a 42.71-acre parcel of land at 5202 – 61 Street west of Emmerson Estates.
At its regular meeting Nov. 16, town council gave first reading to a land-use bylaw (2002-10) to amend about 1.83 acres of the parcel to residential from urban reserve to enable the landowner and applicant H. Kahl Construction Ltd. to subdivide the land into three parcels – for the existing residence, for lands west of Red Willow Creek currently used for industrial purposes and lands east of Red Willow Creek for future residential development.
“We have no actual proposed development but we have taken the first step to prepare for a development in that area,” said Mayor Dick Richards.
“This concept demonstrates that the town is prepared to assist developers to help meet the needs of our residents.”
Lots for manufactured homes would be a major component of the plan as this type of housing was identified as a major priority in the town’s sustainability plan that was adopted last year.
“We always want to try to be ahead of demand and try to anticipate what will be needed, such as lots for manufactured homes,” said Mayor Richards.
“We like to try to have a plan in place and design a new part of our community and see how different residential needs can be placed together.”
Residents will be invited to comment on the rezoning and the concept at a public hearing scheduled for next Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m.
“Developers are looking for land in the town,” said Dave Dittrick of the town’s planning department.
The land-use bylaw amendment will create a residential (R2) district for the existing residence to enable the property to be subdivided.
Under the concept, the development could feature 207 single-family homes, two apartment sites to accommodate a minimum of 100 units, 42 manufactured homes, 35 single-detached homes with lanes, 12 single-detached homes without lanes and 18 large single-detached homes without lanes.
For the project, the draft outline plan also shows 4.8 acres of reserve land and 4.82 acres for public utility lot with storm pond.
With all the added vehicular traffic on 61 Street, planners expect the intersection at Highway 12 will likely require improvements, with Dittrick suggesting a traffic light.
“Alberta Transportation will have to address this intersection,” said town administrator Rob Stoutenberg, noting that provincial funding could be available to enhance the intersection.
Subdivision approved
Council approved an subdivision application to create one lot of .81 acres from two parcels on a triangular lot at the northwest corner of 57 Street and 44 Avenue.
The owner plans to rezone the newly created parcel to general residential from public use to accommodate future residential development.
Residential rezoning denied
An application by Barry and Shariane Schultz to rezone their home at 5704 – 47 Avenue to residential general (R2) from residential low density (R1) was denied by council – as council supported a staff recommendation.
“’Spot’ zoning is generally discouraged because the integrity of a land-use bylaw district become compromised, “ said Leann Graham and Dave Dittrick of the town’s planning and development services.
The applicant proposed to rezone the property to allow the owner to develop a single-family dwelling with a basement suite to rent.
Other properties in this area are designated R1.
This will provide a mix of housing, however it remains a residential development with an accessory use of a basement suite.