Sault Ste. Marie city council granted a fistful of approvals tonight to a large new neighbourhood to be built west of the stub ends of Chippewa, Atwater and Amherst streets.
The property, listed as 0 Chippewa St., consists of about 15 hectares.
The developer is Brampton-based Mamta Homes, a family-owned and family-operated business founded in Wasaga Beach in 2015 by Harjinder Kang.
Councillors were told the mixed-use development is expected to include 358 residential units, as well as commercial space and a public park.
The project will be completed in stages, taking a minimum of three to five years to complete.
The first phase of construction is expected to begin by next year, councillors were told.
"This application proposes to permit a variety of housing types, such as singles, townhouses, and mid-rise apartments, as well as park space, and commercial space to establish a new residential neighbourhood in the city’s west end," said Jonathan Kircal, an intermediate planner with the city.
"The subject property is presently a large undeveloped parcel of land located on the western edge of the city’s urban settlement area and adjacent to the Broadview Gardens residential neighbourhood.
"The project is presented as meeting the diverse needs of residents with varying housing preferences. Single-storey houses and smaller units in the form of apartments are ideal for individuals with mobility challenges who wish to minimize or avoid stairs, as well as those seeking more affordable housing options.
"Condominium units are tailored for those who prefer the convenience of not having to manage exterior maintenance.
"This application would permit urban development to extend toward Bennett Creek, rounding out the Broadview Gardens neighbourhood with compatible housing forms such as singles, semis, and townhomes.
"Two five-storey apartment buildings are proposed towards the western edge of the subject property, serving as a natural westerly transition and defining the neighbourhood’s boundary along Bennett Creek.
"Chippewa, Atwater, and Amherst Streets, along with all other utilities, will be extended westward at the developer’s expense. A grid-like street network has been proposed, providing an efficient and direct route for travel within the area.
"Sidewalks are planned on both sides of the proposed public rights-of-way and on one side of the private roads within the condominium blocks. Given the anticipated lower levels of vehicular traffic and the fact that through-traffic is not expected, staff recommend placing sidewalks on only one side of the public rights-of-way," Kircal said.
SooToday will have additional coverage of this story.