Apartment plan raising concerns in Alcona

INNISFIL - Intensification could be coming to Alcona, but not without a fight.

A seven-storey apartment complex the first of its kind in Innisfil has been proposed for Alcona and proponents of the project got a frosty reception during an open house early this week.

Opposition to the proposal included a petition with more than 110 signatures.

If approved, the 120-unit Abandel Residential Development would be constructed at 1124, 1130 and 1136 Innisfil Beach Rd., east of Janns Boulevard, almost across the street from the Shoppers Drug Mart.

The same property first made the news in 2009 when the owners clear-cut mature trees up to the property line without notifying neighbours or the town, causing outrage from some area residents.

In June 2012, the southern portion of the parcel with its direct frontage on IBR was rezoned to 'commercial' to permit development that could include a restaurant with a drive-through while the northern 1.13 acre property was zoned 'future development'. At that time, the developer's plans showed a seven-storey residential building on the land with both underground and surface parking, and access to Innisfil Beach Road through the southern commercial half of the property.

The open house was sparked by the developer Abandel Group's appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) asking that the property be rezoned 'mixed use 2' (MU2), which most of the nearby properties facing onto Innisfil Beach Road already are.

During the open house, planners for the town and the developer described the background and nature of the development, and a key change.

Instead of access from Innisfil Beach Road, a new driveway would be constructed connecting to nearby Goshen Road, a narrow residential road that currently ends in a cul-de-sac.

The OMB hearing will take place Feb. 12 and on Feb. 5, Innisfil council must decide whether to oppose or support the developer's objection. The town wanted to hear from residents first and scheduled the open house.

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Apartment plan raising concerns in Alcona