A developer who got council approval Monday night for a new 12 storey apartment building on
The planning meeting of Guelph City Council unanimously approved a rezoning application by London-based Ayerswood Development Corp. that clears the way for the building of 79 one-and-two-bedroom rental apartments on what is currently a small parking lot.
"As soon as he has permits he'll have shovels in the ground," said Dave Hannam, a planner representing Ayerswood at council on Monday.
The developer got high praise from several members of council for its willingness to work with city staff to iron out some challenges to the initial concept, which called for 14 storeys.
Not only was the number of storeys dropped, but the developer has added a commercial space to the ground floor of the side facing
"We worked extremely hard with city staff," Hannam said, adding that it was a "collaborative approach" to come up with a solution on an "under-utilized site."
Ward 1 councillor Bob Bell said he would have voted against the initial proposal, but after seeing the changes made he fully supported the project.
"I commend you on working with city staff. What originally was a proposal I couldn't support is now something I'm looking forward to seeing,"
The developer also made some adjustments so as not to infringe or conflict with the historic Raymond Sewing Machine building that is directly south of the proposal.
Mayor Cam Guthrie also had praise for the way the developer listened to previous concerns from the community and from council.
"I'll be happy to see another crane in the sky," Guthrie said.
There were no other delegates Monday. There were two letters sent to the city expressing concern, one about construction noise, the other about parking.
Hannam said the net loss in parking spots on