Ottawa/Ontario Construction News
Planning committee approves zoning for mixed-use development, new subdivision in Kanata North
The city’s planning committee approved zoning for lands to the north of the South March community in Kanata North.
The change would permit a mixed-use development that could offer conveniently located retail and services on March Rd.
The applicant also intends to build a new 915-unit residential subdivision behind the mixed-use area, offering townhouses, detached and semi-detached homes. The proposed development is in line with the council-approved Kanata North Community Design Plan, which envisions a community of about 3,000 units with a range of housing options and a vibrant core of amenities along March Rd.
The committee approved another zoning amendment that could see long-underdeveloped lands within South Merivale Business Park put to use. The change would add a warehouse and truck transport terminal as permitted uses for a 30.5-hectare property on Leikin and Bill Leathem drives – lands the City of Nepean set aside in the early 1990s for employment uses. The business park includes an RCMP facility and some smaller developments, but many of its larger sites remain vacant.
Expanding permitted uses would allow the site to accommodate trends in industrial development and could lead to a significant economic development and employment opportunity within the park.
The committee also approved a residential development that would add significant density to the East Urban community in Orléans. The development would be south of Brian Coburn Boulevard and east of Fern Casey St., in another transit-oriented area. The project would add 186 rental townhouses near a future bus corridor that will run parallel to Brian Coburn Boulevard.
Recommendations from the planning committee meeting will rise to council on June 9.
More than $18 million in facility improvements for nine Chicago parks would be made possible through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) proposals introduced to the City Council by Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
The proposed financing would help the Chicago Park District to make upgrades that reinforce the parks’ collective roles as community anchors.
Garfield Park, at 100 N. Central Park Ave. in the East Garfield Park community, would be allocated $8.9 million in TIF to support auditorium interior renovations, electrical upgrades, and roofing and drainage improvements. Additional work would include ballfield and garden enhancements and upgrades that help the park’s former powerhouse and horse stable to serve as a welcome center and gallery space. Project costs would be entirely funded with TIF.
Douglass Park, at 1401 S. Sacramento Drive in North Lawndale, would be allocated $600,000 in TIF for field house renovations, auditorium electrical improvements, and handicapped accessible upgrades. The cost of the project would be entirely funded with TIF.
Jessie Owners Park, at 8800 S. Clyde Ave. in Calumet Heights, would be allocated $300,000 for pathway paving, lighting, and seating upgrades. The cost of the project would be entirely funded with TIF.
Kiwanis Park, at 3315 W. Carmen Ave. in the North Park community, would be allocated $800,000 in TIF to stabilize the shoreline of the North Branch of the Chicago River, to remove invasive species and restore natural habitat, and to create a multi-use trail. The project, adjacent the Von Steuben High School campus, would be entirely funded with TIF.
Legion Park, at 5501 N. Kedzie Ave. in the North Park community, would be allocated $2 million in TIF to stabilize the shoreline of the North Branch of the Chicago River, to remove invasive species and restore natural habitat, and to create a multi-use trail. The project, adjacent to the Northside College Prep campus, would be entirely funded with TIF.
River Park, at 5100 N. Francisco Ave. in Lincoln Square, would be allocated $750,000 in TIF to support park boat house improvements. The upgrades would enhance boat storage and water access for Park District paddling program participants. Project costs would be entirely funded with TIF.
Ronan Park, at 3000 W. Argyle St. in Lincoln Square, would be allocated $3.5 million for community garden improvements, a new riverfront plaza, a new performance pavilion, and related landscape improvements. The cost of the project would be entirely funded with TIF.
Park 594, a planned pocket park at 3159 S. Halsted in Bridgeport, would be allocated $350,000 in TIF for fencing, paving, seating, lighting, a drinking fountain and landscaping. The cost of the project would be entirely funded with TIF.
Humboldt Park, at 140 N. Humboldt Drive in the West Town community, would be allocated $1.1 million for field house interior improvements, field house and boat house electrical upgrades, and access enhancements. Project costs would be entirely funded with TIF.
