Proposed townhouse development in Cambridge raising parking concerns

People living near a proposed townhome development in Cambridge are worried about the build’s potential impact. CTV’s Colton Wiens explains.

There are concerns a proposed townhouse development in Cambridge, Ont. could cause some parking problems.

Powerplay Equite Capital and Tresure Hill Homes want to rezone an area near Attwater Drive and Dundas Street South to build 132 stacked townhouse units. The request came up during a statutory Planning and Development Committee meeting on Tuesday, where most of the discussion revolved around parking.

“Especially in this particular area, having access for people to park their vehicles is a concern,” Councillor Corey Kimpson said.

“We’re trying to attract families into Cambridge, but some here, ‘Sorry, don’t have a car,’” Councillor Helen Shwery said.

The two developments are expected to offer 165 parking spaces, including 33 spots for visitors.

A planner for GSP Group told the committee that number meets the required 1.25 parking spots for each unit, but they have heard the concerns.

“[The required parking spots] is what the site plan has been based on,” Brandon Flewwelling GSP Group’s planner said. “We made sure not to come in under that and adjusted the site plan to meet that parking requirement.”

The area does not have other public transit options immediately available, and committee members pointed out most homes have more than one vehicle.

“Somebody has a child of driving age, they’ve simply got a partner that also drive, these will not be of use to them,” Councillor Adam Cooper said. “That’s really what our concern is.”

When CTV News spoke to neighbours in the area on Wednesday, they said on-street parking is often an issue and they worry how increasing the number of residents could further aggravate those problems.

“There will be heavy population in a crowded area in here. That’s number one. Parking is one concern,” Satya Yerrapragada, who lives nearby, said.

“Not overly busy at this point, but eventually I feel like it might,” Deepan, another neighbour said.

Deepan also worries about the dust impact from the developments and wants a fence built to protect his backyard.

Beyond parking concerns, residents also worry about a lack of amenities nearby.

“No parks. No bus,” Deepan said.

“I have a five-year-old, and a lot of kids are here which is that age and they have nowhere to play. The park is not done yet. It’s been almost two years for us and by the time the park comes in, my daughter could be out of age,” Yerrapragada said. “There is no commercial viability in this area. We have to drive three to four kilometres for every basic thing.”

“We don’t have public transit in the area, so these are basic concerns we do have. We’re not asking for big things, but the basic amenities we are looking for in here,” Yerrapragada said.

The rezoning application will go to city council on July 21.