Written By Jan Sims
KOMOKA - A proposed large-scale development on Glendon Drive in Komoka has passed another marker on its way to becoming a reality.
Middlesex Centre council has approved amendments to a draft plan for the project. They will now be forwarded to Middlesex County for consideration.
Plans call for a development that would add several blocks that would accommodate about 860 to 975 houses and apartments as well as units for commercial uses. The site is east of Tunks Lane, and close to a plaza and the Komoka Wellness Centre.
The land is currently vacant, with some farming being done. For the project to become a reality, bylaw changes are needed.
In the past number of months, Middlesex Centre municipal planning staff have been working to address concerns raised by the public, including noise, traffic, and infrastructure needs.
In regards to concerns over the scale of the project, council was told at its April 22nd planning meeting that setbacks have been increased.
What remains a question at this point is whether local boards of education would build a school near the site, with Councillor Sue Cates remarking at the planning meeting: “we’re going to have a lot of kids.”
The development would include single family, semi-detached and townhouse units. There would also be several apartment blocks with heights of seven to nine storeys, and 10 to 12 storeys. Plans also call for buildings with commercial uses, and possibly a nursing home.
In addition to the housing, the area would feature parkland and trails. There would also be a block of land set aside to deal with stormwater management. It’s expected the development could take up to 10 years to complete.
