At a well attended meeting on December 6th, new NENa president Curtis Biehler introduced presentations from developers working in our neighbourhood.
First to present was Paul Havercroft from the Hughson Street Baptist Church. Many people are familiar with their partnership with Indwell and the development of affordable housing at the corner of James and Picton. Ground was recently broken on this four-story building that will house the church on the main floor and basement and have 45 units on the upper three floors. It is anticipated that occupancy will be summer 2019.
John van Nostrand and Emily Power were on hand from JVn/D to update residents on their Home:Front development at the corner of James and Ferrie. Their housing proposal is geared towards all income brackets with home ownership being affordable for those making $25,000 annually and above. It is their vision that their unique design elements and flexibility will lower the cost of home ownership and help grow personal economies. Occupancy is expected in late 2019 or early 2020. Home:Front hosts a monthly meeting the fourth Tuesday of each month where people can learn more.
Third on the list was a relatively new development proposal planned for the northeast corner of Burlington and James. The old Scotia Bank was purchased in April 2017 by Pinemount Holdings. Eli Turk and Alison Chewter presented their vision for an eight-story purpose built rental building geared towards empty nesters. Retail is proposed for the main floor. In the very early stages, Pinemount is planning public consultations and must work with the city on rezoning the lot.
The last development to be presented was by NENa President Curtis Biehler. With only a few details available Biehler advised that First Rock Properties has purchased 486-492 James Street North (south of Picton). The developer completed the city design review process in October and is proposing a nine story, 64-unit building with commercial space at street level.