College Drive condo tower passes first test
The developer pitching a 12-storey condominium tower for a prominent vacant lot near the University of Saskatchewan got its first stamp of approval.
The City of Saskatoon’s municipal planning commission gave its nod Tuesday to rezoning of the lot at the intersection of College Drive and Clarence Avenue to allow the project to proceed.
Andrew Williams, CEO of North Prairie Developments, said in an interview he was pleased with the outcome. North Prairie has tried to address concerns expressed by some in the Varsity View neighbourhood over the proposed 171-unit building, he added.
The rezoning request now heads to city council for a public hearing on Jan. 28 with the endorsement of the commission and city hall administration.
“It’s a hard process, but at the same time, it’s a necessary process,” Williams said of rezoning. “It’s a lot of work.”
A city administration report on the project suggests it aligns with the city’s growth plan for greater density along transit corridors.
In the city’s bus rapid transit-style plan to reform bus service, College Drive would feature bus-only lanes.
Varsity View Community Association president Jon Naylor appeared at Tuesday’s meeting to signal the association’s opposition.
“We all think it’s crazy,” Naylor told commission members.
Naylor outlined concerns about the proposed building, ranging from the environment to the possibility of crime at some point.
The size of the building contradicts the local area plan, which calls for a gradual transition toward higher buildings, he added.
Naylor said only those who live on the bottom few floors will feel like they are part of the neighbourhood.
“There is no feeling of cohesion between these highrise residents and what’s happening on the ground,” he said.
The community association also sent a letter of opposition to the development.
The letter says hundreds of hours have been spent crafting the association’s position.
The $60-million development would include 232 underground parking stalls.
North Prairie has decided to increase visitor parking from 16 to 21 stalls in response to concerns about an on-street parking shortage in Varsity View.
The location at the top of University Bridge is touted as a good place for density in the city report, given its proximity to the university and downtown.
Williams said he does not believe there is strong neighbourhood opposition to the project. A public meeting on the project in September drew about 60 people.
The lot has been vacant since 2011 when the last of a series of structures was demolished.