A townhouse development opposed by neighbourhood residents in Acton is forging ahead, with Town staff estimating that work will begin sometime in the spring.
Plans for nine townhouse units at 20 Ransom St., to be built by Sovereign Ransom Ltd., are close to being finalized before construction begins.
“Most of the technical review has been wrapped up,” said Town Planner Greg Macdonald. “We’re sort of in an administrative state, where we have to finalize the regional servicing permits so we can connect (to water and sewer services).”
“They can wrap this up in a couple of months,” Macdonald added.
Initially, the developer had proposed 10 units, which were turned down by town council after hearing concerns from the community.
Sovereign Ransom Ltd. then appealed the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and proposed a settlement with the Town to avoid a hearing, with plans to decrease the number of units to nine, increase visitor parking and backyard sizes, and prohibit second-floor decks and balconies on the property that’s currently occupied by one house.
But the revised plans still didn’t sit well with nearby residents, who continued to voice their opposition at council, raising concerns about parking congestion, increased traffic and the impact the development could have on the character of the neighbourhood.
The settlement was ultimately approved by council late last year and then by the OLT in April.
-with files from Mansoor Tanweer and Melanie Hennessey
