NIPAWIN — To meet expectations of a survey done for the residents of the Coventry Crescent subdivision, the subdivision is being rezoned into light- and moderate-density residential lots
Jeff Hrynkiw, Nipawin’s development officer, said a survey was sent out with 41 respondents speaking to what they want or didn’t want to see within the development.
As per the survey results, Hrynkiw said the rezoning will see low density residential zoning for the current phase of Coventry Crescent and moderate density residential zoning for future phases. As of right now, the current phase of the project is seeing 20 individually serviced lots being developed.
The moderate density residential zoning would allow single family dwellings and semi-detached housing like duplexes. With the permission of council, townhouses and secondary suites would be possible.
Council approved the rezoning plan at its May 25 meeting.
The survey results also said respondents were preferential to dwellings with a minimum of 1,200 sq/ft for a single family dwellings and 1,000 sq/ft for townhouses within the current phase of development. Other requirements, according to the survey, would be a hard surfaced driveway within two years, attached garages and multiple roof peaks.
Council wanted more information before approving such architectural controls for the subdivision.
Hrynkiw recommended in his report to council that lot prices for the Coventry Crescent development be dropped by 50 per cent with three year tax incentives if construction is completed within two years.
Discussion ensued among the councillors with it noted that cost recovery would be an issue at that price.
Perry Trusty, the economic development officer, told council lot prices as reported by Hrynkiw are competitive with attractive lots at Tobin Lake, the Rolling Pines Subdivision, and the RM of Nipawin. At the current price, Trusty reported that the town would recover the costs of developing the plot over a nine to 10 year period depending on the cost of the house and other factors. However, that is normal, he said, since cost recovery on residential development normally takes place over time through property tax, not at the sale of the lot.
Council, wanting more information, tabled the issue for the June 8 council meeting.
