Building lots still needed

Back in late April, the Town of Fort Frances expressed an interest in rezoning the so-called Nelson Street park from “green space” to “residential” in order to appease the demand for more building lots in desirable locations.
But after being met by opposition from neighbourhood residents, who often used the park for recreational activities and personal enjoyment, the town was forced to reverse its decision.

However, the need for residential building lots remains an issue here.
Last November, AbitibiBowater gave the town a forecast on the number of workers it expected to see relocating to the area, which indicated the town had to create more lots for homeowners looking to build.
According to local real estate broker Dave Kircher of Tichborne’s, the question is “not a supply issue, but more of a location issue.”
“I wouldn’t want to spend $200,000-$300,000 on a brand new house and build it on a 50-foot lot up by the railroad track or by the lagoon,” he reasoned.
“There are lots available, just not necessarily where people would want to build,” he added.
Municipal planner Faye Flatt determined that for the town to move forward, it would be desirable that it already owned the land as it would be easier to move ahead with plans to develop.
However, as the Nelson Street case proved, it’s also important that neighbouring residents be on board to eliminate any potential for challenging a zoning amendment.
To Flatt, developing Nelson Street seemed like a no-brainer because “the water was there, the sewer was there, it was virtually do the survey and boom it’s done.”
“I’m kind of disappointed that it didn’t happen, so we have to find new ways,” she added.
For the same reasons the Nelson Street park was a good area, Flatt has deemed as having potential the property between Shevlin Avenue and Williams Avenue.
Continuing on from the existing Sixth Street East, this area is seen as a great location for development because there already is infrastructure in place.
All it would take is clearing the land, making a street, and separating the lots, which easily could be done with a developer on board.
Jason Kabel had petitioned council at its Oct. 14 meeting to see if the town would fund the project if he developed the property, classifying it as a local improvement initiative.
He argued that extending Sixth Street East to Minnie Avenue would satisfy the “evident shortage of lots in town” given previous developments in the area (Patcin Avenue and Kaitlyn Drive) were successful.
Council declined his request at its Oct. 27 meeting.
Other areas that eventually may see development is Erin Crescent off Kaitlyn Drive, which recently was purchased by the town from Jim Strachan.
No news yet as to what is being planned for there but Flatt has reported that if a developer was interested in working on the property, the town possibly would sell it. She also noted the town eventually may choose to develop it itself.
In related news, council last week approved a zoning amendment which would allow Dave Petsnick to purchase the former United Pentecostal Church on Emo Road and turn it into an apartment complex, although residents in that area are vowing to appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board.
Flatt believes Petsnick’s project could be very positive to the town as it would free up existing homes for larger families while creating manageable spaces for smaller families or single residents.
“We know we need residential units,” she stressed.