Questions and concerns around a proposed new manufactured home park in Penhold dominated discussions between town council and the developer during a recent public hearing.
A public meeting was held Feb. 22 just prior to a Penhold council meeting.
Council received and held first reading on changes to the Land Use Bylaw on Jan 25, which was followed by a mandatory public hearing for Feb. 22. No comments or questions from the public were received during that time.
The proposed 9.95-hectare manufactured home district will be located in Penhold's Oxford Landing subdivision.
Members of town council expressed concerns and posed questions about the new manufactured home park, and changes developer Melcor Developments Ltd. had introduced.
Comments from council included those from Coun. Kathy Sitter who inquired about room for garages and decks, esthetics and appearance of the area and upkeep of homes. She also asked about space for emergency vehicles and the snow removal process in the park.
“We're at the land use stage now but we will get to that stage at the development permit,” said Tyler Hansen, development manager for Red Deer Region with Melcor Developments Ltd. “The town's engineer will make sure that we are providing adequate facilities and access for emergency services.”
Councillors Mike Yargeau and Cory Kingsfield inquired about Melcor's long-term commitment to managing the manufactured home district, which is expected to provide a more affordable housing option for current and future citizens coming into the community. In addition, Kingsfield asked about green spaces and greenery provided throughout the park.
Mayor Dennis Cooper inquired about the increased density and number of homes in the park, garbage disposal, fencing around the district and connectivity to the Penhold community.
“We've got a very young community and we like connectivity,” said Cooper, noting walking paths and trails in the area.
Melcor representatives confirmed that connectivity is an issue Melcor will consider at a later stage.
“I would like to see some connectivity (to Penhold) and I think connectivity is important,” added Cooper.
Melcor Developments Ltd. has presented a conceptual layout of the manufactured home park district to the Town of Penhold, which is expected to encompass a number of amenities and features including parks, green space, inroads, curves and gutters and a storage area noted Schmidt.
Proposed changes to the manufactured home park include increased density (from 150 to 188 units), a side yard (decreased from 15 to 13 feet) and site coverage (a change from 55 to 60 percent), said Hansen.
“At the beginning of this project when we originally applied back in 2012, the vision for this has always been a family-friendly community. That hasn't changed,” said Hansen.
“The plans have changed slightly and we moved things around a little bit. We think this plan that we've developed is higher in amenities. We've got paved roads, we've got better concrete curbing, we have a park site with trails and we're bordering on the major amenities in the broader community of Oxford Landing,” he added. “We're putting in vinyl fencing, we have asphalt parking pads on all of the units (homes) and we're upgrading a lot of things,” explained Hansen.
“Melcor is going to own and professionally manage this park long term. Melcor has proven we can manage these (parks),” added Hansen. “We have a beautiful park in Calgary and we plan to do the exact same thing here in Oxford Landing.”
Third reading on the project will be held after council receives the amendment to the original outline plan from Melcor Developments. Ltd.
