Construction on an $8-million housing project is expected to start this spring or early summer.
Council approved Clay Cup Developer's subdivision application for a 33-unit apartment style complex off Woodland Road last week.
The multi residential unit will include 16 affordable housing units, as part of a $1.6-million provincial Housing Capital Initiative grant the company received last year to go towards the capital costs of one- and two-bedroom apartments, provided at below market costs.
Original plans announced last year included a 24-unit apartment complex with 16 additional townhouses. The plans have since changed to include a 33-unit apartment complex, with the first two floors designated for one- and two-bedroom apartments and the top floor providing bachelor and studio space.
"We changed the unit types," explained Brittany Wickham, Chief Operating Officer for Clay Cups Developers out of Didsbury.
"Ö We did a market study and bachelor suites and studio suites are in need so we just revised that to provide a different style of accommodation."
The project was expected to start last fall but finding land and getting through the subdivision and re-designation process held them back, said Wickham.
"Now we have that and the drawings are ready to go."
During the public hearing for the subdivision Monday night, Craig Teal, director of planning and development for the town, said one letter of concern was received, and four phone calls were made ó only one of which expressed concern.
Concerns made were over the appearance of the building. Neighbouring residents said the look of a previous multi family building constructed in the Woodlands area advertised as a luxury condo ended up as low-level quality. In a letter to council, Denis Hendrick said he was concerned other new development in the area would turn out the same, and lower the value of his property.
Wickham spoke to council and said as part of the housing grant agreement the company will own the building for 20 years.
"We want to take care of it so Ö when 20 years expires it can be redeveloped or brought up to a higher standard," she said. She presented council and the public with a drawing of the proposed building.
Another concern was over the quality of Woodland Road, something residents explained in a letter was not brought back up to standards since the construction of a different housing unit was completed.
Teal said this is something typically discussed during the development permit stage of an agreement to try and manage dust and debris.
"That's certainly a priority in my mind too," agreed Mayor Jim Romane.
Clay Cup Developers are currently waiting on a development permit for a 33-unit in Sundre as well. It will also have one and two bedroom units funded through the Capital Initiatives Program of the Government of Alberta with a third storey privately funded.
