BOWDEN - Developers are proposing to create a housing development consisting of tiny homes ranging from 384 square feet to 480 square feet next to the Bowden Hotel.
Town councillors would like to see more housing developed in the community but they don't think that's the right place.
So they've authorized administrative staff to contact the developers, suggesting they meet with council to look at other places where the development could go.
During their Oct. 22 meeting, councillors listed some concerns with the idea.
It's in an area currently zoned for central commercial development which may be needed for parking if a developer goes ahead with tentative plans to buy and renovate the hotel.
Besides, it's alongside the rather busy Highway 2A and railway. Also, under the proposal, entrance to the homes would be off the alley, which councillors noted is not in the best of shape.
Coun. Wayne Milaney noted his brother has a couple of lots near the Lions Hall where the development could go. He also said there are four other lots in that area that are available as well.
In a memo, Red Deer County planning officer Connie Sloan listed some things for council to consider in regard to the proposal.
For example, she noted the proposed development requires access off 20th Street and from the alley which is "contrary to planning and development standards for residential districts."
"Dwelling units fronting back lanes are not considered standard planning practices and (the idea) poses several issues, such as addressing of the dwellings and access issues," she wrote.
"The location and property configurations are more conducive to high density residential development such as apartment buildings which would provide adequate rear yard parking stalls," Sloan added.
Sloan also questioned whether the alley could be made into a street.
She added that "municipal servicing, including upgrades to lift stations, access with respect to protective services and the availability of on-site parking are issues that would need to be addressed."
In addition, Sloan noted the area would have to be rezoned to accommodate the development.
Noting some of the proposed homes encompass only 384 square feet, Milaney wondered if they're actually mobile homes. However, interim chief administrative officer Jacqui Molyneux assured him that they are in fact tiny homes, not trailers.
Coun. Carol Pion said she knows several people who live near the proposed development and noise from Highway 2A is "a real problem for them."
Mayor Robb Stuart said the concerns listed by Sloan in her memo are "very valid."
"We'd have to revamp a whole bunch of our standards," he said.
He also liked Sloan's suggestion that the area would be better suited for an apartment building.
"It would be nice if we could get an apartment down there," he said.
"But we're also not getting proposed for an apartment," Coun. Randy Brown said.
"It would be terrible to turn down a business," he added.
Several councillors agreed with that. But they also noted lots in the area have been empty for years.
"I would say that we should accept it for information," Mayor Robb Stuart said. "Reply to them and say we're willing to work on other concepts with them. We appreciate them coming to Bowden."
Milaney agreed with that idea.
"Show us your wares," he said.
However, he also hinted council should proceed carefully.
"We've been bitten before; let's not get bitten again," Milaney said.
Pion indicated the matter has to be approached carefully.
"We don't want to lose them," she said.
