By Wendy Elliott
A utility and review board hearing set for Thursday has been put off as the Halifax area developer explores redesigning his Wolfville apartment project.
Noel Tiani’s proposal for 38 new apartment units on Gaspereau Avenue was turned down by town council in September.
According to Wolfville planning director Gregg Morrison, the developer met last week with town staff and is meeting Jan. 12 with Fowler Street residents.
“This is an opportunity to sit down and look at the concerns, to try and advance understanding,” he said.
Not holding an appeal hearing, Morrison added, would save money given legal costs.
“They may be able to find a way around through negotiation.”
If not, the hearing will go ahead at some future date.
Tiani wants to put a four-storey apartment next to his 41-unit building at 146 Gaspereau Ave. The design was the first significant test of the latest Wolfville municipal planning strategy, which was approved three years ago.
The property is zoned R-2/HD – high density residential. Only two dwelling units per lot are permitted as-of-right in this zone.
Residents of Fowler Street, located south of the subject property, have repeatedly aired their opposition.
Tiani has been waiting for provincial government funding on his application for affordable housing units in Wolfville.
In 2006 a new 20-unit apartment with affordable housing was added to Wolfville Court Holdings on Skyway Drive.
The 30-year-old housing development features five units specifically for single parents who are students.
Construction of the addition was supported by both the federal and provincial governments. Ten of the units are reserved for families and will be barrier-free.
