School restoration needed to remove asbestos, mould
A few written comments and one oral presentation was submitted as part of a public meeting Wednesday regarding the proposed redevelopment of the old school annex at 35 Caroline St. W.
The proposal by Fennelwood Corp is to convert the existing school building into 11 condominium units and build four single-detached residential lots on the 1.8 acre property. The condo units will range in size from about 700-2,800 square feet, and will have one to three bedrooms.
The purpose of the public meeting was to hear comments on the proposed re-zoning from an institutional zone to allow for low- and high-density residential, including exceptions relating to setbacks.
Nine written comments for and against, included concerns about increased density and traffic impacting the peace and enjoyment of their neighbourhood.
There is concern that the high density development would result in lower property values in the surrounding neighbourhood, and that flood control oversight is needed, especially in consideration of global warming and increasing weather events.
The front yard of the building will become landscaped open space and parking would be around the back, with two parking spaces for each unit. Driveway access would be on the east side of the building.
Community feedback included concerns about the proposed covered parking area being very close to the homes to the south, possibly causing noise and disruption from headlights, and that a lack of visitor parking could result in congestion on the road.
Comments were also received in favour of the project including an appearance from neighbour Rob Walkowiak, who said he welcomes the addition to the neighbourhood.
“There is a need for major restoration to the interior of the school to remove the asbestos and mould,” said planner Celeste Phillips, on behalf of Fennelwod Corp.
“I do want to make the point… because I know this is a hot button issue that there will not be short- term rentals of these condominium units this would be specifically included in the offers of purchase and sale of the 11 condominium units,” said Phillips. “I’m sure you’ve heard some of the horror stories of party houses in short-term rentals, especially in the Collingwood area.”
The majority of the front wall of the existing two- storey building will be preserved. The bell tower will also remain as part of the neighbourhood’s character (although the bell has been moved to NCPS.)
Fennelwood Corp principal James Massie participated in the meeting.
He said the details about how the building will be converted into condos will be sussed out through an architectural process but spoke to plans for the bell tower.
“We love the look of that copper roof and it definitely would be retained the way it is,” said Massie, adding maybe even a replicated bell could be added to the tower.
The property is within the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority regulated lands.
Dan Hurley, with Tatham Engineering, said the school is high enough to be flood protected and the single detached houses will have to be properly engineered to mitigate drainage issues. The details would be sorted out through the final design process.
