Some residents in the East End of Cochrane have contacted the Eagle expressing concerns over the proposed build of a 51-unit two-story building at 308 and 312 First Street East.
“It seem impossible to get any straightforward information about this,” said Andy Marshall, member of the Cochrane Settlement Community Association (East End Community Association) and East End resident for 30 years, who said he has tried to contact administration multiple times and has yet to hear back from them.
The parcel of land, zoned R-2X or ‘Residential Medium Density Multi-Unit Dwelling District’ was purchased last fall; this zoning designation specific to the East End to permit multi-family dwellings to a maximum occupancy of 50 units per hectare; this parcel of land would translate to a maximum of 15 units under the current R-2X zoning.
Town administration accepted an application for an amendment request to the Land-Use Bylaw Aug. 3 from HLG Investments Ltd. — seeking to increase the maximum density to allow for the build of a proposed housing development.
The town was unable to confirm that the development would be affordable housing.
Stephen Utz, senior planner with the town, said that the application is currently being circulated internally and that:
“Planning staff are evaluating all feedback received and we will draft the next steps in the next few weeks. If the application goes to council, it will be included in the upcoming council agenda package. A public hearing will be required for any Land-Use Bylaw
Terry Robertson is a condo owner and resident on Ross Ave. — with a front window that would directly face the building, should the project be given a green light in due course.
Robertson said she has been advised that the units would be 500 square feet with underground parking (1.2 stalls per unit).
“This is a big project in a small residential area,” she said. “We’re very concerned about parking overflow on the streets and privacy.”
Robertson said she and her husband, who purchased their condo a little over a year ago and moved to Cochrane from Calgary have experienced anything but peace and tranquility since moving in — as a summer season of extensive road work in the East End is still ongoing and now a proposed two-storey building in their front yard appears to be on the horizon.
“It’s not that we’re opposed to affordable housing (if this project is affordable housing, which the design suggests), but find a place more suitable.”
Marshall said the community association used to have a role as a conduit, but the town ceased informing the association of projects that would impact the community several years ago.
“I hope for transparency and openness and that the town will talk to the community association,” he said.
