Chad Strickland of Newland Developments is proposing the construction of an eight-unit executive style condo building on lots number one and three on Smallwood Drive.
Another developer, Guy Munden, wants to build six two-storey two-bedroom units, with an additional six bachelor apartments in the lower level. His proposed units would be in one large building at 14 LeGrow Street.
Councillors were generally pleased with both proposals. Both locations are zoned discretionary use, so the town had to give notice of the planned developments and give residents a chance to submit comments to the council positive or negative.
No motions were made but Mayor Brian Button said the proposals both looked “positive.”
Chad Strickland has been building homes in the Codroy Valley. He said his eight-unit condo with 1,000-square-foot units would be perfect for young couples or empty nesters looking to downsize and retire.
Strickland’s development, which he hopes to begin in March or April if approval is given by council, would be like any other condominium. Homebuyers would own their units and pay monthly condo fees. The condo corporation would take care of maintenance, snow clearing, grass-cutting and exterior upkeep.
“If this goes ahead it would be a year’s work for 10 guys,” said Strickland. “It creates work in town and brings people back to town.”
Strickland said he knows housing is an issue in town, especially for seniors looking to downsize from large family homes and he hopes this will help with that demand.
Likewise, developer Guy Munden is aware of the aging population on the southwest coast. He said he at first considered building some sort of retirement home on the land he owns on LeGrow Street, but he is now exploring rental units instead.
Munden’s proposal actually has three phases. The 12 units mentioned above are part of phase one. He hopes to construct 15 units in total.
The design for phase one is inspired by the colorful row houses of downtown St. John’s.
Phase three would be a personal home, with a design inspired by a dory pulled ashore and turned over.
Writing form Alberta, where he is currently working in construction, Munden said he hopes to build something less conventional yet tasteful and inspired by the culturally and historically significant aspects of the classic Newfoundland experience.
“Each building has its own style but, together combine to help establish the character of the site as a whole,” he wrote. “If approved, this project will be more than the sum of the floors, walls and roofs and it will hopefully reflect the respect of my heritage and my appreciation of the ocean.”
Discretionary notices appeared in the Jan. 28 edition of The Gulf News.
