Chatham-Kent councillors gave the go-ahead to zoning amendments for a proposed Grand Avenue East apartment building on Monday night.

A numbered company, 2743576 Ontario Inc., made the application for 320 Grand Ave. E. to increase the building height from 33 to 46 metres, which would contain 182 units in a 13-storey structure.

The subject property is located on the south side of the road, between Van Allen Avenue and Kingsway Drive.

“The development is an efficient use of vacant lands that have access to full municipal services, and access to nearby transit facilities and other public services,” stated a staff report.

“Of note, the site is approximately 1 kilometre from a public high school, 1.5 km from a Catholic high school, 1.2 km from downtown Chatham, and 0.5 km from a conservation area. These are sites offering public services to support a growing population, all within walking distance.”

In September 2020, council had approved the development of the apartment building, initially with 10 storeys and 138 units. The report stated the proposed building is adequately set back from residential uses to mitigate the increase in height.

A minimum of 219 parking spaces would be provided. It is proposed that 176 spaces will be provided on the subject lands, with an additional 43 parking spaces to be provided at a proposed new parking lot at 277 Grand Ave. E.

The report added that demand for apartment-type housing has “increased steadily” over the past five years.

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