Transformative Downtown Development Given Green Light.
On September 15th, 2020, at a Special Council Meeting, Grimsby Town Council unanimously provided a green light to a transformative development that will enhance the town’s downtown.
The decision of Council comes following significant due diligence and a comprehensive concept review which was subject to a meaningful negotiation process, thereby protecting the public interest and addressing the concerns of the local community.
The special meeting was called in order to provide Council the opportunity to pose specific questions of the project proponent, Mr. Gabe DeSantis of Homes by DeSantis and to reiterate long standing concerns regarding parking and density at the Main Street East. Following the constructive public discussion and negotiations, Council voted unanimously to approve the Master Settlement Agreement paving the way for what will be a landmark, signature project significantly adding to the vibrancy of the downtown neighbourhood.
The approval of the Master Settlement Agreement allows several next steps to occur. Firstly, it allows the Town and Homes by DeSantis to proceed in partnership to the courts to resolve outstanding laneway ownership and easement matters. Council’s approval also provided the required Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendments to allow the project to proceed to the Site Plan stage of development where specific design considerations will be finalized.
The signature development will contain:
- a maximum of 87 residential condominium units
- 131 total condominium parking spaces which includes 22 visitor spaces
- 10 dedicated parking spaces for the commercial/retail component of the project
- 17 dedicated parking spaces for the restaurant component
- a minimum of 1,000 square feet of seated dining area in the restaurant
Further, should market demand or other factors reduce the total residential unit count of the building, additional parking spaces may be dedicated to the restaurant allowing the commercial floor area to be expanded in accordance with the current zoning by-law requirements.
The project represents a mixed use, walkable development that provides more options for housing and brings people to our downtown.
Now that these key points have been addressed, Homes by DeSantis will begin a collaborative site plan process with the Town. Specifically, the building design and façade, public art component, heritage compatibility and laneway improvements to truly make this a landmark development.
Mr. DeSantis had this to say about the decision; “I’m very pleased that Council has come to a unanimous decision. Their ability to champion the concerns of the citizens is what resulted in the agreement before us. Working with the Town we hope to create something everyone can be proud of, a true Made in Grimsby solution and a landmark building. We are excited to kick-start the revitalization of the downtown and look forward to the next steps in the process.”
“I am really proud of this Council” said Mayor Jeff Jordan. “They made the extra efforts in the due diligence process to ensure this project will set a strong, positive precedent for future development, the prosperity and preservation of our downtown.”
For more information on this project please contact:
Jeff Jordan
Mayor
Town of Grimsby
jjordan@grimsby.ca
Harry Schlange
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Grimsby
hschlange@grimsby.ca
Serina Carbone
Director of Sales and Marketing
Homes by DeSantis
scarbone@desantishomes.com
