It appears Dryden Council is ready to approve a 48-unit apartment complex at 276 Duke Street.
It’s not official until a vote August 23, but it looks like the developer has the votes needed to proceed.
Fusion Capital in Winnipeg is looking for an amendment to the City’s Zoning By-law to build the four separate buildings that will contain market level residential apartments.
Junior Planner Benito Russo says the submitted plan meets City requirements
However, there are still concerns among neighbours in the area as well as some on council.
They include safety hazards near the railway track, noise from the tracks, theft and trespassing, snow dump trucks speeding in the area, emergency services not able to access the street due to increased traffic and the need for a play structure.
Russo addressed some of those concerns Monday night.
“Public Works has investigated the CP Rail line and found that the original fencing has been tampered with allowing for public access to the CP Rail line. The fencing has and will continue to be repaired when either inspections or the public identifies areas of concern.”
Staff have also pledged to continue working with CP on a long-term plan.
When it comes to noise, Russo says, “They (Fusion Capital) have stated their intention to utilize building materials that will help to dampen the sound from the railway tracks. Their Noise and Vibration study has also indicated that they do not expect an overabundance of noise to impact the residents of those apartment buildings.”
Russo adds, “To deter theft and trespassing, the applicant has proposed to provide directional lighting on the property as well as security cameras. Additionally, the applicant has stated their intention to construct fencing along the southwest and east property lines.”
He notes the Dryden Police Service has also been contacted to increase patrols in the area.
Russo says the applicant has also submitted a Transportation Study.
“Brief states that while traffic has increased due to the development, the volume of traffic is expected to remain within acceptable levels. Further to this, the brief states that existing infrastructure is sufficient to accommodate any projected increase in traffic flows resulting from the proposed development.”
Fusion Capital is also exploring the possibility of adding playground equipment on the property.
