Meadows development permit approved despite public hearing objections

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

 Taber town council reconvened on Nov. 24 to discuss a public hearing two weeks earlier in which at least 20 residents and/or property owners signed a letter of objection to a multi-unit development in their Meadows neighbourhood. Residents were not in favour of a new complex that is not in line with what the district was originally designed for.

 They voiced concerns about the potential for increased traffic on roads without sidewalks, which could be hazardous for children and seniors walking in the area. In addition, a taller adjacent building would diminish the privacy of smaller homes in the community and also detract from the aesthetic of the neighbourhood.

 The Town implemented Direct Control District-4 to permit and regulate a manufactured housing community like the Meadows, but multi-unit complex is not in line with what the district was originally designed for.

 The lot at 2 Meadows Cres. is about one and a half times the size of standard lots in the area and 52 per cent higher than the 4.5 metre allowable maximum height for permitted use dwellings. Seven additional parking stalls would be required for the fourplex.

 Local developer Sid Tams attended the public hearing on Nov. 10, and he defended his project by suggesting that it met Taber’s need for housing. “We’re just completing two duplexes across the street from where this application is. I received not less than 55 applications to rent this weekend as it went out on social media. Fifty-five,” he said.

 Tams said he had already spent $50,000 initiating and applying for the project, but was willing to rescind it due to the unfavourable reaction from area residents. However, when the matter returned to council on Nov. 24, the administration said it had reached out to Tams and offered him an opportunity to rescind his application but he did not submit the withdrawal.

 Coun. Dan Remfert took the lead on the discussion, saying that while slab on grade homes in the Meadows might go for $300,000 plus, the proposed units could go for $215,000.

He said it also fit the Town’s strategic plan of creating multi-family units to overcome the housing crunch.

 “(They) are more affordable,” he said. “I’m not saying it’s affordable housing, but these do seem to be more affordable, so that is a plus.”

 Coun. Sparks said the standardized rules for building in the Meadows seem to change over time, causing confusion. He felt that if bylaws exist, they should be adhered to.

 Coun. Firth credited Remfert and Sparks for their respective viewpoints, but was not willing to endorse a project that raised the ire of so many neighbours.

 Remfert made the motion for council to approve the development permit for the multi-unit dwelling at 2 Meadows Way with 11 conditions attached to it. Mayor Prokop said he would support the motion given that it fit the objective of creating more housing.

 “No, it’s not going to make everybody happy, but it does achieve the housing requirements,” the mayor said.

 After Coun. Sorensen also voiced her support for new development, Firth reversed her position, saying, “Based on the points that some of my fellow councillors have made, I think that I have changed my mind.”

 Sparks reminded councillors that the proper checks and balances needed to be in place in the regulatory process, but stressed that he was not against development. Council voted on Remfert’s motion to approve the permit and carried it on the strength of a 4-2 vote.