Hamilton councillors approve townhouse development on Rymal Road

Hamilton Mountain Coun. Tom Jackson didn't like the mid-rise residential units, nor the stacked townhouses that Royal Living Development Group had planned for a 0.88-hectare piece of property on Rymal Road beside a shopping plaza near Upper Sherman Avenue.

But after nearly four years of studies, discussion and eventual changes by the developer, Jackson approved, along with his council colleagues, 41 two-storey street townhouses at 705 and 713 Rymal Rd. E.

I'm extremely excited and pleased with the compatibility and suitability (of the project)," said Jackson.

Glenn Wellings of Wellings Planning Consultants, speaking on behalf of owner Royal Living Development's Alex Arbab, confirmed there were a number of different conceptions" proposed for the property since 2018.

It was challenging. But I think we are at a good spot," Wellings said. It provides a good level of intensification within the area (while) respecting the single-detached residences."

The development arrives at a time when Rymal Road will be expanded from Dartnall Road to Upper James Street to five lanes within two to four years, said Jackson. The city recently began an environmental assessment to design solutions to address transportation issues along the roadway. He said the developer agreed to have access and exits only onto Rymal Road.

The property is located beside a No Frills plaza immediately west of Upper Sherman Avenue. It will consist of 41 two-storey townhouses up to 10.5 metres in height. There will be 52 parking spaces. A total of 87 of the 88 private trees on the property have been removed.

Several nearby property owners expressed concerns about the proposed townhouse development.

Nick and Anda Culic stated in a letter to councillors while they support intensification they would prefer" to see single-detached homes.

"Orderly development of more detached homes would better serve the community and be more in keeping with the existing neighbourhood," they stated.

In addition, the owners of the No Frills store were concerned in a letter sent to council about noise issues coming from the store, stated Rob MacFarlane, senior planner for Zelinka Priamo Ltd.

Wellings said he will be happy" to work with the grocery store to mitigate any potential issue between the plaza and the development.

Wellings said the project still has several additional obstacles to overcome, including moving through the site plan committee discussion and submitting a subdivision plan before construction.