85-unit build approved for Doran Avenue and Main Street in Grimsby

An upcoming development in Grimsby is undergoing some minor plan changes.

The building planned for 6 Doran Ave. and 21-23 Main St. E. in Grimsby, the old Roxy Theatre site, was approved to have 87 residential units, with commercial space and a restaurant at ground level and 158 parking spaces (two levels underground).

In a report received by council at their May 1 meeting, councillors learned that the developer, DeSantis Homes, would like to get rid of the proposed restaurant and merge four residential spaces.

The agent for the applicant indicates that due to a changing market in the development industry, our client has been exploring ways to maximize the efficiency of the project, and as a result, they would like to propose some minor changes,'" the report reads. There has been some market pressure for larger residential units, and there have been design complications and nuisance concerns with the inclusion of restaurant space ..."

The total number of units in the building after this change will be 85, and as a result of this and the removal of the restaurant, there would be 12 less parking spaces underground.

After reviewing the request, town staff determined the changes are consistent with town policy and zoning regulations."

Council approved the previous site plan in November 2021, and approved these changes unanimously without much discussion.

This particular site has been at the heart of much controversy in the town, when developers in 2018 wanted the build to be eight storeys high.

After discussions made their way to the Ontario Land Tribunal, all parties came to an agreement that the building would be four storeys.