More townhouses, apartment buildings proposed in rezoning plan

Plans to rezone and develop more than 60 hectares of land in Charlottetown's East Royalty neighbourhood are moving forward.

An open house was held Tuesday night so residents could ask planners questions and learn more about the City's East Royalty Master Plan.

"As demographics change, you need options," said Coun. Greg Rivard, chair of Charlottetown's planning board.

"It's a real variety of housing types [in the future]," he said of the rezoning plan.

Rivard said new development in East Royalty will include detached homes, as well as more townhouses, apartment buildings, and seniors housing. He said accommodating older Islanders who want to downsize is a top priority.

"They can stay close to friends and family," he said.

"Some people want something a little less cumbersome, a little less big. They don't want to have to maintain bigger lots. So I think from a city perspective we have to make sure that those options are available for the residents."

Concerns over density, traffic

East Royalty residents have voiced concerns at past public meetings over higher-density properties being built in their area. Some said townhouses and apartment buildings would jeopardize the character of the neighbourhood, while creating traffic congestion along St. Peters Rd.

Rivard said the city has commissioned studies to identify traffic issues facing East Royalty and to see if roads can handle an increase in population.

"According to the traffic studies we've seen, it doesn't seem to be a problem," he said.

Residents will get a chance to officially ask questions and voice any concerns at a public meeting to be held in the near future.

Council will then vote on the proposed zoning changes.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |CMT ordered to pay $74K in e-gaming lawsuit costs
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Charlottetown Walmart eliminates fitting rooms