The City of Hamilton has recently approved a new and revised development application for 12 Ambrose Avenue (former St. Anthony School property).  As you might recall, Losani Homes applied for a 49 unit development in December, 2008.  The application was heavily weighted towards townhomes and maisonette units.  My office and the surrounding community raised a number of objections including the high density, decreased setbacks, the large retaining wall backing onto Veevers Drive, the floodplain matter and many other issues related to the over intensification of the site.

The application was subsequently denied by Hamilton City Council, and the developer appealed the development to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).  In August of 2010, the Board rendered a decision in favour of the residents, and the City. 

A new application was submitted in May of this year, and addressed many if not all of the issues we raised at the OMB.  I recently met with the external planner and area working group where we discussed the merits of the new application.  We suggested a number of changes, including an amendment to change the four semi detached units backing on to Veevers Drive.  Our recommendation was to change these units to single family homes. 

Please be advised that the changes we recommended were approved by Hamilton City Council.  The new development has 29 units (compared to the original 49), and will include 6 single detached homes, 16 semi detached homes and 7 townhomes.

Thank you to all of the residents who took the time to sign the original petition, attend the OMB hearings, as well as the Planning meetings for committee and Council.  A 'special' thank you to the resident working group who attended several evening meetings in preparation of the successful OMB case as well as for their input for the new revised application.