Public not happy with proposed nine-story development in downtown Cobourg

Nine-story development proposed for Second Street parking lot. Northumberland 89.7 FM File Photo

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.

Residents of the Town of Cobourg are largely giving a thumbs down to a proposed nine-story residential and commercial development in the downtown core.

The Balder Corporation, Fotenn Planning and Design, and Dez Capital are proposing 196-housing units with commercial space and 212 parking spots at 202 Second Street.

At a public meeting Wednesday afternoon, the developers presented their nine story building stating the height would be inline with the middle of the bell-tower at Victoria Hall, essentially across the street.

The building would overlook Lake Ontario and Cobourg Marina, but be hidden behind the historic wall of King Street.

Former Mayors John Henderson and Gil Brocanier were among 23 people asking to speak and many other written submissions.

Both stated this would go against the Official Community Plan, and the goals of the town.

Brochanier highlighted that Cobourg does not have any structures higher than four stories, keeping within the historic height of older buildings in town.

“There is nothing above four-stories in the main central area as directed by the official plan. But, here we are today with a development proposal that is affront to main-central Cobourg in general and to Victoria Hall in particular,” Brocanier said. “The approval of nine and seven-story condos would degrade the significance of Victoria Hall.”

The developers are seeking an amendment to the Official Community Plan, and a bylaw amendment in order to construct. The property in question is being used for municipal parking, but if the project were to proceed, it would feature commercial use on the first floor, with residential units above and parking on the first four floors.

Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland is in favor of development at 202 Second Street, starting the development is long overdue. But he adds he cannot support this project at this stage.

“I do not support this project in this current form. Now, while I do not speak for this Council in those words, I would suggest that certainly that possibly the majority, certainly if not every member of this council does not support it in some way or another,” explained Cleveland.

Cleveland warned the crowd gathered in the public gallery that this meeting was for public comment only and that no decision by Council was going to be made following the meeting.