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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2017-02-01, Page 22 Huron Expositor • Wednesday. February 1, 2017 Seaforth's downtown in the midst of construction, Huron East looking for ideas from locals Shaun Gregory Huron Expositor In the next few years, most of'downtown Seaforth will be reconstructed after a major infrastructure facelift. In an email sera by Jan Hawley, economic develop- ment officer for Huron East January 24, she stated that there are many "wonderful" examples of heritage -pro- tected architecture in the area. "The Town of Seaforth is unique in the fact that it has one of the oldest heritage conservation districts in Ontario (business core)," stated Hawley in the email document. Through this extensive construction project, which Hawley deems to be more attractive for people on foot, Seaforth can look forward to the expansion of the "unique physical features of the downtown." "(It) will make this area a more pedestrian friendly and appealing environ- ment," Hawley stated while also mentioning this covers roads and the servicing of infrastructure, among other undertakings. In preparation for this new vision, Huron East has part- nered with four students from the University of Guelph (Master's program) JL Retirement Living closer to digging dirt Shaun Gregory Huron Expositor After an open house teaser by JL Retirement Living, it's crystal-clear a shovel in the ground is what they are long- ing to accomplish, and the time is winding down. Upon being unanimously supported, with conditions by Huron East council Dec. 6, the municipality for- warded the application to Huron County. On Jan. 11 the County, at the Commit- tee of the Whole meeting, first considered it after the application had been for- warded to the County coun- cil the month prior - the smell of fresh dug soil seemed close as can be. The $21 million project in Seaforth is expected to con- sist of 40 vacant land condo- miniums, just north of the ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! DEADLINES l 0L r `UeeklyIDeaidlinels ar e 'ADVERTISING &EDITOR AL 'OFFICE HOURS: Mon. 'Thurs.t9am - 5pxn • Fri. 8am a 4pm Aedir.00.Ord Kt it r j CLOSED TUESDAYS itGrm Expositor •._ 8 Main St., Seaforth PH: 519-527-0240 www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com ea orthhuronex'ositor.co for the project named, "Re - Imaging Vintage Main Street Seaforth." Hawley said this echoes the same vision as the strate- gic plan that has been put forth by the Seaforth BIA, which highlights similar views on enhancing infra- structure and improving the streetscape in the downtown core. At the end of the project, the students will be marked proposed three-storey, 80 unit retirement home. The condominium plan includes 40 residential town- houses - 10 buildings each containing four units. Claire Dodds, Huron County Senior Planner, said Council reviewed this pro- cess rather fast because of the qualified team behind the JL Retirement Living organization. "This approval process was able to move quickly because the developer, JL Retirement Inc., undertook thorough pre - consultation with County and municipal staff. They also engaged a team of profession- als to create a complete and receive educational credits; included is a presen- tation to council with the information they've obtained. The scholars are asking the community for any con- tribution they may have regarding construction ideas for Seaforth's main strip. "We are probably going to have the whole downtown dug up, due to road construc- tion," Hawley said by phone. application, " she said, adding that this includes a developer, condominium lawyer, engi- neer, planner, architect, land- scape architect, surveyor and general contractor. Huron County Council is the approval authority for plans of condominiums. Recently an archaeofogical assessment, stormwater management plan, and water/sewer servicing analy- sis were submitted to sup- port JL's application. Duron County Council will consider a final decision on the plan of the condo- minium application at their Feb. 8 meeting. Patiently waiting for the "I thought about getting together to offer some com- ments on possible improvements." The public is invited to the Seaforth Town Hall, Febru- ary 10 at 11:30 a.m.; included is a scenic tour around town, a method to acquaint the students with their sur- roundings. As well, the day entails a lunch and Hawley expects it to wind-up no later than 2:30 p.m. verdict from County Council, President and CEO of JL Retirement Living Jessica Lunshof, said although she is anxious, however they want this process done properly. "Our aim is to build it right, not build it and then say, «what did we do wrong,» she said through emails Jan- uary 26. "On a project of this size there are always a vast num- ber of issues to deal with and in dealing with these varied and challenging steps, we have to acknowledge the wonderful co-operation which we have received from both Huron East and Huron County." Contributed photo This is what the JL Retirement Living complex is expected to look like when it's finished.