Here’s what might fill an empty lot along Springfield

A unique mixture of buildings is being proposed to fill a vacant lot running along Springfield and Benvoulin Road.

Ironclad Developments is looking to put up six buildings at 2241 Springfield Road. Three will be six-storeys tall, one will have five floors on the south side and six on the north. Another will have four floors, and there will also be a single-storey commercial building.

Documents submitted to city hall show 401 rental units will make up the development. The buildings include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Surface, covered, and underground parking is proposed.

The report cites surrounding shops, services, school, and transit access as support for the large complex.

City staff recommended lawmakers support the rezoning application, which would see it flip from urban commercial to urban commercial with a rental only subzone. This zoning allows the applicant to take advantage of a 20 per cent parking reduction on site.

While the land use was supported by lawmakers, some urged staff to continue to work with the developer on adding more green space, adhering to the Official Community Plan guidelines.

“The parking reduction definitely warrants community benefit, including more green space and not a sea of parking,” Coun. Loyal Wooldridge said. “I hope we will see something a bit more extensive come back.”

The form and character development permit will come to council at a later date.