St. John’s city council approved two residential developments at Monday evening’s council meeting.
The first will see the former Rabbittown Theatre converted into a two-unit dwelling. The second will see two six-unit buildings erected at 9 Great Southern Dr. in Southlands.
Both applications were unanimously approved.
Rabbittown area residents did not voice concerns about the old theatre getting a new role in the neighbourhood.
Council received only three letters about the proposed development – two letters in support of rezoning the property from an institutional to residential zone, and one letter to say the building could actually house more than two units.
Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary said the vacant property was becoming problematic, so she is “pleased” to see it converted to something useful.
Meanwhile, across town, residents of Southlands are concerned about a loss of green space.
At last week’s council meeting, Coun. Maggie Burton requested more time to make a decision in the 9 Great Southern Dr. development due to residents’ concerns – at least four letters were sent to council on the matter.
However, the area was never zoned for green space – it has always been zoned residential.
Coun. Wally Collins requested the developer at least be required to leave a “privacy fence” for the neighbours – a green space buffer zone.
Jason Sinyard, deputy city manager for planning, said it would be “unusual” to put that kind of request to the developer, but Mayor Danny Breen suggested it’s been done in the past.
Burton said a multi-unit dwelling should be a welcome addition to any area, as it aligns with the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan and allows for affordable housing.
All councillors present voted in favour of the plan by the developer, Fairview Investment Ltd.
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