The Town of Bridgewater is looking at amending the Municipal Planning Strategy to accommodate new developments in the downtown core.
Halifax-based development company Black Seal Properties, which has bought three properties on King Street, is looking to build up to four storeys but planning only allows three, except on corners.
Mayor David Mitchell says that’s something that needs consideration as it will affect all C1 zone properties in the downtown area.
“We’ve had developers who have come throughout the past couple of years saying ‘can I go four storeys here or can I go five storeys on a corner, what can I do?'” says Mitchell. ” We have to start adapting and questioning do we need to make changes or are we actually turning away business?”
Black Seal is also looking to build a parking unit as a part of one of their new developments and they are seeking accommodation for that.
Mitchell says this isn’t the first time a developer has asked for allowances and it may be time to revisit the strategy, which was last updated in 2012.
“We have to do our due diligence of course in our interactions with the public but this is the first step in that.”
Town council voted unanimously Monday night to hold a public hearing on the matter June 25 at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall.
