Delhi development proposal could include mix of residential, commercial and industrial zones

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

The Angrish Group is seeking a mix of land uses for the latest phase of a Delhi development, on behalf of the property owners.

Norfolk County councillors learned of the plan to split Phase 4 of the Blue Grass Estates subdivision into four parts: one parcel for commercial, one for residential and two for industrial. The 20-acre plot of land is located at the end of Argyle Avenue in the southeast corner of Delhi.

For the residential portion, county planner Fabian Serra said single-detached homes and semi-detached homes would be permitted under the new zoning.

However, it was the neighbourhood commercial and light industrial zones that had neighbours most worried, he said. The light industrial zone could permit businesses like auto service stations, graphics and design shops, vehicle sales and rental establishments. The commercial zone could see banks, doctor’s offices, convenience stores, restaurants and the like.

“They’re basically in favour of the residential land uses that are proposed and not in favour of the commercial and industrial land uses proposed,” Serra said.

Consultant Ruchika Angrish said the layout includes buffers and transitions to minimize impact on existing neighbourhoods.

“The design has been carefully considered,” she told councillors, adding they’ll work with staff to determine site specific light industrial uses “to remove any of the offensive uses.”

Responding to a question from Coun. Chris Van Paassen about the planned construction of Maria Lane to connect Argyle to Fertilizer Road, developers said the construction of Maria Lane is one of the first things they’ll do.

“Nothing else can proceed until the roads are in,” said owner Joe Jeles.

Serra did note that school boards said local schools are operating near or above capacity, and students may have to be bused outside the Delhi area.

No decisions were made. A staff recommendation report will come back to councillors at a future meeting.