Hundreds of housing units could be coming to the Woodlawn Mall area in Dartmouth, N.S. On behalf of the developer, Woodlawn Future Ltd., Fathom Studio has applied for four towers with 633 units, ranging from studio to three-bedroom. The two addresses listed for development are the Staples and Scooters Tire Barn. If the proposal goes ahead, the towers would be 18-to-20-storeys, with commercial space on the ground floor. “This is a great place to put 600 units that could house up to 1,200 people,” Mayor Andy Fillmore told reporters on Tuesday. Tony Mancini, the councillor for the area, seems to agree. “If you’re looking at density – anywhere to put density – this would be the place to consider it,” Mancini said. “The Woodlawn Mall has been there for a long time, and so you’re right next to transit, you’re next to all the amenities that are required for a site possibly of this size.” Council gave first reading to begin the planning for the area on Tuesday, but the development is not approved at this stage. The mall land was previously identified by the provincial government. “[Portland Street] is extremely busy, and I know that’ll be a fear of a lot of the residents. How do we manage that?” Mancini said. “The work has to look at not only what could fit in there, but the infrastructure to support it; transit and water, in particular. Emergency services is another one every time we look at one of these big sites.” “This kind of densification of a suburban node around which, for the most part, infrastructure already exists, or soon will exist, is a really important way to grow,” Fillmore said. Fillmore said it’s next to two future bus rapid transit routes, but agrees water and wastewater need to be explored more. Hundreds of underground parking spaces would be added, with a focus on being “pedestrian-oriented” and a “mixed-use” development. Speaking to reporters, Mancini said it could be a 10-year project if it gets the green light. “We’re a different city now, and the thing that I’m most proud of is, you look at the diversity that exists in our city because of this growth, and that’s something we all should be proud of,” he said. “So, it is a change. Some folks don’t like the change. We just have to do good development.” Mancini expects public consultation to start early in the new year. “Let’s do the homework, let’s do the engagement,” he said, “and then, we can have that more full conversation should it land there or not.” Staff report In a report to councillors, staff said there are several points that need to be further reviewed if this process moves forward, similar to questions raised by the mayor and area councillor. “Staff have completed an initial review of the applicant’s submission and advise that there is merit to the proposal,” the report reads. “The following items have been identified for more detailed review, should the process be initiated.” Those items include transportation; water, wastewater and stormwater; and funding for technical studies. The Woodlawn Mall land was identified by the provincial government last year as a Suburban Growth Area Opportunity Site, and as municipal staff say, “an opportunity for new housing development that is needed to support the significant demand for housing of all types across the municipality.” “Initiating the comprehensive planning process will support new housing while considering the site within the larger regional context,” staff wrote. “Therefore, staff recommend that Council initiate a process to consider amendments as described within this report.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
