A new commercial development at the eastern edge of Owen Sound is one step closer to reality.
City council approved last night an application to rezone a 16th Avenue East property from rural to commercial.
It’s located east of Home Depot, on the south side of Highway 26.
It’s the latest step in a process that began more than a year ago when Sydenham Holdings — which owns the property — applied for the change in zoning.
It intends to create a large commercial development with several buildings, totalling 158 thousand square feet.
The zoning application came before council last month, at which time councillors voted to put off a decision.
Members wanted more information about the size of retail stores, hazard lands, parking and endangered species — specifically a butternut tree the developer wants to cut down.
Despite the new staff report which addressed the concerns — debate began to focus on how this development may conflict with another development across the highway at the former Louis’ Steakhouse.
City County Councillor Arlene Wright finally called attention back to the matter at hand — urging approval of the staff report which recommended the Sydenham rezoning go ahead.
Her motion was passed unanimously.
Sydenham Holdings will now prepare a site plan for the development.
Spokesperson Allen Windrem promised no work on the site will take place in the meantime — including the cutting down of any trees, without approval from the City.