Subject lands for the proposed Fawcettville expansion. (Photo Supplied)
At a well attended Public Information meeting earlier this month, residents were mostly positive about an application from Hilden Homes to build 85 new residences, a mix of detached houses and townhomes, behind the existing 45 homes in Fawcettville. The new neighbourhood would connect Fawcettville to the Millennium Trail.
Hilden proposes extending Fawcett Avenue into a circular road connecting the new homes to the existing neighbourhood and County Road 49.
The big hope is for sidewalks, and maybe even a new corner store. The existing convenience store and gas station at the corner of Fawcett Avenue and Road 49 have shut down.
“There are no sidewalks here, no infrastructure, no shops. We all have to drive into the west side of Picton to shop,” said one resident. “There is zero infrastructure in place to support the people who already live in this community.”
Fawcettville resident
County planner Michael Michaud agreed some closer shops would be welcome, and noted that an influx of new residents might bring them on.
Residents noted that newcomers would want to be able to walk to Fawcettville’s Rotary Park, which has a playground. Sidewalks to connect the old and new neighbourhoods would be the safest and most convenient upgrade to the existing neighbourhood and create a sense of continuity.
“That is something to look at at a later date,” said County planner Matt Coffey, while Mr. Michaud noted that adding sidewalks along at least one side of the road could be made a priority in conversations with the developer.
At the moment, the 5.5 hectare development site is covered in trees. The formerly agricultural lands, purchased by Hilden Homes in 2017, have been in a natural state since the early 1960s.
An Environmental Assessment found 16 mature butternut trees in the woodlot that are subject to environmental protections. The developer would have to pay a fine for cutting them down. “The majority of the trees will be removed,” a rep from Fotenn Consultants confirmed. Some residents were concerned. “That’s the treeline I bought my house for,” said one. Others noted the forest was not maintained and not in great shape.
The 2017 Master Servicing report confirmed Picton has the water supply and infrastructure sufficient to accommodate the full build out of the Picton East development area.
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