New homes for Rosebud

Sharon McLeay

Times Contributor 

 

Rosebud River Ridge development was up for approval at the April 9 Wheatland County Council meeting.

“We have designed the project to protect the River valley and hills and respect the wants and needs of the residents in the area,” said Patrice Maloney, spokesperson for the project.

Maloney indicated there was a need for housing in Rosebud and stated that the owner had been approached by over thirty people, about the housing project. She said there was a waiting list for  the new homes.

Prognostications predict a potential population of approximately 290 people in Rosebud by 2051. The Rocky Ridge site is located on the northwest side town, sloping down to the river. The building sites designations include a less than 15 per cent slope limit and housing cannot exceed eight units per acre. The suggested plan includes 17 residential lots with no back lane access, with five of the lots suitable for duplex or triplex dwellings. The design is to be Western, Colonial or Craftsman to blend into the community atmosphere, with the suggestion that verandas and porches would be a nice touch. Balconies, gables and over rooms would be accepted for second stories. Neutral colors or white with bright trim and rock, wood or river rock accents. Siding used should be wood grained. There are front garages allowed, but a commercial lot will be made available for recreational vehicle storage. Secondary suites and home offices were allowed by the Area Structure Plan. 

The services will be linked to the existing Rosebud services and the developer is incorporating water conservation components into the fixtures and design. Maloney indicated that the company’s engineers were working closely with the County to deal with a switch repair for the dousing field servicing the site. A swap of two lots with the County of Wheatland will provide an area designated for Municipal Reserve. The owner had designated lots seven through 10 be kept for Environmental Conservation; however, concerns over liability issues had the owner reconsider that the lots be designated as municipal reserve. Maloney indicated that residents requested that open spaces be preserved and walking trails and access to the river be provided. A storm water collection pond will also be developed for the area, which will divert runoff under the old railway and empty into the river.

The development company was required to provide various studies to address the environmental, residential, community, traffic flow and growth factors. The developers also provided a slope analysis, soil and groundwater testing. County staff said that the reports indicated that concerns over hillside building had been met and no special foundation materials were needed. The traffic report indicated that First Avenue in Rosebud would require upgrades and an access from Third Avenue would be needed. Additional off street parking will be added for houses that will lose their parking for the area access. The cul de sac, included in the plan, was contrary to the Area Service Plan guidelines, however due to the building site; there were no other alternatives, so an exception in this instance was made. The historical assessment found no significant archeological impendent and no environmental contamination concerns. Council discussed screening for the storage facility lot and dirt removal plans, which were satisfactorily addressed by Maloney and the Contractor for the project.

Council voted in favour of the concept plan and directed staff to proceed with plans for the land swap, after which the plan will go to public hearing. 

A second development, Abraham Heights, which was suggested to sit next to the Rocky Ridge development, passed first reading and will move to public hearing.

The suggested Abraham Heights plan covers two quarters with 26 lots and three Phases, the first Phase having 8 lots adjacent to four that were already in place. Planning staff indicated the plan area that was not included in the original Area Structure Plan and was not identified as a growth node for the hamlet. They had concerns about individual wells for each lot and had questions regarding sewage disposal. Council wanted more information on the impacts to the area prior to moving forward but allowed the reading to pass, with conditions that the full report is presented at the Public hearing.