Redevelopment of the old Biltmore Hats property appears to be finally close to approval.
At tonight's meeting of city council staff is asking council to approve a zoning bylaw amendment that will clear the way for 20 on-street townhomes and a three-storey, 42-unit apartment complex built on the 1.3-hectare site at 139 Morris Street, on the northwest corner of York Road and Morris Street.
Maximum height allowed for the apartment complex would be four stories.
The development has undergone several changes after opposition from local residents to the original plan put forth by the developer in 2011 that called for 64 townhouses and a office/residential/commercial building.
The site was the longtime home of the iconic Biltmore Hats factory, which closed several years ago. The factory was demolished in 2012.
The new plans calls for the 24 townhomes to include 10 shared driveways that will connect with Morris Street.
City staff estimates the project will generate $1 million in development charges and $160,000 a year in taxes for the city.
