SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Nathan Kember wants tenants to consider more than just rent if they choose to live in one of his proposed apartments.
"They also must look at what this building has to offer."
Kember's company, Strategic Holding's Inc., recently applied to rezone two portions of Summerside land at 678 Water St. - between Wash World and the Nu City Plaza - to construct a 59-unit apartment building. He presented details and addressed concerns during a special council meeting on May 6, held via video conference.
One of Kember's highlight's is that the four-storey building is designed to exceed 50 per cent of the National Building Code of Canada's energy efficiency and sustainability criteria. In terms of construction, this entails using building materials that help to maintain a steady temperature.
This would be to the tenant's benefit, as they would typically pay for heat and lights on top of rent, he said.
"It'll be a very cost-effective place to live."
The building will feature 15 single-room units, 40 two-bedrooms and four three-bedroom suites. Every unit will have a balcony, and there will be parking alongside the building and an underground garage.
Of those units, Kember noted six will be barrier-free to ensure wheelchair accessibility, and there will be an elevator in the building. There will also be at least 12 affordable seniors' units.
Construction could start by June 2020 should the application be accepted, but Kember feels it may have to be pushed back a little based on the rate things are moving.
The application would have the roadside portion of land (C2) changed from commercial to residential land for the purpose of high-density housing (R4).
The second portion (R1), which consists of the field running behind the first portion and down to the water, would change from single-family residential to R4 as well.
"The building kind of sits on both," Kember said.
"The reason for the R1 part of it to have to be rezoned is the square-footage of the building itself has a required green space."
So, to achieve the necessary three acres of green space, more land would need to be attached to the C2 lot. The field space will feature walking trails that run down to the waterfront, and Kember has already provided a guided tour to some residents concerned about the environmental impact, assuring them that preservation is a priority.
Kent Paynter, owner of Wash World, wrote a letter to council stating he's not against the project but warned the noise coming from his 24/7 car wash may be a nuisance for tenants. Kember noted since the first storey will be raised off the ground and the walls will have high-grade insulation, he's not too concerned about this.
Coun. Cory Snow, like many councillors, expressed his admiration at how prepared Kember was, having answered many of their's and the public's questions before being asked.
"At first glance it looks very promising," Coun. Cory Snow said.
"The design is very beautiful."
The meeting was open to the public, taking public health measures into account, but anyone who still wishes to comment may contact the city by 6 p.m. on May 7. A recommendation on Kember's application will be made at a planning board meeting on May 11.
