A new neighborhood that would bring thousands of housing developments and commercial space, may be coming to the Bedford Commons.
Halifax council passed a motion Tuesday, for 27 multi-unit buildings, between 6 and 33 stories, 121 town homes and more than 6,200 units.
The development was submitted by Fathom Studio on behalf of BANC Group and would go on a 60-hectare land space between Highway 102, Rocky Lake Drive, the Bedford Bypass and Duke Street.
There would also be two main park spaces in the center of the neighborhood as well as a larger park with recreation facilities.
The main thoroughfare would be Damascus Rd that would stretch to Rocky Lake Dr.
Currently there is a mix of vacant land, some commercial properties and low-density residential units occupying the space.
Councilor Tim Outhit said it’s a good “first step”, but there is a long way to go, and that he has long thought the area might be suitable for residential development.
“I don’t know if that’s 600 units or 6,000 units but that will be determined over the process.”
The area is considered an ‘opportunity site’, to help with housing demands, but there were concerns there might be a strain on local infrastructure.
Outhit added there is a lot to consider like schools, which are aging in the area, and public transportation.
Staff said any new infrastructure needed for wastewater or transportation would be paid for by the developer.
Public consultation will come soon.
