Michael James
| inSide Drumheller
With kids no longer there, the field of the old St. Anthony’s School site has stood silent for over half a year. A developer is hoping to give new purpose to the field.
Elektra Holdings, the company who currently owns the site land and building, are close to applying for and subsequently building houses on the empty field.
“There are 2.54 acres that will be developed into 15 lots,” said Art James, an agent of Elektra Holdings, while addressing Town Council. “The subdivision will be applied for right away. We’re ready to go.”
The original application to develop the field was made in late 2010. At the time, no definite plan was presented and it was suggested high-density housing, such as apartments, would be built.
However, the plan now, explained James, is to build 15 houses at the site.
At the October 22 meeting of Town Council, the future of the site was debated in light of new factors regarding it.
Since the original application was made nearly two years ago, Hope College and Clinic have moved into the school. One of the main concerns from the Drumheller Municipal Planning Commission was there would not be enough parking for students and staff. As a result, parking would overflow to the surrounding streets.
“If Hope College goes, there wouldn’t be enough parking and people would have to park on the street. I’ve talked to residents and they feel the parking would be in front of their houses,” said Councillor Doug Stanford. “I want to see a subdivision over there, but I want to make sure we have enough parking before it goes through.”
Elektra Holdings feels, with some work, there could be enough parking at the school if the portable on the northeast corner and the playground on the south side were removed. By doing so, roughly 70 stalls would be available to the college.
“It assumes that Hope College would be in full swing tomorrow. Even if it would start tomorrow, they may only have in their first year, according to projections, 50 or so students. It’s not going to be a case where you’re going to have 400 students in the first year,” said James. “The parking needs are met on site.”
At the council meeting, a decision to extend the deadline for application of the subdivision was granted, with Councillors Stanford and Sharel Shoff opposed.
The next step for Elektra Holdings will be to apply for the subdivision of the land. After that, public input would be required on the project.
“When we make formal application...at that time, the subdivision will have to advertise for public input,” said James.