Acton Honeyfield development gets green light for final 17 homes

The final 17 homes in the Honeyfield subdivision, in Acton east, north of Hwy. 7, was approved at Monday night's council meeting. The homes, fronting onto Somerville Rd., were delayed until additional water capacity could be found in Acton. That water allocation of 17 SDE (single detached equivalent) was approved by council Monday night as well. "Our ultimate goal for Honeyfield was to weave it into the existing fibre of the community so that at end of the process, the overall fabric of the community becomes stronger and more vibrant. We're very proud that after many years of effort Honeyfield is finally close to achieving that goal," said Alfio Mandarin of Rinarin Ltd., developers of Honeyfield at Monday's meeting. The 17 homes represent the final phase and Rinarin is prepared to break ground fairly quickly. Future plans for the neighbourhood include a community gazebo where residents can pick up their mail and enjoy the adjacent park, and a stone entrance feature. Mandarin also announced the purchase of two home lots at the corner of Tanner Dr. and Hwy. 7 (Queen St.) to be added to the current commercial block, next on the development plans. "There have been several attempts over the years by various parties to redevelop the Hwy. 7 into an appropriate commercial use. None of these attempts have been successful and these parcels remain in a fractured ownership position," said Mandarin. "These newly acquired lands together with our existing land and infrastructure capacity present a unique opportunity for the redevelopment of these lands to finally occur." Council also voted to authorize five SDE

water units to this commercial block allowing it to proceed, but conditions were attached. Rinarin would have to submit all necessary planning applications the town by Feb. 28, and the site plan approval by Dec. 31. "This area is part of the gateway into Acton and to see it developed in the commercial enterprise is going to be beneficial to the Town," said Acton Councillor Jon Hurst. "We always talk about how far behind we are in our industrial/commercial tax base, and this is an opportunity to increase that somewhat in the town of Acton. It will be a great visual addition to the town coming in from the east."