2544 Highway 56 Highway

EXISTNG: "District Commercial" zoning and secondary plan designation permitting retail, personal service, financial establishment, offices, restaurants, medical clinics, studios, places of assembly, and motor vehicle related uses (including gas). Residential uses permitted above commercial uses provided less than 50% of the total gross floor area of a building (max height 3-storey) UPSIDE: To accommodate Hamilton’s forecasted growth over the next 30 years, a significant amount of intensification will need to occur across the built-up area. Part of the City's plan is 'Up Zoning’ of Urban Corridors and major and minor arterial roads to the ‘missing middle’ which is considered 12 stories or less. The on-going Residential Zones Project, is currently at Phase 2 which has introduced two new Mid Rise Residential Zones (R3 and R3a), allowing denser uses on arterial roads. The next step is to apply the R3 and R3a Zones to properties along arterial roads. This could occur as early as November 2024. Subject property is on a major arterial road, adjacent to retail amenities, and residential only on 1-side, is an ideal candidate for 'Up Zoning’. In fact, current ownership has begun the process of exploring increased density formal consultation comments received back from the City, if apartment style residential is pursued, encouraged a 6-storey, pedestrian oriented building. Nearby OLT decision has set precedent granting 6-storey development.