LITTLE CURRENT—Following a years-long process and many trips before council, the apartments at 86 Vankoughnet Street East in Little Current are now officially ready to house tenants.
During a special meeting of the Northeast Town planning authority, Tony Ferro, representing property owner Joe Cividino of Sudbury, spoke to council about the commercial building at 86 Vankoughnet Street East (in the location of the old Cochrane Dunlop hardware supply) with three apartment units located atop the building.
Mr. Ferro reminded council of the background story of the building and that Mr. Cividino had been approached by the previous owners about a loan. That loan was foreclosed, as was the building, for back taxes. Mr. Cividino paid the back taxes on the property and took over ownership of the building.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars later, the building is now up to code, as confirmed by the municipality’s chief building official (CBO). The matter was then back to council for its final approval.
Councillor Bill Koehler noted that the owners had “a long, tough go” on the matter and said he would be supporting the zoning bylaw amendment, to allow commercial activity on the ground floor and three apartment units on the top floor.
“It’s been a long time coming,” added Councillor Michael Erskine, noting that Mr. Cividino seemed to keep getting himself into hot water for just trying to do the right thing.
“The CBO signed off on the plans,” said CAO Dave Williamson. “From a planning perspective, it’s legit and council can approve the three units.”
Councillor Al Boyd thanked Mr. Ferro for giving council the background, adding that one of the platforms he ran on was the creation of more housing for Little Current.
The motion to amend the zoning at 86 Vankoughnet Street East, by special provision, was passed.
