A development group is still examining the Wharton Street development plan, but an agreement has not yet been reached.
Municipal planner Ian McIntosh said the municipality met with members of the development group on Dec. 19 to negotiate some of the details of the project.
The present zoning, which was put in place when New Futures Development Group was considering the project, allows construction up to 25 metres or seven storeys in height.
While some have earlier expressed concerns about the height and size of the proposed development, McIntosh said there are already buildings around the same size elsewhere in the community.
“We’ve had developments of a similar size or larger than the one considered,” he said.
The Silver Birch complex on Jubilee Street East is a larger development, although it does not have commercial spaces.
Victoria Square on Victoria Road North has a design similar to that of the proposed Wharton Street development, with commercial spaces on the main level and residential units above.
The development at Peach Orchard Road and Rosedale Avenue also covers a size similar to the proposed Wharton Street project.
Under the zoning in place for the Wharton Street development, the first floor must be for developments such as commercial businesses, an art gallery and a museum.
Residential units are allowed on the remaining floors.
At least 13 of the units must be no larger than 66 square metres or 715 square feet in area.
McIntosh said this is to allow for some affordable units within the development.
McIntosh said the developers can go with something close to the original concept or they can work to negotiate another proposal.
If the original concept is followed, the process to approve the development would be much faster and much simpler than if significant changes are required.