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Long-vacant Red Deer lot could gain commercial re-development

First steps could be taken Monday to turn a long-vacant corner lot on Ross Street into a commercial development.
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This long empty lot at the corner of Ross Street and 40th Avenue in Red Deer could be rezoned for a commercial development. Council will consider the rezoning request on Monday. (Google/Street View photo).

First steps could be taken Monday to turn a long-vacant corner lot on Ross Street into a commercial development.

The weedy property on the southeast corner of Ross Street and 40th Avenue was a service station and car wash from 1986 to 2001. It has remained vacant since the service station was demolished.

Contaminated soil on the property was remediated in 2015. Since existing concentrations are now below commercial guidelines, City of Red Deer administration considers it acceptable to proceed with an application to create a commercial development on the property.

In June 2021, an applicant applied to rezone the lot to C4 Commercial (Major Arterial) District. The site now has R1 A duplex zoning, with a site exception that would allow for some auto-related services.

Based on feedback received from neighbouring property owners and an administrative analysis, it was determined that a C5 Commercial (Mixed-Use) District zoning would be a better fit for the property and surrounding area. The main reason is C5 would allow for a greater variety of residential-compatible uses.

According to a report to city counncil, the applicant supports the C5 rezoning and intends to apply for a commercial development on the site. No specific type of commercial use has yet been determined.

Red Deer city council will consider this rezoning request on Monday. If initial approval is given, a public hearing will be held on July 10 at City Hall.