Rival developer’s attempt to scuttle midtown apartment complex rejected

Midtown Kingston is poised to get another large apartment complex, thanks to the latest ruling by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).

The ruling clears the way for Podium Developments to move forward with a 10-storey building spanning an entire city block in Williamsville, located on the north side of Princess street from Albert to Frontenac streets.

Kingston city council approved the plan last summer but was challenged by rival developer Jay Patry through an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) appeal. The OMB was recently replaced by the LPAT due to complaints of lagging appeal processes.

In a report released on Feb. 13, the LPAT tribunal ruled that Patry didn’t include enough information to support an appeal.

Williamsville Coun. Jim Neill says he is pleased the appeal tribunal confirmed council’s decision in a timely manner.

“It was a matter of weeks rather than years that a ruling came back supporting both the process that the city followed and the decision that the city followed.”

Global Kingston reached out to Jay Patry for reaction but so far there has been no response.

Bernard Luttmer, one of the owners of Podium Developments, says he is satisfied with the recent LPAT ruling.

“We are obviously happy to hear the LPAT supported the city’s decision for the approval and look forward to moving the project forward.”

The building, which is geared towards university students, will bring 350 units to the city, most of which will be four-bedroom apartments. The first floor of the development will be reserved for commercial space.