May 4, 2010
King’s Wharf developer hopes to get permit soon
The Chronicle Herald
By CHRIS LAMBIE Business Editor
Tue. May 4 - 4:53 AM
The developer behind a $500-million development planned for the Dartmouth waterfront has leaped one hurdle and is hoping to clear another this week.
CN has given developer Francis Fares the green light to build a road across the rail line to access the Dartmouth Cove site that used to house the former Dartmouth Marine Slips. Fares had been has been unable to get a building permit from the city for his King’s Wharf project because the rail carrier was considering the proposal.
"I’m hoping that (Halifax Regional Municipality) will issue the permit this week, but I’m at their mercy," Fares said Monday.
The problem presented by the recent discovery of a 68-year-old sewer pipe running across the land where King’s Wharf is supposed to be built has yet to be resolved. The pipe, which ties into a nearby pumping station, is meant to carry sewage and storm overflow to Halifax Harbour in extremely wet weather. "We proposed a solution and I’m hoping it’s acceptable," Fares said.
The developer said he is willing to grant an easement for the pipe, which will have to be moved to another location on his land. If that’s acceptable, Fares said he is ready to start construction next week.Carl Yates, Halifax Water’s general manager, said the utility is now examining Fares proposal. "It’s possible" the King’s Wharf project could get municipal approval this week, Yates said.
"That pipe is there for a very crucial role that it plays in terms of managing wet weather overflows."
The water utility needs to make sure "the technical fix is there," Yates said. King’s Wharf is designed to include 1,300 condominium and rental units, a 200-room hotel and 300,000 square feet of office and commercial space. Construction was originally slated to start in January.
Fares plans simultaneous starts on a 90-unit apartment building and a 79-unit condominium building.