A proposal for a $45-million apartment building in Windsor cleared another hurdle Tuesday night.
Piroli Construction Inc. wants to build a 152-unit apartment building at 850 Wyandotte St. at Crawford Ave. The Downtown Windsor Community Improvement Plan was expanded by a block to include the project back in August.
The Planning, Heritage and Economic Development Standing Committee put its stamp of approval on more than $3.6-million in tax breaks over the next 10 years. That accounts for 12.3% of the total construction costs, according to a report from administration.
Planning committee approves CIP funding for six-story 152-unit apartment building on the corner of Wyandotte St. W. at Crawford Ave. The grants value is more than $3.6-million over the next 10-years. @CityWindsorON Council still has to give final approval. #cklw pic.twitter.com/Ed9fW7up3C
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) November 13, 2018
It's a mutually beneficial situation according to company President Rob Piroli. He says the area has been on the decline, but a feasibility study backs the idea that bringing new residents into the neighbourhood can turn that around.
"The challenges are large, but with the help that administration and the city of Windsor is giving us, we're willing to take that chance," he says. "We feel confidently enough that we can help improve the area, it will take some time, but we're confident in our development."
He tells AM800 News he's grateful the city's backed his vision for the neighbourhood.
"That shows that they obviously believe in the project and I think it's the right thing to do and I think it will be wonderful for the area," Piroli added. "The committees and council so far have been a dream [to work with] and hopefully this goes well and we can do a few more apartments in Windsor," he says.
Piroli says — if everything is approved by council — construction could begin as early as the spring of 2019.
Zain and Zaid Investments were also approved for $11,000 under the CIP to refurbish the upper story of a building at 659-665 Ouellette into 12 apartments.