Sylvan Lake council sets public hearing for 81-unit 'Trailside' PUD

Sylvan Lake City Council on March 11 directed the City Manager and City Clerk to set a public hearing for the proposed Trailside Planned Unit Development (PUD). The move follows a presentation by the project's developer, Nikki Jefferies.

Jefferies told the council that the PUD's first phase would include 81 residential units—75 townhomes and six attached ranch units—and that a later second phase would reserve space for commercial or office development. She said the developer plans to build roughly three units at a time and that timing will depend on market demand, with construction intervals typically spanning about two years between small batches.

Councilor Zubrzycki asked whether any earlier proposal had utilized the PUD allowance of 7.5 units per acre; Jefferies said the current plan represents a reduction from an earlier, denser proposal. She estimated sale prices in the "high $300s to low $400s," noting ranch units would likely be priced lower. Mayor Pro-Tem Segal asked about separation between balconies and neighboring houses; Jefferies said the closest distance is about 30 feet.

Councilor Clarke moved and Councilor Zubrzycki seconded a motion instructing the City Manager and City Clerk to schedule a public hearing on Trailside at the next applicable meeting date as determined by the City Manager. The motion carried. Manager Martin told the council that all plans are available on the city's website for public review.

What happens next: the City Manager and City Clerk will set the hearing date; the public hearing will allow residents to comment before any final action by the council.