Retrieving headlines...
$32M ecohome deal finalized
Toronto Star: Jan. 18, 2006
Gail Swainson
A deal to sell town-owned land in Newmarket for $3.2 million to build 34 ecologically-friendly homes has been finalized.
"I feel we struck a good balance between our commitment to the environment and to the taxpayers," Mayor Tom Taylor said in a statement.
The off-again, on-again project, spearheaded by Taylor, is reported to be the first of its kind in Canada.
The upscale subdivision will be located on the south side of Mulock Dr., just west of Leslie St. in Newmarket's southeast end.
The eco-houses will use 25 per cent less water than conventional homes and reduce energy use, greenhouse gases and solid waste by 60 per cent, say town officials.
The homes will be built by Rodeo Fine Homes, which upped its original offer for the land after Newmarket council decided last month to accept a bid from Menkes Homes Inc.
Menkes offered $3.7 million for the land, $700,000 more than Rodeo, with a plan to build conventional housing.
But a public outcry ensued, led by a 200-name petition from Newmarket high school students.
In the meantime, Rodeo upped its offer to $3.2 million and included some additional environmental features requested by council.
Two weeks ago, council voted 7-1 to roll back its earlier decision and sell the 34 lots to Rodeo.
The selling price was only released yesterday.
Rodeo Fine Homes will also be paying the town a further $34,000 to develop community trails.
Meanwhile, Menkes — which purchased 124 other lots in the same subdivision for $16.7 million — has announced it is also offering energy-efficient homes on the site, called Walker Farm Estates.
