An Edmonton developer has successfully shifted gears on a major infill project in the Crestwood neighbourhood, securing city council approval for a six-condominium building after abandoning an earlier plan for an apartment complex. The pivotal decision came during a marathon public hearing on Monday, December 15, 2025, which saw over 30 community members voice their opinions.
Developer Pivots in Response to Community Feedback
The site at the heart of the debate is located at 142 Street and 95 Avenue. It was originally approved for an 11-unit apartment building standing 10 metres tall with no dedicated parking. The developer, Franken Homes, requested a rezoning to allow for a 12-metre height to accommodate two-car garages for each unit and to permit the construction of six condominiums instead.
Ulco Franken, co-owner of Franken Homes, told council he made the change after listening to concerns from Crestwood residents. He admitted to shortcomings in initial communication, stating his phone number is posted at the job site and inviting direct contact. Franken emphasized that had the rezoning not been approved, he would have proceeded with the already-approved apartment development—a point Nakota Isga Councillor Reed Clarke suggested was akin to "holding the community’s feet to the fire."
Significant Public Opposition and Council Deliberation
The hearing revealed deep-seated community anxiety about infill development. City administration reported receiving 173 submissions on the project, with a staggering 166 opposed. Councillor Clarke stated he personally received more than 300 emails in opposition.
Joe Spelliscy, a Crestwood homeowner, voiced a sentiment felt by many, accusing the city of advocating for developers over residents. "We feel we’re under siege from the city continuously," Spelliscy said. "People literally are anxious about everything. When you see a small bungalow for sale, you wonder which developer is going to put an eight-plex on it." He suggested the city consider allowing lot splits for "skinnies," duplexes, and fourplexes as a less intrusive alternative.
Crestwood's Demographic Context and the Path Forward
The debate occurs against a backdrop of demographic change in Crestwood. According to census data, the neighbourhood is predominantly single-detached homes (83.4%), with apartments making up 14.5% and row housing at 0%. Its population has declined significantly, from 3,445 in 1971 to 2,415 in 2021, with most of the drop occurring in the 1980s—a trend reflective of broader city movement to newer, outer suburbs.
Despite the opposition, council ultimately approved the rezoning, allowing Franken Homes to proceed with its revised vision of a "New York-style" brick and steel condominium building. The decision highlights the ongoing tension in Edmonton between city-wide infill goals, developer adaptability, and neighbourhood preservation, setting a precedent for how such conflicts may be navigated in the future.
