Some residents of Four Mile Creek Road are voicing strong opposition to a proposed apartment complex, sparking another debate between supporters of single-family neighbourhoods and advocates for higher-density housing.
A plan to build a three-storey, 29-unit apartment building at 1839 Four Mile Creek Rd. was presented to Niagara-on-the-Lake council’s committee of the whole for planning on Tuesday.
The proposal was introduced by Niagara-on-the-Lake senior planner Victoria Nikoltcheva and supported by planner Aaron Butler and architect Michael Allen, representatives of Harvest Heights, which owns the project.
Much of the presentation focused on how the development would fit into the surrounding neighbourhood. Butler and Allen emphasized that the building’s shadows would largely fall on open fields behind the property, and would only impact nearby homes in December, a typically grey period.
They also stressed that the development is intended to align with the existing residential character of the area.
“The objective is to create more upper-scale accommodation,” said Allen. “Privacy to the neighbours is important … light pollution can’t go beyond our property.”
During questions from councillors, committee chair Coun. Wendy Cheropita raised the main concern expressed by residents.
“This is an area of single-family homes,” said Cheropita.
Five residents from the surrounding area spoke in opposition to the proposal during the meeting.
Jason Bendig, who lives across the street from the proposed site, said he moved from a larger city to Niagara-on-the-Lake and fears the new development would undermine the peaceful atmosphere he sought.
“There is an incompatibility with the existing neighbourhood,” he said. “It will ruin the tranquillity this neighbourhood has.”
Bendig’s remarks were met with applause from a number of audience members.
Nicholas Colanci argued the road was not designed for the level of traffic the development would bring and said the location for it is inappropriate.
“I am not anti-growth or anti-housing,” he said. “But this proposal oversteps.”
Phil Cahley expressed concern about potential impacts on the area’s groundwater and wanted reassurances from the developer. He also echoed concerns about neighbourhood density.
“The East/West Line and Four Mile Creek Road intersection is already busy,” he said. “The density of the building needs to be reviewed.”
Susan Gerbes told councillors she was making an “emotional appeal” and worried the project would worsen traffic and speeding.
“This is the perfect place, they say,” she said. “I disagree.”
Patrick Walsh, who lives just south of the proposed development, said the project fails to conform to the existing streetscape.
“We believe this project breaks the fabric of our street,” he said. “It’s out of place.”
While the proposal is still in early stages, Butler and Allen said a site plan application would be submitted soon, though a construction timeline is still unknown.
“This (project) is conceptual,” said Allen.
