Some Niagara-on-the-Lake residents are unhappy with a proposed condominium development on Elden Street and Field Road in Virgil.
Applications for an official plan amendment, zoning bylaw amendment and draft plan of the vacant land condominium were received during Tuesday night’s public meeting.
These applications would allow for a condo development of 14 townhouse units and a four-storey apartment building.
While no decision was made during Tuesday’s meeting, residents voiced their concerns early on.
Dorothy Froese is not opposed to development if it makes sense, which the proposed townhomes do, standing at two-storeys in height, she said.
“I do, however, have an issue and huge concern regarding a 52-foot-high condo rental apartment building,” Forese said.
The four-storey apartment building with a rooftop terrace makes for a minimum of five storeys, which will tower over all other residential dwellings, destroying resident privacy, she said.
Froese understands the need for increased housing but cited Premier Doug Ford in saying that new developments should conform with the neighbourhoods in which they are built.
Kenneth Enns’ worries surround the loss of trees in the area.
Enns, who has lived on the nearby Penner Street for 36 years, said the townhouses included in the development will mean for the loss of a picturesque treescape.
“Where I look now and see a beautiful row of trees will be a big wall,” he said.
Enns pleaded with councillors and developers to keep a single cedar tree standing, as it is unclear on which side of the boundary line it stands.
Other speakers cited issues pertaining to parking and traffic.
Architect Emilio Raimondo said the development is slotted for 24 parking spots, one for each unit.
In regard to traffic concerns, Coun. Tim Balasiuk suggested considering a level of underground parking, which would bring the building height down.
“There’s a need for this type of development it’s just doing it properly and trying to do it within the official plan would be greatly appreciated by the residents,” Balasiuk said.
Creating underground parking is extremely expensive, Raimondo said.
“I’m not going to say we wouldn’t look at it, but I would honestly say it’s probably out of reach from a cost perspective,” he said.
Coun. Gary Burroughs asked for a cost estimate, since Raimondo said the development will be mostly targeted at seniors and empty-nesters.
A price range has not been determined yet, Raimondo said.
The proposed development will have townhouses along with a building consisting of three levels of apartments with the first level being designated for parking.
No decision was made on the development Tuesday night, but the application will return to council at a later date.
