A passionate plea from a city resident to curtail a multi-unit development in a traditional residential, family neighbourhood fell short at Stratford City Council on Monday night.
Jean-Michel Chadillon delegated on behalf of some fellow Nelson Street residents, who he says are opposed to allowing a six-unit rental duplex at 161 Nelson Street.
The city’s committee of adjustment has already approved applications including severance and variances at the property and city planning staff have supported the application.
Chadillon said the project has moved too swiftly and the out-of-town developer has showed a “lack of transparency.”
He also said a parking plan, “lacks common sense.”
Legislation in the province’s planning act supports the approval by the city’s planning staff, council heard.
Coun. Bonnie Henderson said it is “heartbreaking” when multi-unit residential buildings upset the balance, noting it happened in her neighbourhood. Henderson said all of those units, however, were eventually filled and provided a home for people to live in.
Coun. Cody Sebben put forth a motion for council to appeal the committee of adjustment recommendation but it was defeated. There was little to no chance an appeal would be successful at the Ontario Land Tribunal, Coun. Mark Hunter noted.
Coun. Larry McCabe said with a housing crisis happening, people need places to live.
