New subdivision coming to Stratford
Stratford Town Council votes 5-1 in favour of Foxwoods Sustainable Subdivision Wednesday night during monthly meeting
Several Stratford residents who live near the proposed Foxwoods Sustainable Subdivision voiced concerns over the development during Stratford Town Council last night.
Council voted 5-1 in favour of this new development, which will create 154 lots, including 129 single-family dwelling lots and 25 semi-detached lots for a total of 179 units.
Coun. Steve Ogden against this motion.
Leading up to the vote, three open design sessions were held to create an open dialogue with residents to listen to their comments and concerns.
Some of those residents again voiced their opinions Wednesday night. The overall consensus is that they are not against development but have some issues around the noise, dust and debris from construction and the lack of a tree barrier for privacy from this new development.
“I’m totally for development, I see it as a way for the town to progress,” said David Young, who lives on Kinlock Road near the new subdivision.
Young hopes the developers and contractors take into consideration everything they can to mitigate issues that come with a development.
“I echo (the earlier) comments about some sort of tree barrier between the back of our houses and the new development just to give some privacy, especially around the construction phase, because it pretty much impacts your backyard enjoyment during the nice weather.”
Serge Bernard, land surveyor for this development, spoke at the meeting on behalf of the developer and said there is a commitment to planting a tree line along the rear boundary to ensure privacy and control dust.
Ogden asked council to defer this matter to a later date so a public meeting could be held prior to the vote to further discuss ideas and issues with residents — for example, some of the design elements, including the streets, in the subdivision.
“They want the opportunity to look someone in the eye and say, ‘why are you designing the street that way’,” said Odgen.
Ogden was hoping to have this discussion with residents May 25. However, in the end, council held a vote, resulting in 5-1 in favour of this development.
Coun. Keith MacLean said he has found the developers very willing to try to accommodate the concerns of residents as much as they could, but some of the issues are not changeable.
“With any plan, it is difficult to get it perfect,” said MacLean.
Mayor David Dunphy said the concerns raised at the meeting are on record from residents and that they are ones that can be addressed going forward.