Council rejects housing project

City council has rejected a rezoning application for a multifamily residential development in a Spruce Street neighbourhood.

Before the final decision, council chambers were filled to capacity with concerned residents who wanted to have their say during a public hearing. Council received 16 letters of opposition along with a petition including 161 signatures.

The applicant, Darren Porsnuk, proposed a multifamily residential development at 2850 Spruce St., with a mix of housing types including duplex units and row housing, up to 23 housing units in all.

Although geared towards seniors and for those with disabilities, Porsnuk said the rumor about the development being aimed for low-income housing with ten people to a house is completely incorrect.

“This is not intended for low income housing or rental developments,” said Ashley Elliot from L&M Engineering Ltd. speaking on behalf of Porsnuk.

“We have also assessed traffic volumes and there would be no change to traffic,” said Elliot. But residents begged to differ. Current traffic conditions were voiced as residents agreed that the allowable density of 22 units on the subject property was too dense for the neighbourhood and would negatively impact not only the local traffic but property values as well.

Residents were also concerned about lack of sidewalks, the loss of green space and the character of the neighbourhood saying that row houses and duplexes are not consistent with what is already there.

“The challenge is dealing with a neighbourhood that hasn’t had much change,” said city councillor Jillian Merrick in support of the application. “There needs to be compromise.” City councillor Terri McConnachie also supported the application but agreed that issues such as this are most difficult to navigate as emotions run high and residents are especially protective of their homes, their biggest investment.

Coun. Brian Skakun opposed the application.

“This makes no sense to me. I support the residents. This is making a bad problem worse especially in terms of traffic,” Skakun said.

The applicant, Darren Porsnuk, proposed a multifamily residential development at 2850 Spruce St., with a mix of housing types including duplex units and row housing, up to 23 housing units in all.