City committee recommends approval of 387-unit housing development at former Fogolar Furlan site
A city committee unanimously endorsed re-zoning lands for a massive proposed housing development in central Windsor Monday night.
But not before neighbouring residents around the Fogolar Furlan property spoke out against the project.
The proposed development would see five, six-storey buildings go up on the former Foglar Furlan sports fields on approximately 10 acres of land.
The proposal calls for a total of 387 units, nearly 500 parking spaces and a new access road to the subdivision off North Service Road.
And neighbours aren’t happy.
“Is this something that you would want in your backyard?” asks Amy Grady. “I understand, build something there, but not that.”
“I believe the magnitude of this project is too big,” said Grant Debroe, a resident who’s house backs onto the proposed development. “That’s my personal opinion.”
“None of us residents want this in our area,” said another delegate speaking before the Heritage and Development Standing Committee.
Complaints range from view obstruction to increased neighbourhood traffic, pollution, privacy and shadows that will “steal sunshine” and upset existing residents’ quality of life.
“Why are you pushing this when no one wants it?” said another nearby resident.
The matter has been before the development committee before, but was deferred multiples times to appease neighbours’ set-back concerns.
Proponent HD Development Group made adjustments and moved the development 20 metres away from the neighbouring backyards.
“I sincerely hope area residents who are opposed to this development will be pleased with our new latest design,” said Haider Habib of the HD Development Group.
“In my professional opinion, I feel like this is sound planning,” said Jackie Lassaline, who was hired on by the proponents to undertake a comprehensive study of the development to ensure it complied with the city and provincial planning documents. “I do believe it conforms with the official plan of the city of windsor and does comply with the comprehensive zoning bylaw.”
The committee members agreed.
“It’s checking all the boxes. But yes, there will be impacts for the people in the neighbourhood,” said Ward 9 Coun. Kieran McKenzie, noting the need for housing in Windsor outweighs the neighbourhood concerns.
“We have a housing crisis in this community, we have a housing crisis that we need to address,” said McKenzie. “That means intensification. Intensification in previously and currently developed areas.”
With the committee’s unanimous recommendation, the application will now like go before council in March.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.