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
Flights divert around western Iran as one report says explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan. State television acknowledged 'loud noise.'
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.