Stayner residents say no to medium density

About 20 people made comments opposing a proposed Stayner development at a public meeting that packed Clearview council chambers Oct. 16.

The message: It looks great but it’s the wrong place.

Stayner residents living in the neighbourhood of Simcoe and Louisa streets are opposing a zoning bylaw change that would allow an increase in density. Mamta Developments is seeking a medium density zoning to build 27 townhouse and four semi-detached units on 2.8 acres. Architectural designs presented show Victorian style three- and four-bedroom homes lining a looped road extending off Simcoe Street. The condo development would have a central park in the boulevard, along with additional guest parking.

Simcoe Street resident Bob Charlton was the first to speak. He said more than 115 of his neighbours object to the development, when a group of community members canvassed the neighbourhood.

“We are not against development. This is the right proposal in the wrong location,” said Charlton.

Overflow parking, traffic, pedestrian safety, drainage, loss of mature trees are concerns that were raised several times during the meeting.

Many people objected to the sheer density of the development and asked council to deny the rezoning application and maintain the low density zone currently in place.

“I am a little torn because I am a high school teacher at Stayner Collegiate and I want development, we need it,” said Pam Jeffrey, adding that she is opposed because of concerns about the density and how associated traffic will affect safety.

People said that higher density developments should be placed on the outskirts of town, not within existing low density neighbourhoods and not at the end of a quiet dead-end street.

Sylvia Alkema was one of the last people to speak. Tearing up a bit throughout her comments, she said, “I don’t want to make it seem that the neighbourhood is unwelcoming.”

She said they are talking about a lot of traffic through a small access, that will come on to Simcoe and Louisa streets.

“Your neighbourhood becomes your home at large, which is why this is so personal for us,” she said. “It can only disrupt our quiet and peacefulness.”

Residents asked council to protect their quality of life by denying the rezoning application.

“We are trying to build high quality homes to increase the neighbourhood,” said Brampton based Mamta Developments president Harjinder Kang. “We have spent enormous time and money to get to this point… We didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

He said they thought this type of housing was needed in the community.

“No development is successful without the support of council and the community,” said Kang.

The developer’s consulting planner Ray Kelso said next steps will have to be determined.

“We will go back and look at what the options are to move forward,” he said.

Concept drawing courtesy of Unto Kihlanki, TALO Architect