By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Chatham’s Birdland residents are being afforded more time to address concerns regarding a proposed development at the site of the former Monsignor Uyen school.
Council voted recently to defer a decision on zoning changes required for a new 160-unit row house complex on Lark Street to the Dec. 16 meeting to further explore impacts on the quiet neighbourhood.
The developer, comprised of four numbered Ontario companies, is currently seeking an amendment to rezone the 4.5-acre property to residential medium density from its current designation as institutional.
Several deputations on the matter were presented to council with the main issues being density, height, what an increase of traffic will do, as well as opening up access to Partridge Crescent.
Jerry Corso, a resident of Partridge Crescent, submitted a petition to council on behalf of 49 homeowners on the street.
“We support the new development, but strongly oppose granting access to Partridge Crescent,” Corso said, noting one access point is standard and that building a new access will create a shortcut for traffic and create enforcement concerns.
Chatham-Kent planning director Ryan Jacques, who outlined details of the development, said the complex consists of eight stacked row house buildings. It’s a new type of development for C-K, he added, noting the four-storey structure will be partially built in the ground, making it look like a three-storey building. Sidewalks and an asphalt path to existing park pathways will also be constructed.
In response to queries from Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew about whether access to Partridge is necessary for safety, Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Case said the “best-case scenario” is to have two means of access and egress routes.
“So, we would always seek to have two ways in and out,” Case told council. “We’ve seen this come up a number of times over the years with building developments where we’ve tried to get two ways of getting in and out for the safety of the community.”
Other councillors worried that deferring the matter might hold up the project.
“I’m cognizant that we’re in a pretty significant housing crisis in Ontario and we don’t want to be putting up unnecessary roadblocks to getting good infill development,” said Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor. “But we do have to make sure we’re responsive to community needs as well.”
On behalf of the developer, Storey Samways planner David French said the new owner “did their homework” when purchasing the property, noting the site is appropriate for infill development.
The municipality’s official plan must also be amended to accommodate the build.
Pending approval, the former school will be razed to make way for the development.
