It just makes sense.
We’re talking about the construction of four apartment buildings at the north end of Chatham.
York Developments has submitted an application for changes to Chatham-Kent’s official plan, and zoning of a property on St. Clair Street to allow the company to build the 774-unit project.
Currently, the property – sandwiched between Galaxy Cinemas and Staples – is zoned for commercial development.
Yes, that’s a commercial power centre area in Chatham, but mixing in residential is a good use of the property, as there remains a shortage of housing in the municipality.
Initially, the land was earmarked for a home improvement store, but, truly, with Home Depot nearby, and RONA and Home Building Centre also in Chatham, that need is pretty well covered.
We need housing, but the serious need is for affordable housing. We urge York Developments to create units that more residents can afford.
The location is prime for people who might not have a vehicle. It’s on a major CK Transit route, and is across the road from the plaza that houses the Real Canadian Superstore and Walmart, among others.
Restaurants and the theatre are nearby as well. Plus, owners of the nearest houses – on Maryknoll Road – should not have concerns over someone in a high-rise looking into their backyards. They’re just too far away.
There will have to be public meetings held before the matter goes before council, which could happen later this summer.
Truly, it can’t happen soon enough. We need those apartments.
Oh, and let’s dispel some false information that has been spreading around social media. York Developments is not associated with York1, the company seeking to establish a landfill just outside of Dresden. York Developments is a family-run business headquartered out of London, Ont., while York1 is headquartered in the GTA.
Municipal officials have praised the work of York Developments. The company has been responsible, for example, for the development of the commercial properties around the proposed apartment complex.
“York Developments has already proven to be a great developer in our community, and I am very pleased that they have continued to invest in Chatham-Kent,” Canniff said in a media release.
I find it Very Strange that public meetings have to be held—We in Blenheim have had a geared to housing built on George between Talbot and John–neighboring residences were never asked or informed we were just told about the building–then endured 2 years of construction–and now some of the residents are just nothing but a menace to the neighbourhood with their yelling and foul language that can be hear 2 streets away on Sandy Street. Dogs being beaten and yelping and whining. So these new developments in the commercial area by York Developments makes sense to me.