By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Chatham-Kent has given a thumbs down to a proposed development at a 12-unit apartment building at 9 Sarah Cres. in Chatham.
According to a municipal media statement, Chatham-Kent has received notice from building owner Foundation Capital. The firm is appealing a refusal by C-K’s Committee of Adjustment’s (COA) to support a planning application to add 10 new apartments to the 12-unit complex.
“Chatham-Kent council provided staff with direction to take part in the hearing to explain and support the Committee of Adjustment’s decision using planning evidence and provincial planning rules,” the release said.
To be heard by the Ontario Land Tribunal, the appeal will take place Aug. 17 and 18.
This is the second appeal coming to the OLT from Foundation Capital regarding properties it owns in Chatham. The real estate investment trust already has plans to reconfigure two buildings they own at 43 and 49 Taylor Ave. If approved by the OLT, the restructuring will add 28 micro-bachelor units across both sites, with 13 of the 295 sq. ft. apartments to be rented at just under $1,200 a month. The two buildings on Taylor currently house 21 apartments each.
Council’s support for the COA’s stance against the proposed development at 9 Sarah Cres. runs opposite to a recent decision regarding Taylor Avenue. A multi-day hearing to review evidence from both sides was expected to begin July 20, but that turned into a no-opposition settlement hearing after council opted to not oppose the OLT’s decision.
The reasons behind council’s stance on the Taylor Avenue properties can’t be revealed publicly, as discussion and voting on the matter took place in-camera. But many of the residents at Taylor Avenue are worried they will face eviction and homelessness if the build is allowed to proceed.
According to Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey, the decision by council to oppose Foundation Capital’s plan at Sarah Cres. is a welcome change in direction. Storey has been attending the COA meetings dealing with plans at both locations, noting recent circumstances highlight a gap in governance.
“Provincial regulations state a COA decision can’t be overturned by a council,” Storey said. “If there is a legal appeal of said decision, council directs any legal proceedings.
“COA meetings are rarely controversial,” she added. “I think this is an opportunity to clarify the roles and to make sure we, at council, the committee and the public are aware of who’s deciding what and why.”
Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic officials are also concerned about Foundation Capital’s plans, noting that demolishing two- and three-bedroom units for micro-units is a way to increase profits.
“The express goal of a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is to maximize profits and not usually to provide socially responsible housing,” states a letter signed by executive director Walter Van de Kleut. The letter was also critical of C-K’s decision to consent to the minor variance on Taylor, noting it will “likely lead” to greater homelessness in Chatham-Kent.
The decision as to whether Foundation Capital will be allowed to proceed with the developments on Taylor is expected to come down within the next two months.
The OLT hearing regarding Sarah Crescent will be open to the public and will be available online on Zoom. Further details on the session will be provided closer to the date.
