A proposed condo project in Chatham is receiving some public backlash.
Chatham-Kent’s council met on Monday where they discussed the idea of creating an 87 unit building on Indian Creek Road West.
No decisions were made on the project as council was only accepting public submissions. Several residents who live in the area took the opportunity to share their concerns with the project.
One of the more talked about issues was the proposed height as the developer wants the building to be nine stories, eight for residential units and one as a common area.
Dan Myers, one of the residents who spoke at the meeting, explained this would lead to privacy issues for people living next door.
“We have serious privacy issues. Many have private backyards, some with pools,” he said.
Multiple CK councillors also questioned the proposed height. This included Ryan Doyle.
"I think a nine-storey condo building in that location, although it may fit physically, doesn't fit with the surroundings or neighbourhood. I think it's gonna stick out like a sore thumb," he said.
Another issue that drew a lot of criticism from residents and councillors was the potential impact the project would have on traffic.
The developer had a third-party conduct a traffic study. It found that the project would have ‘no potential impact’ on existing intersections.
After being asked multiple times, the developer claimed the study was done in mid-June. There were concerns brought up that the study happened when students at John McGregor Secondary School were on summer break.
"If the study was done in the summer when school was out, it's not going to be very reflective of traffic," said Councillor Michael Bondy.
Due to concerns with the traffic study, council did approve having the developer conduct a second study.
A couple of other issues that were brought included demand on water supply and the potential negative impact on neighbouring property values.
None of the residents who spoke Monday claimed they were against the area being developed.
"Of course this vacant land needs to be developed to accommodate more housing for Chatham-Kent, but is also needs to blend with the current neighbourhood. We are open to change, in reason," said Deanna Blain.
Meanwhile, there will be another public session before this proposed project comes back for further discussion.
CK's council approved the additional session at Monday's meeting, however, an exact date and location was not chosen.
