A couple of proposed affordable housing projects in Sarnia will be able to move forward after zoning bylaw amendments were approved on Monday.
City council approved amendments to allow Vision '74 Inc. to build a six-storey building with 45 units and a four-storey building with 40 at 799 and 811 London Road.
Councillor Terry Burrell voted against the motion, citing a lack of on-site parking spaces. "We're just forcing a problem on a neighbourhood where people are going to be shoehorning in all these parking spots, causing trouble for the neighbours in the adjacent streets without any support," Burrell said. "So I will not be supporting this project."
A report to council said since the project is intended for affordable housing, parking demand is not expected to exceed the proposed 64 spaces.
Siv-ik Planning & Design Inc. Partner Mike Davis, who spoke on behalf of Vision '74 and Ohana Landing, stressed that the applicant intends to accommodate all parking demands on-site and is not planning for there to be overflow parking on adjacent streets.
"One of the things I'll point out with Vision, is obviously they do have extensive experience operating housing in the city," Davis said. "With their Wellington Flats project, which was a total of 24 units, 21 of those are one-bedroom units. Currently, nine tenants of those 21 own a vehicle. There were four additional studio apartments there, zero of four own a vehicle."
A couple of Sarnia residents voiced their opinions about the project, one of which included Logan March.
As a new homeowner in the area, March said he's concerned about privacy, increased traffic volumes, and decreased property value if the development moves forward.
"I would at least like for you guys to make at least an eight to 12-foot privacy fence along my yard so I'm not watched and to put any lights that you plan on putting up, away from my house," March said. City Planner Max Williams said things like fencing and lighting will be addressed during the site plan process.
Councillors Bill Dennis and Brian White asked questions about what groups would be prioritized with this project such as seniors, single parents, or young residents aging out of Ohana Landing. Davis said an exact model has not yet been decided but those discussions are being held.
In response to a question by Councillor Anne Marie Gillis, Davis also said an existing pathway will be preserved to allow for direct access to Germain Park.
Meanwhile, council unanimously approved a zoning bylaw amendment for a proposed build on Kathleen Avenue, near the Indian Road North intersection. The County of Lambton wants to build a three-storey apartment building with 50 units. The residential spaces will be classified as rent-geared-to-income units.
Moving forward, the county is required to obtain site plan approval. An open house was held in October to go over the proposed project.
At the time, Lambton County's Housing Services Manager Melisa Johnson said they hope to have shovels in the ground in the spring and expect construction to take up to 18 months to complete.