Residents of an east end Kingston neighbourhood have had their fair share of dealings with unwanted proposed projects. Many have long been opposed to the third bridge crossing, which will end not far from their homes.
Now they’re worried about a new housing proposal from Homestead Landholdings.
“It’s just too much. It’s too wide and it’s too high,” Yasmine Sandhu said of a proposed seven-storey residential building from Homestead Landholdings.
One of the of the most concerning issues residents have with the project is its height.
Several homes along Point St. Mark Drive would have their view of the Cataraqui River completely blocked, which would, in turn, lower their property values. Something that is most concerning to the streets older population.
“They stand to lose a significant investment if their view of the water is taken away,” Defacto neighbourhood leader Gerry Locklin said. “If you have a building much like we have here but all you have for view is into someone else’s apartment.”
The property is currently zoned commercial — but Homestead has hoped the city would change the zoning to residential.
Council still hasn’t done that, and in hopes of speeding up the process, Homestead has filed an appeal with the OMB. A pre-hearing is scheduled for Nov. 22nd.
“The City would be represented as well as Homestead. The public could also request participant status if any members of the public wanted to go down that road,” City of Kingston’s manager of Development Approvals, Marnie Venditti, said.
Another concern with residents like Locklin and Sandhu is the amount of traffic that would be added to the area. The proposal calls for 95 units. With the inevitable construction of the Third Crossing and the potential for hundreds of new neighbours in their backyards, they’re worried an already busy street might become unbearable.
“You know, it’s a tricky corner here anyway, to begin with. Add in all the extra cars and it’s just an accident waiting to happen,” Sandhu said.