Town council approves zoning, but not setbacks, for proposed Front Road North development

By Ron Giofu

Amherstburg town council approved a zoning bylaw amendment for a proposed Front Road North development but requested setback alterations did not pass Monday night.

The development of 42 residential units at 639 Front Road North, including a 28-unit, fivestorey condominium building, is proposed for the site, which once housed the famed Anderdon Tavern. Residents in the area said they are not opposed to growth, but questioned the project.

Mike Kisch, who lives in the area, spoke about a petition of over 300 signatures opposing the project as it stands. He cited a number of concerns such as sewage, traffic, compatibility and environmental. Kisch said there have been several accidents in the area in recent years, some of them fatal.

A nearby drain and wooded area prompted environmental concerns about the future of the eco-system.

“This environment must be protected,” said Kisch.

The area is largely comprised of single-family homes, he added, and they didn’t believe a condominium building was a fit in the area.

“We are not against growth provided it’s the right type of growth,” Kisch told town council.

Kisch said residents had questions about the process as a whole.

Deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne the proponent, Norbert Bolger, had said the right to seek a zoning bylaw amendment individually and that other studies are required in further stages of the process. Those include traffic and environmental studies among others, with consultation to be had with agencies including the County of Essex, ERCA, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), school boards and Canada Post. Changes may be further required as the process advances.

The Town of Amherstburg is the approval authority for zoning matters, Osborne told town council.

Councillor Diane Pouget questioned why appeal options to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) were not explained better in the administrative report with CAO Valerie Critchley stating if the requests were refused, town council would have to give planning reasons for going against a professional opinion from their planner. She believed it is “well known” residents could also appeal any decision.

Kisch said it is their preference not to go to the OLT if they can help it but they also “don’t want their neighbourhood turned upside down.”

“Are we open to compromise? Sure,” he said.

Councillor Peter Courtney said the town’s Official Plan calls for high density on that land.

Pouget asked what road improvements could be done, citing the traffic concerns of residents, and also said the Official Plan calls for developments that don’t conflict with other homes in the area. She said the speed limit is 70 km/hr in the area.

“I can’t vote for this tonight,” said Pouget. “There are too many unanswered questions. The residents are not getting answers to their questions.”

Manager of planning services

Chris Aspila said the density of the proposed development is a fit for the area and the condominiums would be compatible, calling it medium density.

Councillor Molly Allaire believed the process was “backwards” and suggested plans come forward first to see what issues need to be resolved.

Osborne said the zoning bylaw amendment is necessary for the project to move forward and that would lead to the additional studies being required. The project may be changed based on the results of what the town and other government agencies find.

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