Downtown residents voice concerns with proposed zoning bylaw amendment

This letter’s purpose is to inform the townspeople, not to rant.

There are a number of people very concerned about a proposed bylaw amendment regarding changing the present 7.5 m rear yard setback to 0 m rear yard setback for Commercial General Zone. The parties who own 256 Dalhousie St. are applying for this amendment in association with their plans to build a boutique hotel. This property directly backs on to the small street (Water Street) that runs along a portion of the east side of Navy Yard Park.

There are 18 residential units and five businesses affected by traffic safety. The issue is the visibility for oncoming traffic will be diminished considerably for pedestrians and cars alike due to the proposed wall construction.

Also, a zero clearance would result in the elimination of an area that could be used for loading, staff parking, service vehicles and waste disposal. Where will the space be provided for the above amenities?

Finally, it is feared the approval of this amendment will set a precedent to change by-laws that were put in place for the good of all.

—Colleen Fox and Jan Martlin Amherstburg

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