Neighbours are banding together against plans to build a 45-unit apartment building by the intersection of Decew- and Richmond Street, just down the road from the Mel Swart Conservation area.
Better Neighbourhoods, the consultant for the developer unveiled the plans to city council on Tuesday night, while asking the city to consider rezoning the vacant lot to fit the proposed four-storey building.
With a majority of one-bedroom units and some with two rooms, the consultant argued that the building would bring affordably priced housing to the area, and make for good use of the relatively narrow lot.
“In our opinion this represents good use of the area,” said consultant Daniel Romanko to council.
“We believe this is a good proposal for the city of Thorold.”
Area residents didn't agree.
“We’re concerned,” said neighbour Nicholas Pizzacalla
“It is going to be heavily congested, considering there is going to be a subdivision on the other side of Richmond as well. We would like to keep it more for environmental purposes.”
Like other neighbours, Pizzacalla expressed concerns that the apartment buildin ultimately would end up housing students, however developer consultant Daniel Romanko said that scenario was not likely.
Other neighbours argued that the apartment bulilding would lead to a loss of privacy for neighbouring residents.
"If council had been in-person, the chambers would have been full," said neighbour Tony Bozza.
"Many residents in the area did not even receive a letter advising of these plans. There are petitions signed, and more to come."
Council will decide the outcome at a later date.
