Residents object to proposed development at entrance to Willow West subdivision

Concerned residents of the Willow West subdivision in Kincardine, are rejecting a proposal for a 19-unit housing development at the corner of Kincardine Avenue and Fraser Drive - the only entrance to the subdivision.

The proposal comes to Kincardine's planning advisory committee Wednesday, Jan. 20, when a public meeting will be held, regarding the rezoning of the property to facilitate the creation of five new lots for future residential development.

The developer, Tom Kerr, proposes to build three semi-detached buildings (six dwelling units), an apartment building (six dwelling units) and a townhouse building (six dwelling units), for a total of 18 new residential dwellings, along with the farmhouse which will remain on the property.

The proposed development has prompted numerous objections from residents of the subdivision.

Jamie Hunsburger of Murray Boulevard, states that the proposal is not consistent with the single family homes that dominate the Willow West subdivision; several mature, 100-year-old trees would  have to be removed; there is insufficient parking; there is only one entrance to the subdivision which already has 75 single family homes; and it's not in the public's interest.

In addition, Hunsburger says the development will have a significant negative impact on area appearance and property values. "The original 1991 subdivision plan was for only single family homes, one of which I purchased," he states, adding that changes, to date, have seen a 30-per-cent increase in semi-detached homes and townhouses in the subdivision.

Rick and Allana Adams of Murray Boulevard, lodge their objection to the high-density housing crammed into a two-acre lot, citing safety concerns with respect to a bus stop at that intersection and the lack of sidewalks.

Caitlin Agnew-Kloosterboer and Michael Kloosterboer of Duncan Place, object to the project because it will seriously degrade the subdivision and diminish property values. "We feel that Willow West is a great family-friendly and welcoming subdivision that we were lucky enough to buy a home in five years ago. We have started our family here and love our spacious backyard with a view of beautiful maturing trees. With this development, our view would be replaced with street lights and a constant flow of cars coming and going."

Dave Armstrong of Fraser Drive, objects to this development because it is not a good thing for a family-oriented and well-established residential neighbourhood like Willow West. "Does it fit the landscape of the neighbourhood? No, it does not. Residents of Willow West are upset about this proposal. It is simply absurd and not welcomed."

Terry Brown of Murray Boulevard, states his concern about this project because of its size and its location at a very busy corner of a main road into Kincardine. "Fraser Drive is the only entrance and exit for the whole Willow West subdivision. Building multiple family dwellings with immediate access to Fraser Drive will only further congest the intersection and increase the safety hazards for pedestrians, drivers and buses."

Marjorie and Tom Culbert of St. Clair Court, have a strong objection to this development. "The proposed change at the entrance to our subdivision involves high-density units of various types, not compatible with this area," they write. "There would be multiple housing units and rental units for limited stays and an increased number of vehicles and pets in a 300-foot-by-303-foot area at a single road access and exit to Kincardine Avenue. The resulting increased traffic will pose a dangerous area on Fraser Drive where we already have three school buses, three Bruce Power buses, residents' traffic Kincardine Trail traffic and pedestrian traffic - and where we have no sidewalks."

Freda Smith of Fraser Drive, lives directly across from the proposed development and is concerned with the impact of the greatly-increased traffic in such close proximity to the busy intersection at Fraser Drive and Kincardine Avenue. "I fear for the safety of the residents who walk with their children and dogs on Fraser. In short, I am absolutely opposed to this proposal in its current form."

John and Kasey Culbert of St. Clair Court, also object to the proposed development because it is not compatible with the single-family home subdivision. "The variances and relief on setbacks that have been proposed in the revised plan, may condense the building footprint and meet planning regulations, but they do not change the fact that this proposal is wrong and inappropriate for this lot," they write. "Whatever tax revenue is gained through this development is going to be gained at a price - our subdivision will be a far less desirable place to live, with a tight, traffic-laden entrance and narrow crowded streets to complement the rental units. Please consider the following statement when assessing this proposed development: If you lived in Willow West, would you want this type of build in your subdivision?"

In total, 53 people have written comments, objecting to this proposed development.

At the council meeting Wednesday night (Jan. 13), councillor Maureen Couture, head of building and planning, noted the public meeting will be held during the planning advisory committee meeting Jan. 20. She urged Willow West residents to attend the meeting. And she said the residents are asking council members to drive by the subdivision entrance and check out the area for themselves.



A 19-unit housing development is proposed for the property where this old farmhouse stands, west of the intersection of Fraser Drive and Kincardine Avenue, the entrance to the Willow West subdivision, in Kincardine