The slight downsizing of a proposed south end apartment complex isn’t enough to change the opinion of area residents who oppose it.
The developer wants to build a 165-unit apartment complex on what is currently an empty lot at 233-237 Janefield Ave., just west of Stone Road Mall.
A second public planning meeting on the proposal was held before Guelph City Council Monday night.
The original proposal that came to council last July called for 185 apartments in three different buildings 12, 10 and five storeys in height. The new proposal calls for 165 units in three buildings of 10, eight and one storey.
Three driveways has been changed to one and the building now has greater setback from Torch Lane to the west.
The developer is seeking Official Plan and zoning bylaw amendments to have the property rezoned for high density development from its current medium density.
“The changes to the buildings are minimal,” said John Mitter, who has lived in the neighbourhood for 30 years.
He said the biggest issue is traffic in the neighbourhood, which this development will only magnify and called the building an “over-the-height monstrosity” being fit into a “dog park-sized lot.”
Jim Albrecht called the changes “cosmetic.”
“This project is a good example of trying to put a square peg into a round hole. It’s not a good fit on many levels,” Albrecht said.
Julia Webber, speaking on behalf of nearby Priory Park Baptist Church, said the development puts the developer’s needs over those of the neighbourhood as a whole.
Cathy Beamish called the traffic in the area already “abominable” and expressed fear that the complex would turn into “another Chancellor’s Way,” referring to the nearby off-campus student residential complex.
The application will be reviewed by city staff who will come back to council with a recommendation.
