Congested roads, declining property values and loss of sunrise and sunset views were among a litany of passionate opposition heard by city council from residents against two proposed developments.
Planned for neighbourhoods on either side of the city, one would be a 34-unit back to back townhouse complex on Big Bay Point Road at Yonge Street while the other is a second, 11-storey apartment building planned for 37 Johnson St. in the east end.
More than a dozen residents packed Barrie's council chambers to air their concerns.
On Johnson St., the property's owner is seeking amendments to the city's Official Plan and zoning bylaw to build 222 new rental apartment units and the highrise's 11-story height 'mirrors' the height of the existing apartment building.
"We're here to try and build the community and not to bust it," said Claire Reitmans of the 300-member Barrie East End Homeowners Association.
"For someone to suggest doubling the density on that property doesn’t make sense at all."
Area resident Jim Cancilla has lived on nearby Algonquin Trail for 33 years and came armed with 444 signatures on a petition opposing the project.
"Folks, this is not downtown Toronto. It's not necessary to cover every square inch of space and every blade of grass with asphalt, bricks and mortar. We do not need this, " he said. "Please do not pass this. It will destroy the integrity of our neighbourhood."
Eldon Theodore of MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson Planning, speaking for D.D. 37 Johnson Ltd., touted the proposal's 'community benefits.'
It would add about $6 million in development charges to the city and increase the rental supply, he said.
Parking is already a problem in the area according to residents who visiting friends have no where to park as it is.
“We feel this proposal is grossly over-sized,” said Nadine Saunders, who lives on nearby Campfire Court. “This is blatantly, solely for profit by the developer…and would set a negative precedent."
Rob Meier of nearby Napier St. was the only speaker who supported the development.
"it makes good sense for the City of Barrie. We have a rental crisis," he said, voicing his opposition to what he called 'entrenched NIMBY-ism.'
The other public meeting at council brought residents' opposition to a townhouse development planned for Big Bay Point Road west of Yonge St.
A rep said the developer is seeking a density increase from 25 to 34 units, which would start at an asking price of 'high 3's to low 4's." ($300,000 to $400,000)
In order to reduce the appearance of parked cars, the developer wants to make the units four story buildings instead of three and put garages on the main level.
Area resident Barb Tansley called the project a 'monstrosity' that would affect property values, invade privacy and block sunset views.
Resident Bob Adams told council that traffic is already bad in the area.
He also expressed concerns about property values.
"We don't want dollar store subdivisions," Adams said.
The proposed amendments go back to city planning staff for a report and recommendation and then back to council.
