Resident questions report on former GAHS site

The Valente proposal for the former General Amherst property will be presented to Town Council July 14. They propose two high-rise buildings of 11 storeys and eight storeys. Valente also requests commercial zoning, for restaurants, a gym and other tenants and Institutional zoning which for a possible town hall, other government office or daycare etc.

Council has three choices, approve, reject or defer to work through the proposal more thoroughly.

I favour deferral based on the following:

Valente requests the heights for 140 residential units which he says is necessary for economic viability. Valente has not accounted for the space which was presented as the option for town hall. If that does not become the Town Hall, he will have additional area to build the 140 residential units. If it becomes the town hall, they will have lease income which could offset their need to build 140 residential units. So, which is it?

The fire department report indicates that if Amherstburg is going in the direction of higher building that new equipment may become necessary.

Parking is an issue. Valente proposes a luxury building but only providing just over one parking space for each resident. If they have two cars, where are they going to park? Where are visitors going to park? The surrounding street parking is fully utilized by visitors to Toddy Jones Park, Open Streets and other festivals. The Town suggests cash from Valente in lieu of parking spaces. That is legal but it smart?

Traffic is an issue during peak times on Sandwich St. Valente’s study was done on a weekday in November. The Town report indicates Valente should provide a further traffic study. Why would council approve the proposal at this time?

The council needs a little more time and information before moving ahead. Deferral is the best option.

If you have concerns about this project, now is the time to call or email the councillors and mayor. You may also attend the council meeting or ask to speak/delegate.

Regards,

—Phil Kasurak

Amherstburg

(Editor's Note: This letter came in after the deadline to get in the print edition. As the meeting is coming up July 14, we have decided to add it to our website.)