Chatham-Kent council approved the rezoning of a supportive housing project in Chatham’s north end on Monday night, but it came with a lot of discussion with some councillors and neighbours expressing their concerns with the size of the project.
The property is located at the corner of the Croydon Street and Semenyn Avenue intersection, at the former St. Agnes Catholic school property. Council approved rezoning adding supportive housing as an additional permitted use on the property.
Indwell, a Christian charity that develops affordable housing projects, has projects in seven Ontario communities. Their proposal for the former St. Agnes property includes a 95-unit residential development with support services for tenants.
Indwell proposes constructing the project in two phases, with Phase 1 reusing the vacant school for 24 residential units, including using the existing gymnasium for an amenity area. Phase 2 will include a new three-storey addition that will be comprised of 71 residential units.
A site plan control application is still required before construction of the planned building addition.
Neighbours told council that they wanted the project size reduced. They also expressed concerns that the project will change the neighbourhood and bring in crime. Neighbours also had concerns the project would decrease their property values.
Councillor Ryan Doyle brought in a motion to cap the size of the project at 71 units, but the motion failed by a close 6-8 vote.
Councillors also had many questions and requested clarifications about the project and its zoning.
Councillor Michael Bondy said he has issues with the type of building planned for the property.
“This structure, this institution, is a terrible fit for this neighbourhood,” Bondy said. “We don’t have to put things in because it’s a feel-good thing to do.”
“Supportive housing is a big need for Chatham-Kent,” said councillor Marjorie Crew. “We need this, we need supportive housing. …I understand reducing the units but if you can figure out another way to reduce the need for the homeless I am all in, but no one has come up with a better solution.”
Crew referenced how the municipality has had to clean up homeless encampments under bridges and will likely have to continue to do so until a solution is found.
Indwell’s Graham Cubitt said when they’ve developed projects in the past, it’s common for neighbours to raise their concerns.
“Indwell is a long-term committed neighbour that is open to feedback, open to criticism and open to correction. When we have problems identified to us we work very hard to fix them,” said Cubitt.
There will be more ongoing discussion and engagement with neighbours to work out problems, Cubitt said.
Chatham-Kent Council approved $9.7 million from strategic reserves for the project as part of the 2023 budget process. The project will also rely on funding from the provincial and federal governments.
