Delhi residents upset with plan to turn golf course into a housing development

Plans to turn a golf course into a large housing development has drawn the ire of many Delhi residents.

“A lot of us are seniors in their retirement years and we’ve worked hard be where we are,” Barb Taylor, a Wilson Avenue resident, said. “It’s very hard to accept that all of this can be taken away without thought.

“What I ask of council is to put yourself in our shoes and think about what would happen to you in this situation.”

At issue is a plan by Geranium Homes to put more than 800 homes – single-detached and townhouse-style condominiums – on the 55.3 hectare Delhi Golf and Country Club. The property is bordered by James Street, Wilson Avenue, Tisdale Drive and St. Michael’s Street.

The proposal was presented to Norfolk County councilors at a Tuesday public hearing committee meeting. The meeting attracted a large crowd of Delhi residents with almost all urging councilors to reject the subdivision.

They argued the proposal is too big for Delhi, would result in more traffic than the area can handle and would have an impact on wildlife.

Robert Lammens, of Delhi, also spoke at Tuesday’s meeting and he and his wife Linda sent councilors a letter highlighting their objections.

“You cannot allow this huge development company to take away from the residents of not only our immediate location, but from all residents of Delhi, the privilege of a golf course,” Lammens said. “Most of us in this condo community are senior citizens and it seems to not matter that one of our sources of enjoyment is about to be removed.

“How will this affect our town of Delhi if we no longer have a golf course and golf enthusiasts spend their money in the town.”

Lammens said a golf course is a huge incentive for people to relocate to Delhi.

A couple of Tisdale Drive residents, including Bill Abbott, said the proposed development would result in a huge increase in traffic on his street.

“This is just way too big for this area,” Abbott said.

Abbott described Tisdale Drive as a tranquil street with no exit. If the proposed development goes through as planned, Tisdale would become the main access point for the largest part of the development housing 700 residents.

“Common sense would tell you that that is crazy,” Abbott said.

All the traffic would funnel through Tisdale Drive to get to a busy Highway 3, he added.

But councilors also heard from Cheryl Shindruk, Geranium’s executive vice-president.

Shindruk said numerous studies covering a range of issues including traffic, environment, economic benefits and noise among others have been completed to justify the project’s feasibility.

Shindruk said the project can help Norfolk meet the demand for possible housing, support economic development and generate funding for infrastructure needs throughout the county.

The proposal will contribute $13.9 million in development charges, councilors were told.

Moreover, Geranium officials have done extensive consultation with community groups and residents. As a result of those consultations, the company has made some alterations to its plans.

Specifically, the company has removed some units to expand Fairview Heights Park and increased the separation distance or buffers from existing residences around St. Michael’s Street to 12 meters or 40 feet from 3.2 meters or 10-and-a-half feet.

The proposal includes a retirement home and could also include a daycare centre, which, Shindruk said, is needed in the community.

Responding to a question from Mayor Amy Martin about how the company could contribute to the community, Shindruk said there have been discussions with staff as well as community groups.

A large portion of the property – about half – will be left in its natural state which provides opportunities for groups like the Kin Club which could result in trails or other natural amenities, Shindruk said.

Councilors accepted the presentations as information.

The proposal will be reviewed by county staff who will then bring the plans back to councilors for a decision at a future council meeting.

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